Leonard and Hungry Paul
| Leonard and Hungry Paul | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy drama |
| Based on | Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession |
| Screenplay by | Richie Conroy Mark Hodkinson |
| Directed by | Andrew Chaplin |
| Starring | |
| Narrated by | Julia Roberts |
| Country of origin | Republic of Ireland United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | RTÉ BBC Northern Ireland |
| Release | 17 October 2025 – present |
Leonard and Hungry Paul is an Irish comedy-drama television series for RTÉ and BBC Northern Ireland. Released on 17 October 2025, it is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Rónán Hession. The series is narrated by Julia Roberts and follows the quiet, introspective lives of two friends navigating small but meaningful changes in suburban Dublin. It combines gentle humour with character-driven storytelling, emphasising friendship, personal growth and the subtle drama of ordinary life.
Premise
[edit]Leonard and Hungry Paul are two friends who bond over board games in suburban Dublin.[1] Leonard is a reserved writer of children’s encyclopaedias who has lived a largely solitary life, while Hungry Paul is more easygoing and content with casual employment. When Leonard experiences a personal loss, the pair navigate subtle changes in their routines, relationships, and social lives. The series explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the quiet value of ordinary life, balancing gentle humour with introspective character development. The narrative focuses on small, meaningful moments rather than dramatic events, emphasising character interactions and emotional nuance.
Cast
[edit]- Alex Lawther as Leonard
- Laurie Kynaston as Hungry Paul
- Jamie-Lee O'Donnell as Shelley
- Helen Behan
- Lorcan Cranitch
- Niamh Branigan
- Paul Reid
- Charlotte McCurry as Rhona
- David O’Reilly
- Julia Roberts as Narrator
Production
[edit]The six-part series was adapted by Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson from the 2019 novel Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession.[2] It is directed by Andrew Chaplin and produced by Subotica for BBC Northern Ireland in association with BBC Comedy, Screen Ireland and RTÉ. Avalon serves as co-producer and handles international distribution.[3]
The cast is led by Alex Lawther as Leonard, Laurie Kynaston as Hungry Paul, and Jamie-Lee O'Donnell as Shelley. Supporting cast includes Helen Behan and Lorcan Cranitch.[4] The series is narrated by Julia Roberts, who said: "Leonard and Hungry Paul is such a magical book. I am delighted to be a tiny part of this novel becoming a television series."[5]
Filming took place in Dublin in May 2025, with first-look images and promotional material released in August 2025.[6][7]
References
[edit]- ^ "BBC commissions new comedies for Diane Morgan & Rob Brydon". Cultbox. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ Whittock, Jesse; Goldbart, Max (20 May 2025). "Laurie Kynaston, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell & Alex Lawther Leading Feel-Good Drama Series 'Leonard And Hungry Paul' For BBC & RTÉ". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ "BBC iPlayer announces Leonard and Hungry Paul". Press Party. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
- ^ McLaughlin, Sophie (15 August 2025). "Leonard And Hungry Paul: First look at new comedy drama starring Derry Girls' Jamie-Lee O'Donnell". Belfast Live. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ "Julia Roberts narrates Leonard and Hungry Paul for BBC". Press Party. Retrieved 25 August 2025.
- ^ "Derry Girls' Jamie-Lee O'Donnell begins filming new feel good comedy based on best-selling novel". Irish News. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ McGeehan, Rebecca (15 August 2025). "Derry Girls actor Jamie-Lee O'Donnell to star in comedy drama Leonard and Hungry Paul". Derry Journal. Retrieved 15 August 2025.