I know I’m late, but last night I stumbled across Bookie on Max and couldn’t stop watching until I was all caught up.
Max’s dark comedy series has quietly become one of the streamer’s most underrated gems, and its recently released second season proves why it deserves a spot on your must-watch list.
Created by comedy legend Chuck Lorre, co-creator of shows like Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory, the show blends biting humor with sharp social commentary. It centers on the life of Danny, an old-school bookie played by Sebastian Maniscalco.
While Maniscalco anchors the series, much of its humor comes from the stellar ensemble cast, including Omar J. Dorsey, who plays Ray, Danny’s loyal and quick-witted right-hand man. In the series, Dorsey, widely recognized for his role in Queen Sugar, shows off his comedic chops with impeccable timing and hilarious responses.
Premiering on November 30, 2023, the series follows Danny and Ray as they make a living by collecting sports bets in sunny Los Angeles, constantly navigating tricky clients, like Charlie Sheen’s oblivious gambler who claims to own Babe Ruth’s autopsy report. However, their absurd lifestyle is on the verge of being disrupted. As California moves toward legalizing sports betting, Danny and Ray are faced with a new challenge: dealing with the red tape that comes with the once-illegal activity.
In Season 2, which premiered on December 12, Bookie goes deeper into the chaos of Danny’s crumbling world. As his old-school operation struggles to survive amid the rise of legalized betting apps and corporate sportsbooks, Danny faces mounting pressure from his competitors, the law, and his own family. Meanwhile, Ray steps up as the voice of reason—though not without his own share of hilarious schemes and personal challenges.
From shady deals to unexpected alliances, the series continues to deliver laugh-out-loud moments while examining the cost of big business swallowing up local enterprises.
Check out the trailer for Season 2. New episodes are available on Thursdays on Max.
