Bookish Renewed For Series 3 As U&alibi Orders Two-Part Christmas Special

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UKTV has handed fans of ‘Bookish‘ an early Christmas present, recommissioning the detective drama for a third series alongside a brand-new two-part festive special.

Creator and star Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, The League of Gentlemen) will return as Gabriel Book for ‘Bookish: The Crown of Destiny’, a two-part, 70-minute Christmas mystery which once again opens the doors of Book’s Books on Archangel Lane.

The appropriately named Book will find himself caught up in another mystery, with UKTV promising a seasonal story packed with festive charm, surprises and “a dash of Christmas spirit”. Beyond that, plot details are being kept under wraps for now, with more information about the special due to be revealed in the coming months.

And apparently one Christmas mystery isn’t enough to keep Gabriel occupied, as ‘Bookish’ has also officially been recommissioned for a six-episode third series.

Production on Series 3 is set to begin later this year, with the new 70-minute episodes bringing more mysteries, intrigue and wit when the drama returns to U&alibi in 2027. Story details and guest stars for the new run will be announced at a later date.

Set in post-war London, ‘Bookish’ follows Gabriel Book, the owner of an antiquarian bookshop who uses his extraordinary knowledge and unconventional methods to assist the police with particularly puzzling crimes. The series was created by Gatiss, who also stars in the lead role.

The drama is produced by Eagle Eye Drama, part of ITV Studios, with Beta Film handling international sales and PBS Distribution holding the North American rights.

It’s an impressive vote of confidence in the drama, given that the recommission arrives before Series 2 has even premiered. The second series launches on U&alibi later this month, while Series 1 is currently available to catch up on Sky, Virgin Media and NOW.

‘Bookish‘ Series 2 premieres Wednesday, 26th August 2026 at 8pm on U&alibi, with ‘Bookish: The Crown of Destiny’ following as a Christmas special and Series 3 airing in 2027.

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