Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about Bookish, the new British crime drama series starring Mark Gatiss.
What is Bookish (2025 TV Series) About?
Set in 1946 London, Bookish follows Gabriel Book, an eccentric antiquarian bookshop owner with a gift for solving crimes. Using his encyclopedic literary knowledge and deep empathy, Book helps Scotland Yard unravel complex murder cases that defy logic. He also shelters a small group of vulnerable people who have found refuge in his world of stories. Created by and starring Mark Gatiss, the series combines intricate mysteries with emotional depth and post-war atmosphere. Each case unfolds in two parts, offering a slow-burn narrative steeped in period detail.
When Does Bookish Premiere?
Bookish premieres on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Where to Watch Bookish in the US?
You can watch Bookish in the United States on PBS.org and the PBS App. All six episodes are available to stream for free without requiring a PBS Passport membership. You can access the series on supported devices including smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile devices by simply signing in with a free PBS account.
Bookish Season 1 – Episode Guide with Premiere Dates
Season 1 of Bookish consists of six episodes, presented as three two-part. All episodes were released on July 16, 2025.
- Episode 1: Slightly Foxed – Part 1
A new assistant arrives at Book’s Books just as a bombsite excavation reveals a collection of skeletons, triggering a murder investigation. - Episode 2: Slightly Foxed – Part 2
Gabriel Book and Inspector Bliss continue their probe into the bombsite mystery and discover shocking links to the past. - Episode 3: Deadly Nitrate – Part 1
A film crew sets up on Archangel Lane, but tragedy strikes when poisoned chocolates intended for a leading actor kill an extra. - Episode 4: Deadly Nitrate – Part 2
With tensions rising on set, Book must uncover the truth before another member of the crew becomes a victim. - Episode 5: Such Devoted Sisters – Part 1
The lives of two sisters take a dark turn as family secrets and long-held resentments come to the surface during a troubling investigation. - Episode 6: Such Devoted Sisters – Part 2
Book pieces together the emotional and psychological clues to reveal the devastating truth behind the sisters’ past and present choices.
Who Is in the Cast of Bookish?
- Mark Gatiss as Gabriel Book
- Polly Walker as Trottie
- Elliot Levey as Inspector Bliss
- Buket Kömür as Nora
- Connor Finch as Jack
- Joely Richardson, Daniel Mays, Jonas Nay, Blake Harrison, Rosie Cavaliero, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Amanda Drew, Luke Norris, and Ella Bruccoleri also appear in recurring roles.
Is Bookish Suitable for All Ages?
Bookish is rated TV-MA and is intended for mature audiences. The series contains scenes of violence, emotionally intense subject matter, and thematic elements that may not be suitable for children. Viewers under 17 should watch with parental guidance, and the series is best appreciated by adults and older teens who enjoy historical crime dramas.
FAQs
Will there be a Season 2 of Bookish?
Yes. A second season of Bookish was officially confirmed before the first season aired. Production is expected to begin later in 2025 with a likely 2026 release.
Where was Bookish filmed?
Although set in London, Bookish was filmed primarily in Belgium using historically accurate sets and visual design to recreate 1940s Britain.
Who created Bookish?
The series was created and co-written by Mark Gatiss and Matthew Sweet. It was directed by Carolina Giammetta and produced by Christopher Arcache for Eagle Eye Drama and Happy Duck Films.
Is Bookish based on a book?
No. Despite its literary themes and title, Bookish is not based on a novel. It is an original story developed specifically for television.
What genres does Bookish fall under?
Bookish is a blend of crime, mystery, historical drama, and psychological thriller, with strong character development and atmospheric storytelling
Bookish Trailer
You can watch the trailer for the Bookish series here:
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