Bookish (TV series)
| Bookish | |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Mark Gatiss Matthew Sweet |
| Directed by | Carolina Giammetta |
| Starring |
|
| Theme music composer | Sarah Warne |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom Belgium |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Jo McGrath Walter Iuzzolino |
| Producer | Christopher Arcache |
| Running time | 48 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | U&Alibi |
| Release | 16 July 2025 – present |
Bookish is a British crime drama television series from Mark Gatiss. It was renewed for a second series prior to the broadcast of the first series.
Synopsis
An unconventional book shop owner, Gabriel Book, helps police solve crimes in 1946 London.[1] It also follows the story of Gabriel's marriage to Trottie. They are in a "lavender marriage".[2] Book’s interest in Jack, a recently released petty criminal whom he hires to work in the bookshop, is another thread through the first season.
Cast
Main cast
- Mark Gatiss as Gabriel Book[3]
- Polly Walker as Trottie Book[3]
- Elliot Levey as Inspector Bliss[3]
- Connor Finch as Jack[3]
- Buket Kömür as Nora[3]
Guest cast
- Daniel Mays as Eric Wellbeloved[3]
- Blake Harrison as Sergeant Morris[4]
- Joely Richardson as Sandra Dare[3]
- Jonas Nay as Felix[3]
- Rosie Cavaliero as Mrs. Dredge[4]
- Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Stewart Howard[4]
- Tom Forbes as Mickey Hall[4]
- Amanda Drew as Nerina Bean[4]
- Michael Workéyè as Billy[4]
- Ella Bruccoleri as Merula Harkup[4]
- Luke Norris as Jesse Mackendrick[4]
- Tim McInnerny as D
- Paul McGann as Mr. Kind
- Gerard Horan as Baseheart
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [5] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Slightly Foxed: Part 1" | Carolina Giammetta | Mark Gatiss, Polly Walker & Matthew Sweet | 16 July 2025 |
| 2 | "Slightly Foxed: Part 2" | Carolina Giammetta | Mark Gatiss & Tim Morris | 16 July 2025 |
| 3 | "Deadly Nitrate: Part 1" | Carolina Giammetta | Tim Morris & Matthew Sweet | 16 July 2025 |
| 4 | "Deadly Nitrate: Part 2" | Carolina Giammetta | Mark Gatiss, Tim Morris & Matthew Sweet | 16 July 2025 |
| 5 | "Such Devoted Sisters: Part 1" | Carolina Giammetta | Mark Gatiss, Tim Morris & Matthew Sweet | 16 July 2025 |
| 6 | "Such Devoted Sisters: Part 2" | Carolina Giammetta | Mark Gatiss, Tim Morris & Matthew Sweet | 16 July 2025 |
Production
The six-part series is produced by Eagle Eye Drama and is produced in association with Belgium-based Happy Duck Films. Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino are executive producers and the series is co-written by Mark Gatiss and Matthew Sweet. Carolina Giammetta is the director and Christopher Arcache is the producer.[6]
The cast is led by Gatiss, with Polly Walker, Elliott Levey, Connor Finch and Buket Kömür.[3] The cast also includes Blake Harrison, Rosie Cavaliero, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Tom Forbes, Joely Richardson, Daniel Mays, Amanda Drew, and Luke Norris.[4]
Filming got underway in Belgium in April 2024.[7] It was renewed for a second series prior to the broadcast of the first series.[8]
Broadcast
The series has a 16 July 2025 airdate on U&Alibi[9] in the UK, and HBO Max in Australia.[10]
References
- ^ Godfrey, Jake (11 April 2024). "Bookish - Mark Gatiss to co-write and star in crime drama for Alibi". Film Stories. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Hibbs, James (16 July 2025). "How to watch Bookish". Radio Times. Immediate Media. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Elliott, Dave (10 April 2024). "UKTV'S ALIBI ORDERS 'BOOKISH', NEW DETECTIVE DRAMA WRITTEN BY & STARRING MARK GATISS". Geek Town. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Filming begins on Bookish for Alibi". Advance Television. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "Bookish (TV Series 2025-) Episode list - IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
- ^ Whittock, Jesse; Goldbart, Max (9 April 2024). "Mark Gatiss Writing & Starring In UKTV Drama About Crime-Solving Bookshop Owner". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Cremona, Patrick (29 April 2024). "Call the Midwife and Poldark stars join Mark Gatiss's new drama Bookish". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Warner, Sam (16 May 2025). ""Fiendish" British crime drama confirmed for second series ahead of the first even airing". Digital Spy. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "Gatiss creates UKTV drama series Bookish". Televisual. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Northover, Kylie (15 July 2025). "Mark Gatiss is brilliant in this series – just don't call it cosy crime". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 10 October 2025.