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Black Books centres around the foul tempered and wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black. Bernard’s devotion to the twin pleasures of drunkenness and wilful antagonism deepens and enriches both his life and that of Manny, his assistant. Bearded, sweet and good, Manny is everything that Bernard isn’t and is punished by Bernard relentlessly just for the crime of existing. They depend on each other for meaning as Fran, their oldest friend, depends on them for distraction. Black Books is a haven of books, wine and conversation, the only threat to the group’s peace and prosperity is their own limitless stupidity.
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Cast & crew
Episodes
3 seasons · 18 episodesSeason 16 ep. · 2000
Episode 1: Cooking the Books
Sep 29, 2000 · 22 min
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.
Episode 2: Manny's First Day
Oct 6, 2000 · 23 min
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.
Episode 3: Grapes of Wrath
Oct 13, 2000 · 24 min
Bernard and Manny accept a house-sitting job to get away from their new cleaner. They also drink some wine.
Episode 4: The Blackout
Oct 20, 2000 · 24 min
A hyper, coffee fueled Manny is mistaken for a policeman.
Episode 5: The Big Lock-Out
Oct 27, 2000 · 24 min
The shop gets a new security system that no-one can work.
Episode 6: He's Leaving Home
Nov 3, 2000 · 24 min
Manny runs away from the bookshop into the arms of a beard loving photographer.
Season 26 ep. · 2002
Episode 1: The Entertainer
Mar 1, 2002 · 24 min
Fran decides to take up piano lessons with a very prominent teacher, however all doesn't go to plan and she ends up having to ask Manni for a favour. Meanwhile Bernard asks a girl out and once again Manni is called upon for a favour.
Episode 2: Fever
Mar 8, 2002 · 24 min
On a scorching hot day, Manni tries to maintain his body temperature so it doesn't go over 88 degrees; Fran has problems with a new neighbour, and Bernard tries to find an appropriate "summer girl".
Episode 3: The Fixer
Mar 15, 2002 · 23 min
Bernard and Manni have to deal with a gangster turned writer who plans to hold a reading of his autobiography at the book shop, however he can't read. Meanwhile Fran gets an office job where she isn't quite sure what she is meant to be doing.
Episode 4: Blood
Mar 22, 2002 · 23 min
Manni and Bernard try to keep up with modern book shops and in doing so Manni helps Fran get over her boredom by encouraging her to look up her family tree.
Episode 5: Hello Sun
Mar 29, 2002 · 24 min
Fran tries to cleanse her lifestyle by taking up yoga and going on a radical diet, while Bernard and Manni receive some books on Freud and their lives descend into his famous theories.
Episode 6: A Nice Change
Apr 5, 2002 · 24 min
When construction starts next door to the shop, Manni, Bernard and Fran try to decide what to do while it continues.
Season 36 ep. · 2004
Episode 1: Manny Come Home
Mar 11, 2004 · 25 min
When Manny defects to Goliath Books after an "incident" with Bernard, his ex-employer's life spirals out of control. Meanwhile Fran returns from holiday only to be greeted by the squalor of Bernard's shop.
Episode 2: Elephants and Hens
Mar 18, 2004 · 23 min
When Bernard holds a children's themed book day in the shop, Fran bets Manni and Bernard they couldn't write a children's book over a weekend, while Bernard bets Fran back that she will have an awful time at her friend's hen party.
Episode 3: Moo-Ma and Moo-Pa
Mar 25, 2004 · 24 min
Manny's parents visit the shop for the weekend, and the lies he's told them throw Fran and Bernard's lives into chaos.
Episode 4: A Little Flutter
Apr 1, 2004 · 24 min
Bernard becomes addicted to gambling and forces Manny and Fran to compete for one job at the shop in order to finance his bets.
Episode 5: Travel Writer
Apr 8, 2004 · 24 min
Fran & Manny become enamored with a dashing travel writer giving a talk at the shop, while Bernard contends with a most unorthodox new landlord.
Episode 6: Party
Apr 15, 2004 · 24 min
Manny and Fran drag Bernard along with them to a party, but the drunken aftermath dredges up secrets and bitterness.













