Mark Gatiss, the Emmy Award-winning writer known for “The League of Gentlemen” and “Sherlock,” is bringing his latest creation, “Bookish,” to the small screen. The six-part series, set to air on Alibi in 2025, is a stylish and eccentric detective drama that blends mystery and history.
Gatiss writes and stars as Gabriel Book, an erudite and unconventional antique bookshop owner who becomes a self-appointed consultant detective to the local police. With thousands of books at his disposal, Book uses his vast knowledge to help solve a variety of mysterious crimes. Each of the three main cases in the series will span two episodes, offering a deep dive into the intriguing world of post-war London.
The dynamic and chaotic setting of London in 1946 provides a unique backdrop to the story. Book is surrounded by a host of lovable misfits whom he informally protects and mentors. His wife, Trottie, played by Polly Walker (“Bridgerton”, “Line of Duty”), runs the wallpaper shop next door. Theirs is a “lavender marriage,” designed to conceal Book’s sexuality in a time when it was illegal to be gay.
The series boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Blake Harrison as Sergeant Morris, Rosie Cavaliero, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Tom Forbes, and Amanda Drew. Guest stars include Joely Richardson (“The Gentlemen”), Daniel Mays (“Magpie Murders”), and Jonas Nay (“Deutschland 83”).
“Bookish” is a UKTV Original drama commissioned by Helen Perry, Head of Drama for UKTV, and ordered by Emma Ayech, Channel Director for Alibi, and Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning. The series is produced by Eagle Eye Drama, with executive producers Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino.
Gatiss shared his excitement about the project, saying, “I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this series to the screen, and to plunge viewers into our intoxicating version of post-War London… Bookish is the strange, funny and thrilling show that I’ve always wanted to make.”
Stay tuned for more updates on “Bookish” as we get closer to its 2025 release on Alibi!
Image Credit: Mark Gatiss & Polly Walker / UKTV, Eagle Eye Drama.
