Black Books centres around the foul tempered and wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black. Bernard’s devotion to the twin pleasures of drunkenness and wilful antagonism deepens and enriches both his life and that of Manny, his assistant. Bearded, sweet and good, Manny is everything that Bernard isn’t and is punished by Bernard relentlessly just for the crime of existing. They depend on each other for meaning as Fran, their oldest friend, depends on them for distraction. Black Books is a haven of books, wine and conversation, the only threat to the group’s peace and prosperity is their own limitless stupidity.
Cast: Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey, Tamsin Greig
6 episodes
1. Cooking the BooksBernard’s dodgy accountant has to go on the run, leaving him ill prepared to fill out his own tax return. In fact Bernard would rather do anything than fill it out.TV-PGCC22minSep 29, 2000
2. Manny's First DayAfter Manny’s help with the tax return Bernard is persuaded to hire him in the shop. Unfortunately he actually sells some books, much to Bernard’s annoyance.TV-PGCC23minOct 6, 2000
3. Grapes of WrathBernard and Manny accept a house-sitting job to get away from their new cleaner. They also drink some wine.TV-PGCC24minOct 13, 2000
4. The BlackoutA hyper, coffee fueled Manny is mistaken for a policeman.TV-PGCC24minOct 20, 2000
5. The Big Lock-OutThe shop gets a new security system that no-one can work.TV-PGCC24minOct 27, 2000
6. He's Leaving HomeManny runs away from the bookshop into the arms of a beard loving photographer.TV-PGCC24minNov 3, 2000
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Black Books
Black Books centres around the foul tempered and wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black. Bernard’s devotion to the twin pleasures of drunkenness and wilful antagonism deepens and enriches both his life and that of Manny, his assistant. Bearded, sweet and good, Manny is everything that Bernard isn’t and is punished by Bernard relentlessly just for the crime of existing. They depend on each other for meaning as Fran, their oldest friend, depends on them for distraction. Black Books is a haven of books, wine and conversation, the only threat to the group’s peace and prosperity is their own limitless stupidity.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan
- Studio
- Channel 4 Television, Assembly Film and Television, Big Talk Studios
Maturity rating
TV-PGCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Stream
