BOOKISH: MARK GATISS CRIME DRAMA RENEWED FOR SECOND SERIES AHEAD OF FIRST THIS SUMMER

UKTV announces the re-commission of Bookish (6x70’) for specialist crime drama channel, U&alibi ahead of the first series premiering in July. A first look clip of the thrilling new drama, created by Emmy Award-winning writer Mark Gatiss, has been released to coincide with the announcement.

The series is produced by Eagle Eye Drama, part of ITV Studios and, as international partner, Beta Film is handling the world sales, with PBS Distribution holding North American rights to series one.

Mark Gatiss continues to write and star as the erudite and unconventional Gabriel Book who, from his antiquarian bookshop, helps the police to solve a variety of mysterious crimes. With three main cases in the series, each storyline spans two-episode instalments.

Mark Gatiss said: “I’m thrilled that the team at U&alibi are allowing me to dive back into the world of Bookish and create more fiendish crimes for Gabriel Book and the team to solve. I can’t wait for viewers to immerse themselves in the world we’ve created when the first series airs in a few months’ time.”

Filming for the second series will get underway this summer, with more details to be shared in the coming months. The spin-off book, written by Matthew Sweet and also titled Bookish will be released on 10th July and will tell the crime stories from Nora’s perspective.

London 1946 is the setting for series one, with viewers introduced to the appropriately named Gabriel Book (Gatiss) who owns a bookshop in Archangel Lane. If his War was packed with espionage and secrets, Book’s Peace is just as full of adventure! Now he helps the police solve the strangest of crimes and the knottiest of murders.

But his close association to the force is not without its dangers. For although he is very happily married to his childhood best friend, the captivating Trottie, Book is a gay man living at a time when homosexuality was illegal. When Book and Trottie take in Jack it seems like an act of altruism: a second chance for a young jailbird.And Jack proves a worthy assistant both in the shop and in Book’s murder investigations.

It soon becomes clear, however, that Jack’s appointment wasn’t quite as random as it at first appears…With a complex mystery at the heart of every story, featuring a wealth of well-known guest stars, marrying post-war nostalgia with the reckless and life affirming atmosphere of the times, Bookish is a stylish period detective drama with a difference.

Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning said: “Mark Gatiss is a singular creative force, whose work is loved by viewers. Bookish is the story Mark is most excited to tell and we are delighted to be bringing it to life. The world Mark has lovingly created for Bookish is so rich and colourful, series one was only ever going to be just the starting point...

"There’s so much more for Book to do, more characters for our viewers to meet and more stories to unravel - the potential for Bookish is vast. So, we can’t wait to continue working with Eagle Eye on series two and huge thanks to Mark for his limitless creative vision.”

Emma Tibbetts, director of programming, scripted added: “We can’t wait to return to the richly imaginative world of Bookish for a second series on U&alibi. Mark Gatiss has crafted another set of intriguing new stories for our audience, who will find themselves plunged further into the world of Gabriel Book, our intrepid bookseller on a mission to solve crimes. Viewers are in for a treat.”

Walter Iuzzolino, CEO of Eagle Eye Drama commented: “We are hugely proud and grateful to be given the opportunity to create the second series of Bookish. It was always our hope that the first series would be the foundation on which Mark could build a rich and growing universe of iconic stories, so being given the vote of confidence to create more unmissable mysteries for Gabriel Book and his gang to solve feels like an incredible privilege.”

Oliver Bachert, Beta Film’s Chief Distribution Officer: “We are delighted to continue our strong partnership with Eagle Eye and to see more of the witty, sharp, and brilliantly funny Mark Gatiss-led Bookish. The team delivered exceptional work on season one with top-tier writing, outstanding production value, and impeccable casting – and we’re very excited for what’s to come...

"As the international partner of such a compelling show, we look forward to season two and are confident its captivating story will enchant global audiences. With a series packed with incredibly witty and delightfully twisty crime cases, that is Bookish, you’re in for one unforgettable ride. Just as Mae West wisely said: ‘You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

Bookish is produced in association with Happy Duck Films and is supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter.