Bookie season 1 recap: All to remember before season 2 arrives

Bookie season 1 is a comedy-drama series that follows the lives of a veteran bookie who struggles to survive in the gambling world while dealing with unstable clients. The series is set against the backdrop of an impending legalization of sports gambling.

Created, written, and executive produced by The Big Bang Theory's Chuck Lorre, the show also highlights the personal and professional challenges of Danny, a bookie located in Los Angeles.

Danny runs his gambling business alongside his best friend Ray, a former NFL player. Bookie season 1 also portrays Danny and Ray's interesting friendship and chemistry (bromance). Together, they maneuver the gambling world and strive hard to collect debts.

All eight episodes of Bookie season 1 were released on Max. The first episode aired on November 30, 2023, and the season finale aired on December 21, 2023. The Max TV show was renewed for a second season which is set to air on December 12, 2024.

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Bookie season 1 starts with Danny and Ray tracking down clients

Being a bookmaker is no easy job. Bookie season 1, episode 1 starts with Danny and Ray tracking down clients, including Charlie Sheen, and getting their money.

Unfortunately, collecting debts often involves getting beaten up, coaxing clients to give them cash, or threats to their lives. They often land up in the hospital with broken bones.

Although the premise of the series is dark, Lorre manages to infuse humor and garner laughs from the audience. Sometimes, the characters end up in hilarious scenarios.

Bookie also showcases the fast-paced life of L.A. Many of Danny and Ray's clients are TV stars (such as Sheen), actresses, and celebrities.

Besides Ray, Danny also receives help from his side-hustling sister Lorraine, who also happens to manage the small office that he works out of. Reformed drug dealer Hector also helps them run their bookmaking business in Bookie season 1.

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What happened in Bookie's season 1 finale?

Bookie season 1, episode 7 begins with things looking good for Danny and Ray as they make a lot of cash at the Super Bowl. They are unable to find a place to keep it. Even a trip to the bank proves useless since it gets robbed.

Importantly, a big crack forms in Danny and his long-time girlfriend Sandra's relationship. He subtly implies to her that he cannot trust her with a big wad of cash.

The implication that she will run away with his earnings does not go down well. This is why, in the opening of the season finale, Sandra gives Danny an ultimatum: go legit and get a stable job or lose her for good.

No amount of persuasion can change Sandra's mind. She is tired of Danny's tumultuous career and desires a simpler, more stable life. However, Danny is unwilling to leave his career for her. This leads to her closing her jewelry shop, packing her bags and moving.

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Danny realizes he can't live without Sandra in Bookie

As soon as Sandra leaves, Danny's life starts falling apart in Bookie season 1 finale. While Grandma and John are exchanging their wedding vows in a backyard wedding, Danny laments the ending of his relationship.

While the guests watch John suffer a cardiac arrest in the middle of exchanging their vows, Danny stares in shock at Sandra's dating profile on an app.

The final moments of the episode see Danny professing to Ray that he needs to win her back and accidentally falling into a pool.

Danny also ends his fling with an actress in the final episode of Bookie season 1.

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Bookie season 2: What's next for Danny and Ray?

The official trailer of Bookie season 2 promises to be an entertaining watch, with more challenging clients. It also shows snippets of Danny talking to Sandra informing him that he is what he is.

Grandma also urges Ray to marry one of his three baby mamas. Sheen comes back as himself in season 2.

Bookie season 2 premieres on December 12, 2024, on Max.