diff --git a/features/shell.feature b/features/shell.feature
index d5595506..2974601f 100644
--- a/features/shell.feature
+++ b/features/shell.feature
@@ -61,6 +61,28 @@ Feature: WordPress REPL
       """
     And STDERR should be empty
 
+  Scenario: Use SHELL environment variable as fallback
+    Given a WP install
+
+    And a session file:
+      """
+      return true;
+      """
+
+    When I try `SHELL=/bin/bash wp shell --basic < session`
+    Then STDOUT should contain:
+      """
+      bool(true)
+      """
+    And STDERR should be empty
+
+    When I try `SHELL=/nonsense/path wp shell --basic < session`
+    Then STDOUT should contain:
+      """
+      bool(true)
+      """
+    And STDERR should be empty
+
   Scenario: Input starting with dash
     Given a WP install
     And a session file:
diff --git a/src/WP_CLI/Shell/REPL.php b/src/WP_CLI/Shell/REPL.php
index 99b8f1f8..d39bee91 100644
--- a/src/WP_CLI/Shell/REPL.php
+++ b/src/WP_CLI/Shell/REPL.php
@@ -122,6 +122,8 @@ private static function create_prompt_cmd( $prompt, $history_path ) {
 		$history_path = escapeshellarg( $history_path );
 		if ( getenv( 'WP_CLI_CUSTOM_SHELL' ) ) {
 			$shell_binary = getenv( 'WP_CLI_CUSTOM_SHELL' );
+		} elseif ( getenv( 'SHELL' ) ) {
+			$shell_binary = getenv( 'SHELL' );
 		} else {
 			$shell_binary = '/bin/bash';
 		}