Bookie's Chuck Lorre & Nick Bakay Talk Charlie Sheen's Season 2 Return, Hector & Lorraine's Dynamic And Big Bang Theory

Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay are back together for the next chapter of their hit comedy with Bookie season 2. The 10-time Emmy nominee and Bakay's history of collaborations goes back to the former's second-ever created show with 1994's Grace Under Fire, in which the latter made a guest appearance, before later reuniting on Two and a Half Men, in which Bakay worked both in front of and behind the camera on Mom, Young Sheldon, The Kominsky Method and Bob Hearts Abishola. The Max show also served as Bakay's debut in the creator's chair, co-writing every episode with Lorre.

Bookie season 2 sees Lorre and Bakay returning to the world of underground sports gambling through the lens of veteran bookie, Danny, and his associate and former professional football player, Ray. Season 2 finds the duo encountering further changes to their business, including learning of offshore betting and the police closing in on their business. All this is happening as Danny works to repair his marriage with Sandra, who is coming home with her troublemaking mother in tow, and Ray is surprised by the return of his second baby mother, threatening his relationship with Lorraine.

Related Bookie Season 3: Will It Happen? Everything We Know Chuck Lorre's irreverent dark comedy series Bookie returned for its second season in late 2024, but will the gambling series score a season 3?

The ensemble Bookie season 2 cast sees the returns of Sebastian Maniscalco as Danny and Omar Dorsey as Ray, alongside Vanessa Ferlito as Danny's sister and Ray's dating partner Lorraine, Andrea Anders as Sandra, Jorge Garcia, Maxim Swinton and Rob Corddry. Raising the stakes for its main characters without ever forgetting the humor that audiences come to expect from the duo, Lorre and Bakay's return proves to be just as much of a thrill as its debut season, which garnered a 90% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

In anticipation of its return, ScreenRant interviewed creators/showrunners Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay to discuss Bookie season 2, how the new season will expand on Danny and Sandra's relationship foibles, when they landed on the decision to bring back Charlie Sheen as the fictionalized version of himself from season 1, and an update on the in-development Big Bang Theory spinoff.

Reuniting With Sheen Was "So Much Fun" For Lorre He Knew Bookie Season 2 Had To Bring Him Back

"There was no question..."

ScreenRant: I'm really excited to chat with you both for Bookie season 2, from the first couple of episodes, it's lived up to all of my expectations from season 1. Now, I grew up loving Two and a Half Men, so I was thrilled when Charlie Sheen reunited with you guys for season 1, and I'm even happier to see him back in season 2. When did you have the idea of bringing him back for season 2? Was it right away after working with him on season 1, or was it when you opened the writers room for season 2?

Chuck Lorre: Oh, I think season 1 was so much fun. It was such an extraordinary experience to work with Charlie again, and see his skill. He is really a master of the craft, no question about it. And he was an absolute joy to be working with again after all these years, and all the darkness we went through. There was no question that we were going to figure out a way to bring him back in season 2 as one of Danny and Ray's less reliable clients.

Season 2 Dives Right Into Danny & Sandra's Marriage

"...we're not missing a beat from season 1..."

So, in talking about Danny, obviously, the season 1 finale left off with him finally realizing he hasn't been the best to Sandra and setting off to try and repair that relationship. What can you tell me about how big of an impact that's going to be in season 2?

Nick Bakay: Well, yeah, we're jumping right in there. You know, we're picking right up, we're not missing a beat from season 1 into 2.

Chuck Lorre: Yeah, season 2 begins within minutes, within an hour or so of the end of season 1. Storywise, Danny is driving up to northern California to try and woo his wife, to come home, to get her to come back home with him. And Ray finds himself in a hospital with his grandmother and her almost betrothed, barely alive.

Hector & Lorraine's Potential Romance Comes Down To The Show's Future

"We know how he feels about her..."

I'd love to also talk about Lorraine and Hector, because I love the banter and dynamic that they have. Obviously, Ray is sort of flaky when it comes to romantic commitments, so I'm curious if there's ever been a thought of actually having Lorraine and Hector be a romantic pair, or if you've always considered them to be platonic?

Chuck Lorre: Well, we know how he feels. [Laughs] We know how he feels about her, but we have not consummated that relationship. But, you know, let's see. If there's a season 3, let's see what happens. But, yeah, he's very much infatuated with her, which is the unrequited love. He's an extraordinary actor, his comedy chops are so elegant.

I love Jorge in the comedy genre. He's just so perfect.

Chuck Lorre: Yeah, we were very lucky to get him, both of them. We're so fortunate, this whole cast has been a blessing for us.

Big Bang Theory Fans Should Keep Their Eyes Peeled In Early 2025

"It's actually several years of conversations..."

I see I've got enough time for one more question, so Chuck, I want to turn to you. We got word of a new Big Bang Theory spinoff in October. I'm curious what you can share about how far along in development that may or may not be?

Chuck Lorre: It's actually several years of conversations, and I can't really go into detail on it yet. But hopefully, after the new year, we'll have something to discuss.

About Bookie Season 2

Close

From Emmy-nominated creator Chuck Lorre (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Nick Bakay, this darkly funny comedy follows veteran Los Angeles bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) as the potential legalization of sports gambling in California threatens to upend his business for good. Alongside best friend and former NFL player Ray (Omar J. Dorsey), side-hustling sister Lorraine (Vanessa Ferlito), and reluctantly reformed drug dealer Hector (Jorge Garcia), Danny must contend with his increasingly unstable clients as he tries to settle their debts – all while making plenty of risky bets of his own. Full of relatable mishaps, Bookie chronicles one man’s journey to adapt to an ever-changing world as he attempts to charm and con his way to the top.

Stay tuned for our other Bookie season 2 interview with Sebastian Maniscalco & Omar Dorsey!

New episodes of Bookie season 2 air Thursdays on Max.

Source: ScreenRant Plus