Bookish returns for Christmas Special and Series 3

19th August 2026

U&alibi re-commissions Bookish for Christmas Special and Series 3

There’s an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers will be treated to a brand-new two-part festive special, Bookish: The Crown of Destiny (2x70’) alongside a third series (6x70’) of the much-loved detective drama with the latter set to air in 2027. Bookish is produced by Eagle Eye Drama, part of ITV Studios, with Beta Film handling world sales as international distributor and PBS Distribution holding North American rights.

Bookish: The Crown of Destinywill see the appropriately named Gabriel Book (Gatiss) open the doors of Book’s Books on Archangel Lane for a brand-new story, bringing viewers a seasonal mystery packed with festive charm, surprises and a dash of Christmas spirit.

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(L-R) Mark Gatiss as Gabriel Book, Dog and Polly Walker as Trottie Book

The celebrations don’t stop there as Bookish is confirmed to return for a third series, with production set to begin later this year. The new episodes will deliver even more of the intrigue, wit and compelling mysteries that have made Bookish a favourite with audiences, with more stories set to launch on U&alibi in 2027.

More details on Bookish: The Crown of Destinyand the storylines and guest stars for Series 3 will be revealed in the coming months.

In the meantime, viewers can catch up on every episode from Series 1 and 2 on Sky, Virgin Media and NOW (Sky 109/826, Virgin 126/200, BT 312/382, TalkTalk 312, TV Player).

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Phelps, Communications Manager - Scripted, UKTV

Shannon Bulmer, Publicist - Scripted, UKTV

Notes for Editors:

  • Image available HERE

ABOUT U&ALIBI

Sky 109/826, Virgin 126/200, BT 312/382, TalkTalk 312, TV Player

On demand on Sky, Virgin, NOW

U&alibi is dedicated to TV crime drama. It inspects the best selection of UK premiere hit series and worldwide favourites including Annika, The Red King, Miss Scarlet, and Death in Paradise.

U&alibi is the only TV channel dedicated to crime drama, investigating the best selection from the genre and premiering hit series from around the world such as CSI: Vegas, So Help Me Todd, Dark Winds and Black Sands.

U&alibi’s offering of U&Original crime drama series give viewers guaranteed thrills, twists and turns through hit shows including Annika, starring Nicola Walker, Traces, starring Molly Windsor and Martin Compston and We Hunt Together, starring Eve Myles and Babou Ceesay. Sophie Rundle also leads the cast in Barcelona-set drama, The Diplomat, while Anjli Mohindra, Marc Warren and Adjoa Andoh star in The Red King, from writer Toby Whithouse. 2025 will see series premieres of new seriesI, Jack Wright, Bookish and Mudtown.

U&alibi is also home to fan favourites, Miss Scarlet and the Duke,Murdoch Mysteries and Hudson and Rex, and gives viewers another chance to catch hugely popular British crime dramas including Death in Paradise, Father Brown and Silent Witness.

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&eden, U&GOLD and U&alibi - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media. UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. The broadcaster is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.

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About EAGLE EYE DRAMA

Eagle Eye Drama is one of the UK’s fastest growing drama producers. It was launched in 2018 by Walter Iuzzolino, Jo McGrath and Jason Thorp, the same three founders and creative team behind the global drama brand Walter Presents. The company produces dramas based both on adaptations and original ideas. In 2022, Eagle Eye launched new Belgian based company Happy Duck Films. In October 2024 ITV Studios acquired a majority stake in the company.

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About BETA FILM:

A leading European independent film and television group, Beta produces, finances, and distributes television and film for the global market. With over 30.000 hours of content, we manage one of the largest libraries in Europe, including numerous Oscar and Emmy-winning productions. For 65 years, we have been nurturing strong partnerships with creatives, broadcasters, streamers, distributors, and festivals. As an experienced and independent player, we create alliances and hold stakes in over 40 production companies and distribution labels, while also operating special interest channels throughout Europe. Founded in 1959 by Leo Kirch and owned by Jan Mojto since 2004, Beta is based in Munich, Germany, with offices in the US, Latin America, the Middle East, and throughout Europe.

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