David Mitchell has confirmed there are no plans for future episodes of the BBC sitcom Upstart Crow, despite the broadcaster recently giving serious consideration to reviving the show.
Speaking to The Sun, Mitchell said: "There was a time, quite recently, when the BBC was giving serious consideration to more Upstart Crow, possibly in the form of a Christmas special."
"But sadly nothing has come of it, and now there are no plans for future episodes, which is a shame because it was a show of which I felt enormously proud and I know Ben — who I think is a genius — did too."
Show's history and cast
Upstart Crow first aired on the BBC in 2016 and ran for three series, with the last episode airing in 2020 as a Christmas special. The show also received a stage adaptation in London's West End.
Written by Ben Elton, the series follows William Shakespeare in his early career as he makes a name for himself in London while trying to be a family man to his wife and children in Stratford-upon-Avon. The title comes from an insult directed at Shakespeare in the 1500s by rival playwright Robert Greene.
Alongside Mitchell, the cast includes Gemma Whelan, Paula Wilcox, Harry Enfield, Helen Monks and Mark Heap.
Fans praise the show
Despite the show's last episode airing six years ago, viewers have continued to speak highly of it. One person said online: "Genuinely funny. This is a genuinely funny show that actually makes me laugh out loud - quite a rare thing for comedies these days, which tend to be more low-key. It has a great cast and they look as though they're really enjoying themselves, which is infectious."
Another wrote: "Brilliant and hilarious, Ben Elton shines again in this brilliant and witty send-up of Shakespeare. Clever writing and acting that manages to make modern references within the Shakespearean context."
A third added: "Cleverly written comedy with numerous smart references to the Bard's works and ingenious twists on real historical characters."
Mitchell's past comments
In 2023, Mitchell told ITV's Lorraine Kelly that he would love to make more episodes. He said at the time: "I would love to do more of it. At the moment, we lack a broadcast partner."
"At the moment, no one's saying they'll pay to make it so we can make some more. I'm not pointing the finger at the BBC; there are other broadcasters. They could all get in touch."
The BBC has been contacted for comment. Upstart Crow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
