archytele The Vault
Season guide

Black Books: Season 1

6 episodes Premiered Sep 29, 2000 Updated Jul 25, 2026

Black Books season 1 introduces the misanthropic proprietor of a small London bookshop, Bernard Black, whose love of books is matched only by his contempt for customers. Bernard’s volatile temperament and eccentric habits dominate the shop’s atmosphere, creating a setting in which ordinary commerce becomes a source of comic friction. The series adds

Season overview

Black Books season 1 introduces the misanthropic proprietor of a small London bookshop, Bernard Black, whose love of books is matched only by his contempt for customers. Bernard’s volatile temperament and eccentric habits dominate the shop’s atmosphere, creating a setting in which ordinary commerce becomes a source of comic friction. The series adds

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Episodes

S1·E1

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.

S1·E2

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.

S1·E3

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.

S1·E4

The Blackout

Oct 20, 2000 · 24 min

A hyper, coffee fueled Manny is mistaken for a policeman.

S1·E5

The Big Lock-Out

Oct 27, 2000 · 24 min

The shop gets a new security system that no-one can work.

S1·E6

He's Leaving Home

Nov 3, 2000 · 24 min

Manny runs away from the bookshop into the arms of a beard loving photographer.