The PBS series Bookish introduces a quirky crime-solving duo in post-World War II London. Centered on bookstore owner Gabriel Book and his wife Trottie, the show blends mystery with personal secrets. It premiered on January 11, 2026, across PBS platforms.
Bookish is a six-episode crime drama that aired its first episodes on PBS starting January 11, 2026, with the finale scheduled for February 15. Set in a gritty, bombed-out London immediately after World War II, the series follows Gabriel Book, played by Mark Gatiss, who runs a bookstore on Archangel Lane while investigating local murders. His wife, Trottie, portrayed by Polly Walker, operates a wallpaper shop next door, and their unconventional marriage unfolds alongside the crimes.
Gabriel hires young assistant Jack, played by Connor Finch, who carries his own mysterious past. The trio collaborates to unravel mysteries, aided by Gabriel's unrestricted access to police investigations, granted through a enigmatic letter from Winston Churchill. This document allows him to probe cases freely, though its contents remain unseen.
The season features three two-episode storylines. The opener examines the apparent suicide of a local chemist, quickly revealed as murder with multiple suspects. The middle arc involves murders during a film shoot on Archangel Lane, adding meta layers to the narrative. The finale ties into the past, linking exiled princesses to a killing, as the characters confront their hidden histories.
Described as a fresh take on the cozy crime genre, Bookish highlights eccentric personalities and slow-revealed backstories. While no second season is confirmed, comparisons to PBS's The Marlow Murder Club suggest potential renewal. Viewers can stream it on the PBS website, app, PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video, and via PBS Passport.
