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The Best Episodes of Black Books Season 1

Every episode of Black Books Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Black Books Season 1!

Binge this in 2h 21m•Peaking at 8.1/10

Black Books centres around the foul tempered and wildly eccentric bookshop owner Bernard Black. Bernard’s devotion to the twin pleasures of drunkenness and wilful antagonism deepens and enriches both his life and that of Manny,

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Black Books Season 1 Episode 1 - Cooking the Books
    8.0/10(1272 votes)

    #1 - Cooking the Books

    S1:E1

    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.

    Directors:Graham Linehan, Nick Wood
    Writers:Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan

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  2. Black Books Season 1 Episode 2 - Manny's First Day
    8.1/10(1058 votes)

    #2 - Manny's First Day

    S1:E2

    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.

    Directors:Graham Linehan, Nick Wood
    Writers:Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan

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  3. Black Books Season 1 Episode 3 - Grapes of Wrath
    7.8/10(1216 votes)

    #3 - Grapes of Wrath

    S1:E3

    Bernard and Manny accept a house-sitting job to get away from their new cleaner. They also drink some wine.

    Directors:Graham Linehan, Nick Wood
    Writers:Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan

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  4. Black Books Season 1 Episode 4 - The Blackout
    7.6/10(967 votes)

    #4 - The Blackout

    S1:E4

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

    Directors:Graham Linehan, Nick Wood
    Writers:Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan

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  5. Black Books Season 1 Episode 5 - The Big Lock-Out
    8.1/10(979 votes)

    #5 - The Big Lock-Out

    S1:E5

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

    Directors:Graham Linehan, Nick Wood
    Writers:Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan

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  6. Black Books Season 1 Episode 6 - He's Leaving Home
    7.0/10(882 votes)

    #6 - He's Leaving Home

    S1:E6

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

    Directors:Graham Linehan, Nick Wood
    Writers:Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of Black Books

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Cooking the Books" is the best rated episode of "Black Books" season 1. It scored 8/10 based on 1272 votes. Directed by Graham Linehan, Nick Wood and written by Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan, it aired on 9/29/2000. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Manny's First Day".