Watch Upstart Crow

Upstart Crow is a British sitcom that aired on BBC America in 2016, created and written by Ben Elton. The show stars David Mitchell as William Shakespeare, Gemma Whelan as his wife Anne Hathaway, and Rob Rouse as their neighbor Bottom. The series is set in 1592, during the early days of Shakespeare's career. It follows his struggles to make a name for himself in London's theatrical scene, while also dealing with the challenges of family life, romantic entanglements, and the jealousy of his rivals.

Throughout the show, we see Shakespeare grappling with the pressures of fame and the demands of his craft. He clashes with his colleagues at the Globe Theatre, including the well-established writer Kit Marlowe (played by Tim Downie) and the pompous actor Burbage (played by Mark Heap).

At home, Shakespeare deals with his troublesome children, who have minds of their own and are constantly causing chaos. His wife Anne is a fierce and independent woman who challenges her husband's ideas about gender roles and social norms.

Meanwhile, his neighbor Bottom is a bumbling, hapless fool who often finds himself caught up in Shakespeare's schemes and schemes of his own.

One of the show's primary themes is the struggle of the artist to balance commercial success with artistic integrity. Shakespeare is constantly dealing with the pressure to write plays that will be popular with audiences and will bring in money, while also wanting to push the boundaries of what's possible on stage.

The humor in Upstart Crow is clever and often topical, with plenty of references to current events and political issues. The show also pokes fun at Shakespeare's well-known plays, with characters like Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth making appearances.

Overall, Upstart Crow is an entertaining and witty sitcom that offers a fresh perspective on one of the greatest writers in history. The show's cast is excellent, with David Mitchell bringing his trademark wit and charm to the role of Shakespeare. Gemma Whelan is also a standout as Anne Hathaway, injecting the character with a modern sensibility and feminist perspective.

Fans of British humor and Shakespearean theater will find plenty to enjoy in this clever and well-written series. It's a must-watch for anyone who has ever been a fan of the Bard's work, or anyone looking for a funny and engaging comedy series.

In summary, Upstart Crow is a period sitcom that explores William Shakespeare's early days in the city of London as a playwright, his relationships with his family and fellow actors, and his ongoing struggle to balance his artistic ambitions with commercial success. Through its sharp writing and excellent performances, the show offers a fresh and entertaining take on the world of the Bard.

Upstart Crow is a series that ran for 4 seasons (21 episodes) between May 8, 2016 and on BBC America