Prepare to be captivated by the most uneventful yet utterly engrossing show you’ll ever watch—Leonard and Hungry Paul, a droll Dublin dramedy narrated by none other than Julia Roberts. Think of it as Normal People for the intellectually inclined, but with a twist that’ll make you question why you’re so hooked on nothing happening. And here’s where it gets controversial: is this the ultimate antidote to fast-paced, plot-driven TV, or just a masterclass in testing your patience? Let’s dive in.
If Waiting for Godot is the epitome of theatrical minimalism, then this charming adaptation of Rónán Hession’s novel takes it a step further. In Leonard and Hungry Paul, the art of nothingness becomes a mesmerizing spectacle. It’s like watching paint dry, but somehow, you’re on the edge of your seat. How does it pull this off? By embracing the mundane with such warmth and wit that it becomes irresistible.
Meet Leonard (played by Alex Lawther), a man so laid-back he’s practically horizontal. Picture the human equivalent of a polo shirt buttoned to the very top—introverted, in his 30s, and living almost entirely inside his own head. Reality only intrudes when his beloved mother passes away, forcing him to confront the world he’s been avoiding. His best friend, Hungry Paul (Laurie Kynaston), is a Ludo enthusiast and postal worker who still lives at home with his doting mother (Helen Behan) and a father (Lorcan Cranitch) who cheats at quiz shows by watching them in advance. If you’re a fan of whimsy, grab a seat—this is your show.
But here’s the part most people miss: Why is Paul called ‘Hungry’? Just like in the 2019 novel, the answer remains a mystery. And why does a series set in suburban Dublin (though the city is never explicitly named) feature narration by Hollywood’s Julia Roberts? Her voiceover, reminiscent of Ron Howard’s wry tone in Arrested Development, adds an unexpected layer of charm. It’s a bold choice, but does it work? That’s up for debate.
Despite its slow pace, Leonard and Hungry Paul defies the odds by rarely feeling dreary. The likeability of the lead actors—neither Irish but nailing the accent—keeps the script afloat. There’s darkness, too, particularly in the opening scene of Leonard’s mother’s death. Yet, the first two episodes are remarkably free of nastiness. Even when Leonard, a clueless encyclopedia writer, is roped into a date by a colleague trying to make her ex jealous, the feel-good vibe persists. It’s a show that celebrates the bittersweet beauty of everyday life.
A faint whisper of a plot emerges when Leonard’s office welcomes Shelley (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell from Derry Girls), on whom he develops a painfully geeky crush. She’s outgoing and blunt; he’s afraid of his own shadow. Will anything ever happen between them? You’ll have to keep watching to find out. But here’s the kicker: this show isn’t for everyone. If whimsy grates on your nerves, or if you’ve had your fill of Wes Anderson-esque quirkiness this year, Leonard and Hungry Paul might test your limits.
But here’s the controversial bit: While the show avoids the stereotype of the privileged ‘nice guy’ verging on incel territory, does it truly capture the essence of geekdom? In reality, Leonard and Paul might be more into Magic: The Gathering or BattleTech than Ludo. Is this a missed opportunity, or a deliberate choice to keep things accessible? Let’s discuss in the comments.
What makes Leonard and Hungry Paul truly shine is its understated portrayal of Irish life. It’s Normal People for nerds, but without the fanfare or pretension. The less that happens in Leonard and Paul’s lives, the more fascinating it becomes. This is a quietly uplifting show that reminds us to find joy in the mundane. So, is it a masterpiece of minimalism or a slow-burn snooze-fest? You decide.
