Between the Covers (TV programme)


Between the Covers is a BBC talk show hosted by Sara Cox in which guest stars talk about their favourite books, alongside other book picks as well.
In March 2024, a Between The Covers Live! Tour was announced. The initial run of shows would have show dates in London, Oxford, Nottingham, Birmingham, Reading and Brighton and would feature Jo Brand, Kacey Ainsworth, Stephen Mangan, Joseph O’Connor. The tour would be hosted by the TV series executive producer, Amanda Ross.

Episodes

Series One (2020)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a book of the week pick from 2020, and a book written by one of the guests. These books are:
Book of the Week Pick The Midnight Library by Matt HaigLove After Love by Ingrid Persaud
Book Written By a GuestSex Power Money by Sara PascoeThe Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Series Two (2021)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a book recently published in 2021, and a popular book from 2020. These books are:
2021The Fine Art of Invisible Detection by Robert GoddardShould We Fall Behind by Sharon Duggal
  • Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan
  • Another Life by Jodie Chapman
  • The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
  • The Frequency of Us by Keith Stuart
2020The Vanishing Half by Brit BennettThe Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante

Series Three (2021)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2021 and a Booker Prize backlist gem. These books are:
2021
Booker Prize backlist gems

Series Four (2022)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2022 and a book from the Big Jubilee Read. These books are:
2022
Big Jubilee Read

Series Five (2022)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2022 and one from the Booker Prize back catalogue. These books are:
2022
Booker Prize

Series Six (2023)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2023 and a book set in Europe to celebrate Eurovision.
2023
Eurovision-inspired book

Series Seven (2023)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a new book from 2023 and a classic from the Booker back catalogue.
2023
Booker Prize

Series Eight (2024)

Sara Cox talks to guest stars about their favourite books as well as a book of the week pick from 2024.
2024

Cancellation

On 9 August 2025, the BBC announced it had axed Between the Covers after eight series and it would not return for a ninth series in the autumn.