Hugh Laurie (who also directed the initial three episodes of the series) stars as Paul Slippery, a doctor facing a mid-life crisis.

His three sons, Rory (Benedict Cumberbatch), a student at the fictitious University of Reigate, Daniel (Neil Henry) and Edwin (Joe Van Moyland), are sex-obsessed.

Other important characters include Paul's colleague and nemesis, Dr. Ronnie Pilfrey (Peter Capaldi), and Estelle's new employer, Gwendolen Hartley (Sheila Hancock).

Although a ratings failure on first transmission, leading to it being moved to an off-peak timeslot midway through the run, the appearance of Laurie, Cumberbatch and Capaldi, all of whom went on to greater fame, has subsequently led the series to sell well on DVD.

Estelle discovers that her new job disappeared during a managerial restructuring of her company and leaves a vague message on Rory's phone that leads Paul to suspect that she is a lesbian.

Rory starts his new job at a homeless shelter where he recognizes an old fellow cast member who played Macbeth.

Edwin arrives at the clinic in a suit for lunch with Paul and is mistaken by Dr Pilfrey as a National Health Service inspector.

Edwin purchases a herbal aphrodisiac containing essence of "rudeberry" and convinces Rory, Daniel, Lucy, Laura, and their cousin, Woj, to pull a con on Paul.

Thinking Estelle is having affairs with all of his oldest friends, Paul makes a play for fellow GP, Surinder.