Sebastian Maniscalco’s “Bookie”

A darkly funny Max Original series, “Bookie” follows a veteran bookie struggling to survive the impending legalization of sports gambling, increasingly unstable clients, family and co-workers․

The Premise and Setting

“Bookie” is a darkly comedic series that plunges viewers into the chaotic world of a veteran bookmaker named Danny (played by Sebastian Maniscalco)․ Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Los Angeles, the series follows Danny as he navigates the increasingly treacherous waters of his profession․ With the looming threat of legalized sports betting, Danny finds his old-school methods clashing with the sleek, corporate world encroaching upon his turf․ As Danny scrambles to adapt, he must juggle the demands of his eccentric clientele, including degenerate gamblers, Hollywood high-rollers, and everyday people hoping for a big win․ Adding to his woes are the pressures from his family, who are both concerned and slightly intrigued by his unorthodox profession․ “Bookie” masterfully blends humor and drama, creating a captivating narrative about survival, family, and the evolving landscape of an age-old business․

Cast and Characters

Leading the pack is comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, who delivers a captivating performance as Danny, the beleaguered yet enduring bookie at the heart of the story․ Omar J․ Dorsey brings a captivating presence as Ray, Danny’s partner and a former NFL star, adding a layer of camaraderie and conflict to their dynamic․ Andrea Anders shines as Sandra, Danny’s wife, offering a grounded perspective amidst the chaos of his professional life․

Vanessa Ferlito brings her signature grit to the role of Lorraine, a force to be reckoned with in the world of gambling․ Jorge Garcia delivers a memorable performance as Hector, a loyal associate of Danny’s, adding a touch of warmth and humor to the narrative․ Rounding out the cast are Maxim Swinton as Maya, Danny’s daughter, and Charlie Sheen in a recurring role as himself, injecting a dose of Hollywood eccentricity into the mix․

Reception and Reviews

“Bookie” has garnered a mixed bag of reviews, with some critics praising its sharp writing, relatable characters, and Maniscalco’s comedic timing, while others found its premise predictable and its humor hit-or-miss․ The series currently holds a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating generally favorable reviews․

Maniscalco’s performance has been lauded for its authenticity and comedic brilliance, with critics noting his ability to wring humor out of everyday anxieties and the absurdity of the gambling world․ The supporting cast, particularly Dorsey and Anders, have also received praise for their strong performances and chemistry with Maniscalco․

While some viewers found the series’ humor to be uneven at times, “Bookie” has generally been commended for its relatable depiction of family dynamics, the challenges of navigating a changing industry, and the ever-present allure of a good bet․

Sebastian Maniscalco’s Career

Sebastian Maniscalco is a celebrated American stand-up comedian and actor, best known for his observational humor, energetic stage presence, and physical comedy․

Stand-Up Comedy

Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedic journey began in Los Angeles in 1998, marked by open mic nights and performances at The Comedy Store․ His unique brand of humor, rooted in everyday observations and delivered with animated physicality, quickly garnered attention․ He became a regular performer at renowned comedy clubs like The Comedy Store, The Improv, and Laugh Factory, solidifying his presence in the stand-up scene․

Maniscalco’s career reached new heights with the release of his first comedy special, “Sebastian Live,” in 2009․ The success of “Sebastian Live” paved the way for a string of critically acclaimed specials, including “What’s Wrong with People?​” (2012), “Aren’t You Embarrassed?” (2014), “Why Would You Do That?” (2016), “Stay Hungry” (2019), and “Nobody Does This” (2023)․ These specials, showcasing his signature observational humor and relatable anecdotes, garnered millions of views and cemented his status as a comedic powerhouse․

Recognized for his comedic brilliance, Maniscalco was invited to perform on prominent late-night shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno,” “Conan,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” His stand-up tours consistently sell out arenas and theaters worldwide, attesting to his widespread appeal and comedic genius․ In 2019, Pollstar ranked him the top-grossing comedian, highlighting his significant influence and success in the world of stand-up comedy․

Acting Roles

While primarily known for his stand-up comedy, Sebastian Maniscalco has also made a notable foray into acting, showcasing his versatility and comedic timing on screen․ His acting debut came in 2016 with a role in the comedy film “The House,” starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler․

Maniscalco’s breakthrough in acting came with his acclaimed performance as mobster Joe Gallo in Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama “The Irishman” (2019)․ Sharing the screen with legendary actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, Maniscalco held his own, delivering a memorable and critically praised performance that showcased his dramatic range․

Prior to “The Irishman,” Maniscalco garnered recognition for his role as comedian Johnny Venere in the Oscar-winning film “Green Book” (2018), starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali․ His portrayal of the quick-witted comedian added a layer of humor and charm to the acclaimed film․

Continuing to expand his acting repertoire, Maniscalco starred in and co-wrote the semi-autobiographical comedy film “About My Father” (2023), drawing inspiration from his relationship with his own father․ The film, also featuring Robert De Niro, allowed Maniscalco to showcase his comedic and dramatic sensibilities in a deeply personal story․ He is also set to star in the upcoming film “Reptile,” further solidifying his presence in the world of acting․