TV series
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Black Books is available to stream on Prime Video, Fubo, Amazon Freevee, Fawesome, Plex, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
When Manny defects to Goliath Books after an "incident" with Bernard, his ex-employer's life spirals out of control. Meanwhile Fran returns from holiday only to be greeted by the squalor of Bernard's shop.
Directed by Martin DennisWritten by Dylan Moran, Kevin Cecil, Andy RileyGuest stars Simon Pegg, Judith Jacob
Episode 2
When Bernard holds a children's themed book day in the shop, Fran bets Manni and Bernard they couldn't write a children's book over a weekend, while Bernard bets Fran back that she will have an awful time at her friend's hen party.
Directed by Martin DennisWritten by Dylan Moran, Kevin Cecil, Andy RileyGuest stars Lucy Davis, Pandora Colin, Olivia Colman, Charlie Hicks, Camilla Heaney, Tony Bignell, Oliver Golding
Episode 3
Manny's parents visit the shop for the weekend, and the lies he's told them throw Fran and Bernard's lives into chaos.
Directed by Martin DennisWritten by Dylan Moran, Kevin Cecil, Andy RileyGuest stars Annette Crosbie, Sam Kelly
Episode 4
Bernard becomes addicted to gambling and forces Manny and Fran to compete for one job at the shop in order to finance his bets.
Directed by Martin DennisWritten by Dylan Moran, Kevin Cecil, Andy RileyGuest stars Keith Allen, Craig Parkinson, Jiggy Bhore, Justin Edwards, Su Elliot, Jane Janovic, Steve Lately, Huggy Leaver
Episode 5
Fran & Manny become enamored with a dashing travel writer giving a talk at the shop, while Bernard contends with a most unorthodox new landlord.
Directed by Martin DennisWritten by Dylan Moran, Kevin Cecil, Andy RileyGuest stars Julian Rhind-Tutt, Ryan Luhning, Catherine Shepherd, Alice Lowe, Patricia Franklin
Episode 6
Manny and Fran drag Bernard along with them to a party, but the drunken aftermath dredges up secrets and bitterness.
Directed by Martin DennisWritten by Dylan Moran, Kevin Cecil, Andy RileyGuest stars Elizabeth Chadwick
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Dylan MoranBernard
Bill BaileyManny
Tamsin GreigFran
Keith AllenDave 'Mouse Ear' Smith
Craig ParkinsonMartin the Tout
Justin EdwardsPoker Customer
Channel 4United Kingdom
Channel 4 TelevisionUnited Kingdom
Big Talk StudiosUnited Kingdom
