What to read after When Gavin Met Stacey: 17 books for TV-obsessed readers

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If you finished reading the November book selection from the TopMob Book Club, sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante, you’re probably looking for similar reads.

When Gavin Met Stacey: And Everything In Between is the behind-the-scenes story of the beloved TV sitcom, as told by its creators, Ruth Jones and James Corden. It details how the show came to be, from the very beginning.

From a small start – Corden attending a wedding with an interesting group of friends – to the series finale watched by over 19 million viewers, this is the complete story of the sitcom that won the nation’s affection.

You don’t need to be a fan of the show to enjoy this, but anyone interested in how TV shows are made would likely find it fascinating.

Looking for a new book to enjoy while relaxing in front of the TV? Keep reading to discover some great options, both fiction and non-fiction.

17 books to read after When Gavin Met Stacey

  • Parky: My Autobiography by Michael Parkinson
  • The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff
  • Normal People: The Scripts by Sally Rooney, Alice Birch and Mark O’Rowe
  • We’re Falling Through Space: Doctor Who and Celebrating the Mundane by J David Reed
  • Succession season one: The Complete Scripts by Jesse Armstrong
  • Inside No. 9: The Scripts series 1-3 by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith
  • Love That Journey For Me: The Queer Revolution of Schitt’s Creek by Emily Garside
  • Lush! by Joanna Page
  • Peaky Blinders – The Real Gangs and Gangsters by Carl Chinn
  • Out of Character by Alison Steadman
  • This Time Next Year by David Jason
  • Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones
  • No Lessons Learned: The Making of Curb Your Enthusiasm by Larry David
  • Fleabag: The Scriptures by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
  • TV: Big Adventures on the Small Screen by Peter Kay
  • Life on Air by Sir David Attenborough
  • Poirot and Me by David Suchet

Parky: My Autobiography by Michael Parkinson

Michael Parkinson, often known as Parky, was one of the most celebrated interviewers ever. In his new autobiography, he shares stories from his remarkable career, starting from the beginning, and filled with the wit and humor he was famous for.

The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff

Radloff’s book takes you behind the scenes of The Big Bang Theory, starting from the very beginning. It features interviews with the actors and crew who made the show a global hit, sharing heartfelt and moving stories in a definitive tribute to the beloved sitcom.

Normal People: The Scripts by Sally Rooney, Alice Birch and Mark O’Rowe

Sally Rooney’s novel, Normal People, gained huge popularity after the BBC television adaptation became a global success. This book features the full scripts from the Emmy-nominated series, along with memorable photos from the show and a foreword by director Lenny Abrahamson.

We’re Falling Through Space: Doctor Who and Celebrating the Mundane by J David Reed

Reed’s essay investigates what truly makes Doctor Who fantastical—is it the show’s alien settings, or the surprisingly relatable everyday experiences of its characters? This insightful analysis is perfect for academic fans looking for a deeper understanding of the BBC series beyond typical reviews and discussions.

Succession season 1: The Complete Scripts by Jesse Armstrong

This book contains the complete scripts from the first season of Succession, revealing Logan Roy’s search for someone to take over his company in unprecedented detail. It also includes extra content like cut scenes and different versions of lines and stage directions, giving readers a special look at how the show was created.

Inside No. 9: The Scripts series 1-3 by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith

This fantastic collection takes you behind the scenes of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith’s celebrated and quirky comedy series. Discover how the show’s hilarious and clever stories were developed through their brilliant scripts.

Love That Journey For Me: The Queer Revolution of Schitt’s Creek by Emily Garside

This book offers an informal look at the TV show Schitt’s Creek, exploring how it changed the way LGBTQ+ stories are told. It examines everything from the show’s unique setting to how creator Dan Levy consistently challenged typical tropes, ultimately arguing that the comedy has become a significant part of popular culture.

Lush! by Joanna Page

Joanna Page, known for hosting the TopMob Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante, released her autobiography in 2025, and it’s a truly engaging read. The book offers a candid and often funny look at her life, from her childhood and move to London, to her famous role as Stacey in Gavin & Stacey.

Peaky Blinders – The Real Gangs and Gangsters by Carl Chinn

Historian Carl Chinn reveals the true story of the Peaky Blinders, the gangs who inspired the popular TV show. He paints a compelling and often disturbing picture of Birmingham during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, exploring the backgrounds and rise to fame of these ruthless groups.

Out of Character by Alison Steadman

As a lifelong fan of Alison Steadman, I’m so excited about her memoir! She’s been a constant presence on British TV for ages, and it’s wonderful she’s finally sharing her life story. From her childhood in post-war Liverpool to landing her big roles, it sounds like a really honest and funny read – and knowing her, it’s bound to be full of warmth and personality. I can already tell it’s going to be fantastic!

This Time Next Year by David Jason

David Jason, famous for playing the beloved Derek Trotter, shares his life story in this candid memoir. He describes his childhood growing up in North Finchley during and after the Blitz, and how he eventually found success on stage – a journey that wasn’t always easy. Readers can expect Jason’s signature warmth and humor throughout this must-read for fans of British comedy.

Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

This biography offers a complete look at the life of Jim Henson, the incredibly innovative and creative artist behind beloved characters like Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, and Miss Piggy. Beyond The Muppets, the book reveals a fascinating story of Henson’s life that many people don’t know.

No Lessons Learned: The Making of Curb Your Enthusiasm by Larry David

This book offers a behind-the-scenes look at Curb Your Enthusiasm, one of America’s most popular comedies. Featuring insights from Larry David, the show’s creators, cast, and guest stars, it explores how the show was made and revisits its most memorable scenes. It also includes a glossary explaining some of Larry David’s unique terms, such as ‘stop-and-chat’ and ‘pig parker,’ to help you understand his world.

Fleabag: The Scriptures by Phoebe Waller-Bridge

This beautiful book features the complete scripts and original stage directions from Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s acclaimed comedy series. Get ready for some unexpected surprises and lots of humor as you explore the world she built for the BBC.

TV: Big Adventures on the Small Screen by Peter Kay

Everyone knows Peter Kay loves television, and his new autobiography is a funny look back at his childhood in Bolton, where watching TV was a nightly family ritual. He shares his humorous memories of the shows he enjoyed before he became a TV star himself with hits like Phoenix Nights and Max & Paddy, and even talks about his memorable appearance on Doctor Who.

Life on Air by Sir David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough is a highly celebrated television personality, famous for his incredible natural history filmmaking over the past sixty years. In this book, he shares stories about the fascinating people and animals he’s encountered while creating television programs.

Poirot and Me by David Suchet

David Suchet shares his experiences portraying the famous Hercule Poirot, a role he played for nearly 25 years. He reflects on his time as the beloved Belgian detective while filming what would be his final episode.

Stay up-to-date with the RT Book Club! Visit The TopMob Book Club, sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante, for news, author interviews, Q&As, and reviews of past selections.

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2025-11-18 10:36