Fortysomething is a 2003 British comedy-drama series, starring and directed by Hugh Laurie as Paul Slippery, a doctor facing a mid-life crisis. His wife Estelle is starting a new career as a headhunter. His three sons, Rory, a student at the fictitious University of Reigate, Daniel and Edwin, are sex-obsessed. Meanwhile, Paul appears to hear the inner thoughts of others.
Other important characters include Paul's colleague and nemesis, Dr. Ronnie Pilfrey, and Estelle's new employer, Gwendolen Hartley.
The series was written by Nigel Williams based on his 1999 novel of the same name. The six episodes of the series were broadcast on ITV. Although a ratings failure on first transmission, leading to it being moved to an off-peak timeslot midway through the run, the appearance of several actors who went on to greater fame has subsequently led the series to sell well on DVD.
Best Episodes of Fortysomething
Episode Three
S1 Ep3
8.2
13th Jul 2003
Paul is feeling paranoid. Dr Pilfrey is busy sending love e-mails to Paul's wife, Estelle, and Paul's youngest son Edwin has been forging encouraging replies.
Episode Six
S1 Ep6
8.0
9th Aug 2003
Paul starts hearing voices again, Estelle is upset - and they still haven't had sex. Gwendolen offers Estelle somewhere to stay while she sorts herself out. And Pilfrey hypnotises Paul to make chicken noises whenever he is sexually aroused. Written by Nigel Williams.
Worst Episodes of Fortysomething
Pilot
S1 Ep1
6.7
29th Jun 2003
Set in the west London suburb of Putney. Paul Slippery a sexually frustrated, red-tape wrapped GP is jealous of his three promiscuous teenage sons – Rory, Jack and Edwin – and thinks his wife Estelle may be having a lesbian affair.
Episode Two
S1 Ep2
7.0
6th Jul 2003
Paul promises Estelle that he will cook a romantic meal, but has difficulty getting everyone out of the house. When Estelle's boss asks her to take Pilfrey out to lunch, Paul jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Fortysomething Episode Guide
Pilot
S1 Ep1
6.7
29th Jun 2003
Set in the west London suburb of Putney. Paul Slippery a sexually frustrated, red-tape wrapped GP is jealous of his three promiscuous teenage sons – Rory, Jack and Edwin – and thinks his wife Estelle may be having a lesbian affair.
Episode Two
S1 Ep2
7.0
6th Jul 2003
Paul promises Estelle that he will cook a romantic meal, but has difficulty getting everyone out of the house. When Estelle's boss asks her to take Pilfrey out to lunch, Paul jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Episode Three
S1 Ep3
8.2
13th Jul 2003
Paul is feeling paranoid. Dr Pilfrey is busy sending love e-mails to Paul's wife, Estelle, and Paul's youngest son Edwin has been forging encouraging replies.
Episode Four
S1 Ep4
7.5
20th Jul 2003
Edwin makes Paul buy from him a love potion which makes Paul thinks that it will help him to have sex with Estelle but gains the opposite resault.
In attempt to reconcil with her he sneaks into a lecture that Estelle is having for women. Also, Laura and Lucy introduce Woj to Edwin.
Episode Five
S1 Ep5
8.0
27th Jul 2003
Paul suspects Estelle is having an affair which makes him getting himself by mistake to an AA meeting which makes everyone to think that he is an alcoholic.
Episode Six
S1 Ep6
8.0
9th Aug 2003
Paul starts hearing voices again, Estelle is upset - and they still haven't had sex. Gwendolen offers Estelle somewhere to stay while she sorts herself out. And Pilfrey hypnotises Paul to make chicken noises whenever he is sexually aroused. Written by Nigel Williams.
