Watch The Book Group

The Book Group is a British television series which first aired on Channel 4 in 2002. It ran for two seasons, with a total of 12 episodes. The show revolves around a book club in Glasgow, Scotland, and follows the lives of the six members who meet each week to discuss a different book.

The main character, Clare (Anne Dudek), is an American who has recently moved to Glasgow with her boyfriend, A.J. (Rory McCann). Clare is struggling to adjust to her new life in Scotland and is looking for ways to connect with people. When she discovers the book club, she decides to join in the hopes of making some new friends.

The other members of the book club include Janet (Michelle Gomez), an outspoken feminist who works as a social worker; Barney (James Lance), a hapless artist who is always short on cash; Douglas (Tommy Flanagan), a ruggedly handsome plumber who has a bit of a temper; Fist (Derek Riddell), a successful businessman who is trying to find meaning in his life; and Kenny (Andrew Neil), a young man with a learning disability who is obsessed with the Loch Ness monster.

Each episode of The Book Group revolves around the discussion of a different book. The members of the group have varied opinions and often clash over their interpretations of the text. The novels discussed include classics like Wuthering Heights, as well as more modern titles like The Beach and Bridget Jones's Diary.

In addition to the book club meetings, the show also explores the personal lives of the characters. Clare's relationship with A.J. is rocky from the start, and she finds herself attracted to Douglas, despite his rough exterior. Janet is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event in her personal life, while Barney is constantly struggling to balance his art with his finances.

Despite its serious themes, The Book Group is a comedy at heart. The show has a quirky, offbeat sense of humor, and the characters are all slightly eccentric in their own way. The group's discussions often veer off into unexpected tangents, and the show is full of witty one-liners and awkward situations.

One of the strengths of The Book Group is its well-written, fully fleshed-out characters. Each member of the group is given their own storyline, and the show does an excellent job of balancing the comedic elements with the more serious themes. The show also tackles issues like sexuality, race relations, and mental health in a sensitive, nuanced way.

Overall, The Book Group is a charming and enjoyable show that is sure to appeal to anyone who loves books or offbeat comedy. Anne Dudek shines in the lead role, and the supporting cast is equally strong. The show only ran for two seasons, but its impact has been lasting, and it remains a beloved cult classic to this day.

The Book Group is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between April 12, 2002 and on Channel 4