Sebastian Maniscalco has become one of the more popular stand-up comedians working today and has branched out into movies, including starring alongside Robert De Niro in 2023's About My Father. He now has his very own TV series, leading the way on the new show Bookie.
Bookie hails from The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men producer Chuck Lorre, along with Nick Bakay, who has worked as a producer and writer with Lorre on two of his other hit shows, Moms and Young Sheldon. Bookie is the first Max original series that Lorre has developed.
When do new episodes of Bookie arrive and who else joins Maniscalco as part of the cast? Read on to find out everything we know about the new TV show.
How to watch Bookie
All episodes of Bookie's inaugural season are now available to stream exclusively on Max.
Bookie plot
Here is the official synopsis for Bookie, courtesy of Warner Media Discovery:
"From Emmy-nominated creator Chuck Lorre (The Big Bang Theory) and Nick Bakay, this darkly funny comedy follows veteran Los Angeles bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) as the potential legalization of sports gambling in California threatens to upend his business for good. Alongside best friend and former NFL player Ray (Omar J. Dorsey), side-hustling sister Lorraine (Vanessa Ferlito) and reluctantly reformed drug dealer Hector (Jorge Garcia), Danny must contend with his increasingly unstable clients as he tries to settle their debts — all while making plenty of risky bets of his own. Full of relatable mishaps, Bookie chronicles one man's journey to adapt to an ever-changing world as he attempts to charm and con his way to the top."
Bookie episodes
Here are the synopses for the Bookie episodes that have been released so far:
Bookie episode 1, "Always Smell the Money"
"While attempting to recoup losses from his clients, Danny takes possession of some questionable cash. After a run-in with an old friend, Danny and Ray continue their desperate hunt for in-the-red actor Charlie Sheen."
Bookie episode 2, "Making Lemonade"
"After an unexpectedly violent confrontation, Danny and Ray scramble to cover their tracks, while Hector leverages a position within the team. Later, the pair try to talk a desperate client off the ledge."
Bookie episode 3, "Trust Your Sphincter"
"When her side-hustle selling shrooms backfires, Lorraine turns to Hector for advice. Then, after visiting a porn set, pawn shop and Ray's various progeny, Danny grapples with a risky bet that could make or break his business."
Bookie episode 4, "Some Whales Nix the Vig"
"After being forced to take an enormous bet from the ruthless gambler, Dany and Ray must find a way out of the deal. Meanwhile, Hector helps Lorraine transform her illegal shroom business into a quasi-respectable therapeutic psychedelic enterprise."
Bookie episode 5, "Beware the Family Jewels"
"When a client chooses to settle his debts with a hoard of stolen jewelry, Danny and Ray use the baubles to appease the many women in their lives. Meanwhile, Lorraine's illicit shaman business threatens to derail the book."
Bookie episode 6, "Nepo Bookies"
"After the passing of his beloved uncle Teddy, the man who taught Danny how to run a book, Danny squares off against Teddy's estranged son, Viggy — who will stop at nothing to get his supposed share of Danny's book."
Bookie episode 7, "The Super Bowl: God's Gift to Bookies"
"The biggest night in sports leads to an even bigger payout, causing Danny and Ray to scramble for a safe place to stash their windfall, but Hector accidentally puts the gang's entire operation at risk."
Bookie episode 8, "A Square Job in a Round Hole"
"In the wake of a violent showdown, Sandy gives Danny an ultimatum: get legit or lose her — and their family. Danny turns to a questionable celebrity source for advice."
Bookie cast
Sebastian Maniscalco plays the main bookie at the center of the series. We already mentioned Maniscalco's stand-up career and his big 2023 movie, About My Father, but Maniscalco has popped up in a number of other movies in recent years, including voicing Spike in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and appearing in Somewhere in Queens, The Irishman, Green Book and Tag.
Playing Maniscalco's buddy on the series is Omar J. Dorsey. Dorsey's first credit dates back to appearing in 2000's Road Trip, but more recently he has been one of the stars of Queen Sugar, appeared in the new Halloween trilogy, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, When They See Us and Eastbound & Down.
Also in the Bookie cast in unspecified roles are Jorge Garcia (Lost), Andrea Anders (Ted Lasso), Vanessa Ferlito (NCIS: New Orleans) and Maxim Swinton (Fleishman Is in Trouble).
Bookie trailer
Watch the official trailer for Bookie right here, which features a cameo from Chuck Lorre vet Charlie Sheen:
Is there going to be a Bookie season 2?
There has been no word as of December 22 if Bookie season 2 has been ordered or if the show has been cancelled. When news comes we'll share it here.
