It looks like there's bad news for fans of the popular BBC comedy as actor David Mitchell addressed its future15:58, 24 Aug 2026The beloved series first aired on the BBC back in 2016.‌Actor David Mitchell, whose latest show has recently returned, once took on the role of William Shakespeare in the hilarious sitcom, Upstart Crow.‌The programme follows the infamous playwright in his early career, as he starts to make a name for himself in London, all while trying to be a good family man to his wife and children in Stratford-upon-Avon.‌Written by Ben Elton, the series was named after an insult directed by William Shakespeare in the 1500s by his rival and fellow playwright, Robert Greene, who first coined the term 'upstart crow'.Alongside Ben, it also stars the likes of Gemma Whelan, Paula Wilcox, Harry Enfield , Helen Monks and Mark Heap.‌While it first began 10 years ago, it ran for three series with the last episode airing in 2020 for a Christmas special, along with getting a stage adaptation in London's West End.Despite the show being highly praised over the years, actor David Mitchell shared that there are no plans for a comeback anytime soon.Speaking to The Sun, he commented: "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."The BBC has been contacted for comment.‌Despite the show's last airing six years ago, people have continued to speak highly of the series. Online, one person said: "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."While 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."As a third shared: "Cleverly written comedy with numerous smart references to the Bard's works and ingenious twists on real historical characters."‌David opened up to ITV star Lorraine Kelly in the past about the popular show, admitting he'd love to make more one day.In 2023, he said, "I would love to do more of it. At the moment, we lack a broadcast partner.Article continues below"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.'Upstart Crow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.