The British crime drama Bookish premiered on July 16, 2025, on U&Alibi in the UK. Set in post-war London, the show follows Gabriel Book, a reserved yet sharp-witted bookseller who secretly helps the police solve crimes using his literary knowledge and former wartime connections. The show blends history, mystery, and drama into a compelling series that quickly caught attention.
NetFilming explores the real-world filming locations behind Bookish and reveals how 1946 London was convincingly recreated—mostly outside of the UK.
Where Was Bookish Filmed?
Even though Bookish is set in London just after World War II, most of the filming happened in Belgium. The country was picked because it has beautiful old buildings that have been kept in good shape and filming equipment that doesn’t cost too much. These factors made it a great substitute for postwar 1940s London streets.
There were only a few scenes shot in London, and they were mostly there to make the movie look more real.
Namur, in Belgium
This city was the main place where filming took place. Here is where the made-up Archangel Lane, the street where Gabriel Book’s shop is, was built. It plays a big role in the show and is the main set for both indoor and outdoor scenes.
Trivia: Namur was also in The Serpent Queen (2022) and Resistance (2020). Its mediaeval alleys and preserved stone buildings make it a popular place for period dramas.
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent’s historic charm made it ideal for background shots and wider street views that reflect 1940s London. The cast praised Ghent’s resemblance to the period, especially for its brick-lined alleys and well-preserved facades.
Trivia: Ghent was a key location for The White Queen (BBC), Emperor (2012), and several episodes of Les Misérables (2018 miniseries).
Antwerp, Belgium
Known for its mix of classical and gothic architecture, Antwerp added visual depth to Bookish. Its buildings were slightly modified to fit the post-war aesthetic, helping scenes feel more immersive.
Trivia: Antwerp has been used in The Exception (2016) and The Missing (BBC) for similar period transformations.
Charleroi, Belgium
While not as frequently featured, Charleroi contributed supporting sets and scenes. It offered logistical ease for controlled filming, especially for night shots and narrow street settings.
Trivia: Charleroi was a filming location for The Danish Girl and the dark comedy Adoration (2019), both requiring European backdrops with strong character.
Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
Used to shoot minor scenes, this town helped diversify the visual language of the show. Its architecture blends well with the post-war look the production aimed for.
Trivia: Sint-Niklaas has quietly contributed to the backdrop of several European TV dramas, including 1985 (a Belgian political thriller).
London, UK
A few specific exterior shots were filmed in London, most notably outside The Walsingham Hotel, seen in behind-the-scenes clips released in 2024. This helped maintain the show’s British identity and added credibility to the visuals.
Trivia: Many central London spots have previously been seen in shows like Sherlock, Penny Dreadful and The Crown—all of which also blended period drama with stylized mystery.
Production Timeline
The production of Bookish followed a clear timeline, with filming for both seasons moving swiftly due to the show’s early success. Here’s a look at the key milestones:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2024 | Filming for Season 1 began in Belgium |
| May 2025 | Season 2 officially confirmed before the Season 1 premiere |
| Summer 2025 | Filming for Season 2 started in Belgium and is ongoing |
| July 16, 2025 | Season 1 premiered on U&Alibi in the UK and via Sky Box Sets |
How to Watch the Bookish TV Show?
| Region | How to Stream |
|---|
| UK | U&Alibi (TV broadcast); Sky Box Sets, NOW TV (full series on July 16) |
| Australia | Max streaming service from July 16 |
| USA | PBS network, PBS App, DirecTV & YouTube TV (airing in 2025–2026 season) |
| Elsewhere | Available regionally; use VPN for UK/Australia libraries if needed |
Bookish Behind The Scenes
The production team worked hard to recreate the atmosphere of post-war London with accuracy and charm—without actually filming most of it in the UK. According to director Dries Vos, “We wanted to build a London that feels real but also cinematic. Belgium gave us that control while still looking authentic. We just needed to change a few details.”
The filming process involved transforming Belgian streets with era-appropriate props, vehicles, and signage. Gabriel Book’s bookshop, for example, was built from scratch on a set in Namur, down to the weathered bricks and antique-filled interiors.
Actor Mark Gatiss, who also co-created the show and plays the lead, said, “It’s a strange joy seeing a street in Belgium pass for 1946 London. It’s surreal, but it works.”
Meanwhile, executive producer Jo McGrath added, “This show is a love letter to literature, history, and mystery. The cast and crew were incredibly passionate, and that shows in every scene.”
Costume and production designers paid close attention to the fashion and furniture styles of the 1940s, helping to ground the characters in their era.
Bookish Official Trailer
Stay tuned with NetFilming for updates on Season 2 and more behind-the-scenes coverage.
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