Sports betting legalization has led to a totally different paradigm in this country when it comes to gambling. What once lived in the shadows is now commonplace. That’s why it makes sense that a show like Bookie starring comedian Sebastian Maniscalco would be a perfect fit for our contemporary times.
But after a short two season run on Max, the series is being canceled.
Maniscalco’s character tried to navigate the changing era of sports betting legalization as a veteran bookie in a comedy that also served as a commentary on just how the world has changed over the last several years. Ultimately though, its time on the streaming platform is going to be short lived.
Variety reported this week that the series is saying goodbye and the news was confirmed by Max.
“Bookie” has been canceled by Max after two seasons, Variety has learned exclusively.
The comedy series starred Sebastian Maniscalco as a veteran bookmaker in Los Angeles who must fight to survive the legalization of sports gambling while navigating unstable clients. Created by Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay, the show premiered on the Warner Bros. Discovery streamer in November 2023 and debuted its second season in December 2024.
“For two seasons creators Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay and their hilarious cast, led by Sebastian Maniscalco, made us laugh while pulling back the curtain on the world of sports betting,” a Max spokesperson said in a statement. “We won’t be moving forward with a third season, but we are grateful to have worked with such a brilliant team on this laugh out loud comedy.”
Maniscalco spoke to Awful Announcing in December about the series and his television role. As a successful touring comedian, it was a new element for him to try something in the series as a lead actor.
He also shared that he was looking forward to Bookie getting a chance to move forward with a third season, but unfortunately that won’t be coming to fruition.
“I’m in the entertainment business, so you don’t get your hopes up for anything. The only thing you can control is doing your best work, and if they like it, they like it. I don’t expect much. I don’t get my hopes up because then I feel like if I do, I get disappointed. Hopefully, we’ll get a Season 3. I think this second season, there’s a lot going on, and I think it’s going to warrant definitely continuing on to a Season 3, so, we’ll see.”
Bookie was a hit amongst critics and fans alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series carries a 90% approval rating with critics and an 86% rating amongst fans. Given its acclaim and popularity, especially among sports fans, it’s a tough pill to swallow to see the program canceled after two seasons. However, Max and Warner Bros. Discovery must have seen something in their numbers to pull the plug before the series could have an extended run.
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