Wonder Project is expanding its investment in international scripted programming with three projects from the U.K. and Ireland. These include the “Leonard and Hungry Paul,” narrated by Julia Roberts, “You & Me,” executive produced by Russell T Davies and “Rewarding,” a new original commission with BBC Northern Ireland.
“The UK and Ireland have an incredible track record of developing distinctive voices and building shows that travel internationally without losing what makes them unique,” said Tristen Tuckfield, head of content acquisition at Wonder Project. “That’s exactly what we’re interested in — stories that are deeply rooted in a specific world but broadly relatable because of the people and relationships at their center.”
“Leonard and Hungry Paul” is the critically acclaimed Northern Irish series narrated by Oscar winner Roberts. Wonder has acquired exclusive U.S. streaming rights to the six-part series from Avalon, which will be branded as a Wonder Project Original. Based on the novel of the same name, the feel-good series follows two board-gaming friends in their thirties who meander through leafy suburban life finding solace in their quiet routines. Unexpected events prompt both men to meet a world that is suddenly wider and full of unfamiliar possibilities.
The series stars Alex Lawther, Laurie Kynaston and “Derry Girls” star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, and premiered on BBC One Northern Ireland, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer to critical acclaim. “Leonard And Hungry Paul” is a Subotica production for BBC Northern Ireland in association with BBC Comedy, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland and RTÉ, and a co-production with Avalon.
“Following its critical success in the UK and strong international sales, we’re thrilled to partner with Wonder Project to bring ‘Leonard and Hungry Paul’ to U.S. audiences and continue building the series’ momentum around the world,” said Adam Barth, SVP, scripted & digital distribution at Avalon.
Wonder has also secured exclusive U.S. premiere rights to “You & Me,” the three-part drama from “Happy Prince,” part of ITV Studios, executive produced Davies. Originally produced for ITVX, the series stars Harry Lawtey and Jessica Barden and explores love, loss and the possibility of finding happiness again after a profound tragedy. All three parts of “You & Me” will debut on Wonder on Aug 6.
Rounding out the slate is “Rewarding,” a new six-part comedy series commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and Wonder Project with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Made by Conker Pictures, part of Banijay UK, the series is set on the frontlines of domiciliary care and follows the messy lives of support workers and their disabled and neurodivergent clients. Banijay Rights handles international distribution for the series.
“Rewarding” was originally developed as a short pilot episode as part of BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen’s Green Lit scheme — an initiative designed to support and showcase emerging talent in writing, directing, production and acting across Northern Ireland.
“We’re interested in creators who have a deep understanding of the worlds they’re writing about,” said Justin Rosenblatt, head of global TV at Wonder Project. “‘Rewarding’ comes from a place of genuine insight, and that’s what gives the series its humor, specificity and emotional honesty. It’s also what made this partnership with BBC NI such a natural fit. From the beginning, we shared the same creative instincts, vision and ambitions for the series.”
The series features disabled, neurodivergent and learning disabled talent in key roles and draws on Matthew McDevitt’s own experiences in the care system to bring authenticity and nuance to its portrayal of social care. Starring comedian Vittorio Angelone and Hannah McClean, “Rewarding” is expected to premiere on Wonder in late 2026.
“It’s wonderful to see ‘Leonard and Hungry Paul’ and ‘Rewarding,’ both commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland, reaching a wider international audience through Wonder Project,” said Eddie Doyle, head of content commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland.