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In a calm area of Dublin, a person stands on the pavement, dressed in a sleeveless jumper and sharing his thoughts. “It seems like I'm becoming more silent. Harder to see,” says the protagonist, staring toward the stars. “Events have unfolded and at this point I believe if I don’t do something, my life will proceed in this minor, harmless existence.” Hungry Paul, Leonard’s best and only friend, reflects on these words. “Nothing wrong with that,” he responds, his bathrobe moving in the breeze. “Better than attempting to leave an impact only to wind up defacing it.”

For those weary by the noise and constant stimulation of today’s TV landscape, Leonard and Hungry Paul steps in like a warm cover and a comforting beverage of a sweet cordial.

In line with its gentle leads, this comedy – a half-dozen installment show developed by Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, based on the author’s understated 2019 novel – takes a dim view toward today's world; gazing disapprovingly through its eyewear on everything in the way of unnecessary noise, quick actions or – heaven forfend – an abundance of ambition. This show rather, a celebration of shyness; a quiet celebration for those happy to wander away from attention. But. He (another distinctly original turn from Alex Lawther) is unsettled. He feels an increasing “desire to unlock the openings within my world … a little.” The recent death of his mother has pulled the carpet out from under him and Leonard, an anonymous author, now feels doubting the decisions that directed him to where he is (unattached; sporting facial hair; writing multiple educational volumes for a man who signs off correspondence saying “see you later”).

Thus Leonard launches an exploration to find happiness, alongside his more outgoing Hungry Paul (Laurie Kynaston) serving as his confidante, guide and co-conspirator in a recurring gaming session that serves both as discussion (“Does the pool feel warm because kids pee in it, or is it that kids pee as it's heated?”) and sanctuary.

(How did Paul get his nickname? It's unclear. The origin of this name is shrouded in history. Perhaps Paul once ate some food very fast, or answered to a tense moment by panic-peeling several snacks by biting into them).

Entering Leonard's quiet life comes a new colleague (the performer), a recent lively co-worker who lightheartedly proposes to kill Leonard’s appalling boss (the character) at a fire practice. That whooshing sound noticeable is Leonard’s gentle world experiencing a revolution.

In other scenes in the initial show of a series focused less on story and centered around what the under-30s may refer to as “vibes”, we are introduced to the older generation (the consistently great the performer), a worn-out individual who secretly watches, records then replays daytime quiz shows to amaze his loving spouse using his trivia skills.

Leading us amidst this minor-key niceness is a narrator that sounds very much like – and truly is – the Hollywood icon. Yes, Julia Roberts. If you are thinking, “surely the presence of a big-name celebrity is at odds with the program's low-key style and initially serves only as a diversion?” you would be correct. Still, Roberts acquits herself well, and dialogue such as “Leonard's challenge is that he lacks a ‘eureka’ face” help ensure that initial doubts yield though not complete approval, then at minimum tolerance.

But that’s enough grumbling for now. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart is in the right place: which is “located on a seat alongside similar shows, indicating its preferred bird.” It’s a series that moves gently in comfortable attire, at times staring toward the sky, sometimes downward toward the ground, calmly assured that there is nothing on Earth as uplifting as being in the company of good friends.

Unlock the entryways in your existence, slightly, and allow it entry.