The Max original series Bookie returned for season 2 in late 2024, and here’s what you should know about the sophomore outing. Created by TV maven Chuck Lorre, Bookie concerns Danny, a veteran of the art of sports betting who tries to make a living in the wild and wooly world of Los Angeles. Anchored by a towering performance from stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco in the lead role, Bookie is just the sort of short-form comedy series that HBO is known for.
The first season of Bookie was met with almost universal praise from the critical establishment, especially the performance of Maniscalco and the chemistry he has with his co-stars (via Rotten Tomatoes). While some of the humor was picked apart for being a bit simplistic when compared to the high-concept premise, Lorre’s touch made the show an instant hit, and it’s clear that HBO wants more of the fledgling series. Returning swiftly for it’s second helping, Bookie could become Max’s next long-running comedy hit.
Bookie Season 2 Critical Reception
Another Critical Darling From Chuck Lorre
Though Bookie has largely been flying under the radar across its first two seasons thus far, the Chuck Lorre comedy continues to score good reviews. The sophomore season topped out at an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the series garnering praise for its witty writing and strong performances. Even though the Max original hasn’t gotten a ton of press, Decider gave the second season a grade of “Stream It“, and it may help the series continue to grow its audience going forward.
Bookie season 2 concluded on January 30, 2025.
Bookie Season 2 Cast Details
Sebastian Maniscalco Returns As Danny
Like most comedies, the cast of Bookie season 2 didn’t changed much, and continuity between the characters is where the true humor lies. Sebastian Maniscalco reprised his role as veteran bookie Danny, and he continued to get into even more zany hijinks in season 2. Though the main cast returned almost in its entirety, Bookie season 2 introduced new clients for Danny to interact with which opened the door for more guest stars and recurring characters.
One major return was that of Charlie Sheen, who reprised his role as a spoof of himself in season 2. Additionally, season 1 guest star Rob Corddry was promoted to a series regular in the role of Will Dinty.
With all that in mind, the cast of Bookie season 2 includes:
|
Actor |
Bookie Role |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Sebastian Maniscalco |
Danny |
|
|
Omar Dorsey |
Ray |
|
|
Andrea Anders |
Sandra |
|
|
Vanessa Ferlito |
Lorraine |
|
|
Jorge Garcia |
Hector |
|
|
Maxim Swinton |
Anthony |
|
|
Rob Corddry |
Will Dinty |
|
|
Charlie Sheen |
Himself |
|
Related
20 Most Popular HBO Shows Of All Time Ranked
From shows like Game Of Thrones to Euphoria, HBO has a plethora of wildly successful series under its belt, and they’re so popular.
Bookie Season 2 Trailer
Watch The Full Trailer Here
With mere days to go until the season 2 premiere, Max dropped a full trailer for Bookie season 2 in December 2024. The full-length trailer reintroduces Danny and Ray as they find it increasingly difficult to maintain their illegal gambling operation in the face of California’s gambling legalization. Elsewhere, things aren’t all rosy for Danny and Ray in their personal lives either, as both are trying to make their complicated relationships work.
Bookie Season 2 Ending & Spoilers
Danny & Ray Get In Way Over Their Heads
if they continue to pursue their illegal activity, it will only drive a bigger wedge between the bookies and their families.
The finale of the Max original show’s second season continued the trends set by season 1, and left a lot of questions unresolved. Ray and Danny’s exploits took the next step into even more illegal activity in the sophomore season, and this continued to put tension on them both to settle down and get out of the business. Unsurprisingly, the future of Bookie will hinge on their choice, and if they continue to pursue their illegal activity, it will only drive a bigger wedge between the bookies and their families.
Bookie
- Release Date
-
November 30, 2023
- Network
-
HBO Max
- Showrunner
-
Chuck Lorre
