Watch Black Books

Black Books is a British sitcom, originally aired from 2000 to 2004, that focuses on the misadventures of three eccentric individuals who work and socialize within a small bookshop located in the heart of London. The show stars Dylan Moran as Bernard Black, the antagonistic and often drunken proprietor of the titular bookshop, who has a deep disdain for his fellow human beings and a general apathy towards running his business. His two employees are Manny Bianco, played by Bill Bailey, an optimistic and well-meaning assistant who tries his best to balance the chaos created by Bernard and is often the butt of his jokes, and Fran Katzenjammer, played by Tamsin Greig, Bernard's closest friend whose love of wine and cigarettes is rivalled only by her mildly self-destructive tendencies.

Throughout its three-season run, Black Books follows its main characters as they interact with quirky customers, argue over inconsequential matters, and engage in various forms of debauchery, all while trying to navigate the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives. The show's humor is often absurdist and dark, with side-splitting moments of physical comedy mixed in with witty one-liners and biting satire.

One of the defining features of Black Books is its eclectic cast of guest stars, which includes many well-known comedians and actors from both the UK and beyond. Notable appearances include Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jessica Stevenson, Peter Serafinowicz, and Stephen Merchant, among others. These guests often play exaggerated versions of themselves, infusing the show with an extra layer of meta-commentary and self-awareness.

Additionally, the show utilizes a distinct visual style, featuring vibrant, almost cartoonish colors and imaginative set design. The bookshop itself is a character in its own right, with its towering bookshelves and cluttered decor serving as a backdrop for much of the show's comedic action.

Despite its relatively short run, Black Books has become a beloved cult classic among comedy aficionados. Its unique blend of surrealism and cynicism, coupled with the chemistry between its three leads, has solidified its place in the pantheon of great British sitcoms. The show's legacy has also extended beyond its initial broadcast, with the main cast members going on to successful careers in television and film, and its influence being felt in subsequent British comedies like The IT Crowd and Peep Show.

Overall, Black Books is a witty, irreverent, and thoroughly entertaining show that is sure to delight anyone with a taste for off-beat humor and a disdain for conventional sitcom tropes. Its memorable characters, absurd situations, and clever writing make it a true gem of the British comedy scene, and a must-watch for anyone looking for a good laugh.

Black Books is a series that ran for 3 seasons (18 episodes) between September 29, 2000 and on Digital Rights Group