New Chuck Lorre Comedy for HBO Max

HBO Max has given a series order for the new comedy How to Be a Bookie, from Chuck Lorre (The Kominsky Method, The Big Bang Theory), Nick Bakay (Mom, Young Sheldon) and Warner Bros. Television.

Actor and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco (The Irishman, Green Book) is set to star in the single-camera series. Ordered for eight episodes, the show follows a veteran bookie who struggles to survive the impending legalization of sports gambling, increasingly unstable clients, family, co-workers and a lifestyle that bounces him around every corner of Los Angeles.

Lorre and Bakay will co-write and serve as executive producers along with Maniscalco and Judi Marmel. Warner Bros. Television, where Lorre and his Chuck Lorre Productions are under an overall deal, is the studio.

How to Be a Bookie marks Lorre’s first series for HBO Max.

Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max content, said: “It’s very exciting to have the next comedy series from Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros. Television. We have been fans of Sebastian’s for several years and look forward to what these brilliant comedic voices put together for HBO Max.”

Lorre said: “It’s an absolute dream to work with Sebastian Maniscalco—whom I’ve been a fan of for years. To have my first project at HBO Max with such an incredibly gifted comedian and alongside Nick Bakay is the trifecta. I can’t wait to get started.”

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group, said: “I’m thrilled that How to Be a Bookie, from Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay, and starring Sebastian Maniscalco, one of the greatest stand-up comics working today, is moving forward at HBO Max. This smart, subversive and hilarious series will be the next great comedy on HBO Max, continuing the successful partnership between Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.”

Maniscalco added: “It’s an incredible honor to be working with someone of Chuck’s pedigree and along with Nick Bakay. They’ve put together a truly remarkable script. And now to be in the family with Warner Bros. Television and HBO Max, who are putting out some of the most compelling stories on TV and streaming, I just couldn’t be more excited.”