HBO Max has given a series order for the comedy How To Be a Bookie, from Chuck Lorre, Nick Bakay and Warner Bros. Television. Sebastian Maniscalco is set to star.

The order is for eight episodes.

Lorre and Bakay will co-write, and they will executive produce with Maniscalco and Judi Marmel. The single-camera comedy sees a veteran bookie struggling to survive the impending legalization of sports gambling, increasingly unstable clients, family, co-workers and a lifestyle that bounces him around every corner of Los Angeles.

“It's very exciting to have the next comedy series from Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros. Television,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max Content. “We have been fans of Sebastian's for several years and look forward to what these brilliant comedic voices put together for HBO Max.”

Lorre’s shows include The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men and The Kominsky Method.

“It’s an absolute dream to work with Sebastian Maniscalco—whom I’ve been a fan of for years,” said Lorre. “To have my first project at HBO Max with such an incredibly gifted comedian and alongside Nick Bakay is the trifecta. I can’t wait to get started.”

A comedian, Maniscalco’s TV work includes the Discovery Plus series Well Done With Sebastian Maniscalco and the films The Irishman and Green Book.

“I’m thrilled that How to Be a Bookie, from Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay, and starring Sebastian Maniscalco, one of the greatest stand-up comics working today, is moving forward at HBO Max,” said Channing Dungey, chairman, Warner Bros. Television Group. “This smart, subversive, and hilarious series will be the next great comedy on HBO Max, continuing the successful partnership between Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.” ■

Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco was named host of MTV’s Video Music Awards.

The VMAs will appear live on Aug. 26 from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

The announcement was made Tuesday on The Tonight Show.

Maniscalco has a comedy special on Netflix and his book Stay Hungry was a best seller. He’s also appeared in movies including Green Book and the upcoming The Irishman.

“We’re thrilled to have the incredibly talented Sebastian Maniscalco as this year’s VMA host,” said Bruce Gillmer, MTV VMAs’ executive producer, global head of music and talent, Viacom and co-brand head, MTV International. “Sebastian is on fire right now and his comedic spin on relatable topics will make this year’s show truly unforgettable.”

This year’s VMAs are sponsored by Extra Refreshers, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Toyota Corolla.