Black Books: Season 1
2000 · 6 episodes · ★ 7.6
What Season 1 of Black Books
Bernard Black runs a small bookshop in the Bloomsbury neighborhood of London. He is grumpy, rude and would rather smoke, drink and read than serve a customer. His assistant Manny Bianco, enthusiastic and eager to make the business work, tries to keep the shop running. On the other side of the wall, his old friend Fran Katzenjammer, anxious and neurotic, runs a gift shop. Together, Manny and Fran insist that Bernard stay in touch with the outside world, a world he hates. Every attempt leads to friction, misunderstandings and comic situations among the three.
Season 1 Episodes
1x01 Cooking the Books
Bernard’s dodgy accountant has to go on the run, leaving him ill prepared to fill out his own tax return. In fact Bernard would rather do anything than fill it out.
Directing: Graham Linehan, Nick Wood · Writing: Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan · Starring: Martin Freeman, Tony Bluto, Stephen Boswell, John MacNeill
1x02 Manny's First Day
After Manny’s help with the tax return Bernard is persuaded to hire him in the shop. Unfortunately he actually sells some books, much to Bernard’s annoyance.
Directing: Graham Linehan, Nick Wood · Writing: Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan · Starring: David Cann, Rhys Thomas, John Arthur, Stewart Wright
1x03 Grapes of Wrath
Bernard and Manny accept a house-sitting job to get away from their new cleaner. They also drink some wine.
Directing: Graham Linehan, Nick Wood · Writing: Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan · Starring: Kevin Eldon, Chris Larner, Mark Aiken, Paul Beech
1x04 The Blackout
A hyper, coffee fueled Manny is mistaken for a policeman.
Directing: Graham Linehan, Nick Wood · Writing: Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan · Starring: Elizabeth Marmur, Hugh Parker, Angela Curran, Liam Hess
1x05 The Big Lock-Out
The shop gets a new security system that no-one can work.
Directing: Graham Linehan, Nick Wood · Writing: Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan · Starring: Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Frost, Paul Beech, Steve Bowditch
1x06 He's Leaving Home Season Finale
Manny runs away from the bookshop into the arms of a beard loving photographer.
Directing: Graham Linehan, Nick Wood · Writing: Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan · Starring: Omid Djalili, David Walliams, Sophie Stanton
Season 1 Cast
Dylan MoranBernard6 episodes
Ben HomewoodCustomer2 episodes
Graham LinehanBook Lover2 episodes
Martin FreemanDoctorEpisode 1
Elizabeth MarmurSarahEpisode 1
Hugh ParkerGeraldEpisode 1
Angela CurranPolicewomanEpisode 1
Liam HessJimboEpisode 1
Terry BirdNoggsyEpisode 1
All Seasons
Season 22002 · 6 eps · 
Season 32004 · 6 eps · Where to Watch Season 1 of Black Books
It is currently not available on the major streaming platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Season 1 of Black Books?
Black Books Season 1 has 6 episodes.
When did Season 1 of Black Books premiere?
Premiered on September 29, 2000.
Where to Watch Black Books Season 1?
Currently not available on the major subscription platforms (availability may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 1?
According to the TMDB audience rating, episode 1x05, "The Big Lock-Out", with a 8.1.