HBO Max has today given a series order to the original comedy series How to Be a Bookie created by Chuck Lorre (The Kominsky Methold, The Big Bang Theory) and Nick Bakay (Mom, Young Sheldon). Stand-up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco (The Irishman, Green Book) will star in the series, which will produce 8 episodes for its first season.
A veteran bookie (Maniscalco) 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, high and low.
Lorre, Bakay and Maniscalco will executive produce with Judi Marmel. Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions will produce.
"It's very exciting to have the next comedy series from Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros. Television," said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max. "We have been fans of Sebastian's for several years and look forward to what these brilliant comedic voices put together for HBO Max."
"It's an absolute dream to work with Sebastian Maniscalco - whom I've been a fan of for years," added Lorre. "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."
"It's an incredible honor to be working with someone of Chuck's pedigree and along with Nick Bakay," shared Maniscalco. "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."