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Mark Gatiss has shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Bookish season 2 script read-through, signalling that filming will begin soon for the much-anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed 1940s-set crime drama. The series is expected to return in 2026 on UKTV\u2019s U&Alibi channel, with the full central cast confirmed to reprise their roles.<\/p>\n
Mark Gatiss, creator and star of the historical crime drama “Bookish,” has confirmed significant progress on the much-anticipated second season of the series. On 1 August 2025, Gatiss shared a photo on the U&Alibi Instagram page showing himself beside a sign that read “Bookish season 2 read through,” accompanied by a caption expressing enthusiasm for the project and hinting at a 2026 release. This public read-through of the scripts strongly suggests that filming will soon commence, aligning with earlier reports that production was scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025.<\/p>\n
“Bookish” first premiered in July 2025 on UKTV\u2019s U&Alibi channel and is available for streaming on platforms including Sky, Virgin, BT, and TalkTalk. The series is set in post-war London in 1946 and follows the character Gabriel Book, an erudite antiquarian bookseller and former intelligence agent who uses his literary knowledge to assist police investigations. Gatiss not only created the series but also stars as Book, with the supporting cast including Polly Walker, Connor Finch, Elliot Levey, Blake Harrison, and Buket K\u00f6m\u00fcr\u2014all of whom are confirmed to return for the second season. The show has drawn praise for its clever plotting, rich historical atmosphere, and thoughtful exploration of social themes such as identity and friendship, featuring a notably underrepresented LGBTQ+ narrative through its protagonist\u2019s character.<\/p>\n
The production of “Bookish” is handled by Eagle Eye Drama, a division of ITV Studios, with Beta Film managing international sales and PBS Distribution holding rights for North America. The series was initially re-commissioned for a second season by UKTV ahead of the first season\u2019s debut, reflective of confidence in the show’s appeal. Mark Gatiss has spoken warmly about the renewal, expressing excitement about expanding the story and deepening the intrigue for viewers. Filming for season two, set to take place during the summer of 2025, has been confirmed, with further details expected in the near future.<\/p>\n
Critics and viewers alike have compared “Bookish” favourably to Gatiss\u2019s earlier work on “Sherlock,” noting its intelligent storytelling and rich characterisation. The series combines elements of crime drama and social commentary, framed by the unique lens of a 1940s London setting, with a format that follows Book solving new cases every two episodes while weaving longer story arcs throughout the season. Directed by Carolina Giammetta and filmed in Belgium, the show presents a unique blend of historical detail and genre storytelling that has already cultivated an engaged audience eager for more.<\/p>\n
With the script read-through completed and filming imminent, the expectation is that “Bookish” season two will return in 2026, potentially by summer, maintaining a fast-paced production turnaround. This continuation will bring back the full central cast and further explore the mysteries and character dynamics that made the first season compelling.<\/p>\n