All bets are off.
“Bookie” has been canceled by Max after two seasons, Variety has learned exclusively.
The comedy series starred Sebastian Maniscalco as a veteran bookmaker in Los Angeles who must fight to survive the legalization of sports gambling while navigating unstable clients. Created by Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay, the show premiered on the Warner Bros. Discovery streamer in November 2023 and debuted its second season in December 2024.
“For two seasons creators Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay and their hilarious cast, led by Sebastian Maniscalco, made us laugh while pulling back the curtain on the world of sports betting,” a Max spokesperson said in a statement. “We won’t be moving forward with a third season, but we are grateful to have worked with such a brilliant team on this laugh out loud comedy.”
“Bookie” also starred Omar Dorsey as Rayfield “Ray” Ballard, Andrea Anders as Sandra, Vanessa Ferlito as Lorraine Colavito, Jorge Garcia as Hector, Maxim Swinton as Anthony, Rob Corddry as Walt Dinty and Selina Kaye as Janelle. The recurring cast included Arnetia Walker, Toby Huss and Dale Dickey. Plus, an impressive list of guest stars including Ray Romano, Laraine Newman, Zach Braff and Charlie Sheen popped up throughout the show’s 16-episode run.
From Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. Television, “Bookie” was executive produced by Lorre, Bakay, Maniscalco and Judi Marmel.
Maniscalco, an acclaimed stand-up comedian who regularly sells out arenas, spoke with Variety in December about building up his acting skills. He said he enjoyed when Lorre and Bakay laughed at his takes on set because “it validates what I’m doing is funny. Because as a comedian, I like the laughter. I like to hear what I’m doing is funny through the laughs. I’m getting used to playing off other actors. I’m learning a lot each day.”
Maniscalco has also acted in films such as “Green Book,” “The Irishman” and “Tag.” And he lent his voice to Spike in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”