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In a quiet area of the city, an individual stands on the pavement, sporting a tank top and voicing his thoughts. “It seems like my voice is fading. More invisible,” says the main character, staring up at the night sky. “Events have unfolded and at this point I feel like without a change, I’ll just carry on in this minor, harmless existence.” Hungry Paul, Leonard’s best confidant, ponders the idea. “That's perfectly fine,” he answers, his dressing gown swaying with the wind. “Preferable to attempting to leave an impact and causing harm instead.”

For those exhausted by the noise and rat-tat-tat of modern television offerings, this series steps in as a cozy wrap and a comforting beverage of a sweet cordial.

In line with its harmless protagonists, this comedy – a six-part comedy written by the writing duo, adapted from Rónán Hession’s quiet story – takes a dim view toward today's world; peering critically through its eyewear at anything related to unnecessary noise, quick actions or – goodness forbid – excessive aspiration. The program on the contrary, an ode to introversion; a gentle tribute to people content to amble along out of the spotlight. However. Leonard (one more uniquely quirky turn from Alex Lawther) feels restless. He senses a growing “need to open the doors and windows within my world … just a bit.” The passing of his beloved mother has pulled the carpet away from his feet and Leonard, a writer for others, now realizes reconsidering the paths that have brought him to where he is (unattached; with a protective mustache; writing multiple kids' reference books for a boss who signs off messages with the phrase “see you later”).

Thus Leonard begins himself on a quest for emotional fulfilment, accompanied by the somewhat braver friend Paul (the performer) functioning as his close companion, mentor and partner in a weekly board games evening functioning as both debate (“Does the pool feel warm because kids pee in it, or do kids pee in it because it’s warm?”) and sanctuary.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? It's unclear. The origin of this name seems forgotten in history. Perhaps he on one occasion consumed a sandwich unusually quickly, or reacted to a tense moment by hastily opening several snacks using his teeth).

Arriving in Leonard's calm existence cartwheels a new colleague (the actress), a new energetic associate who happily suggests to eliminate his terrible supervisor (Paul Reid) in a workplace safety exercise. The swift movement noticeable signals Leonard's peaceful routine undergoing a shake-up.

In other scenes in the first episode of this program focused less on story and more by what the under-30s could describe as “atmosphere”, we meet Hungry Paul’s dad (the consistently great the performer), a tired character who privately views, tapes and rewatches daytime quiz shows to dazzle his loving spouse through his fact recall.

Leading the audience through all this gentle kindness we hear a narrator that sounds very much like – and actually is – Julia Roberts. Truly, the star. If you are thinking, “surely the presence of a major Hollywood star contradicts the program's low-key style and starts off as just a distraction?” you would be correct. However, Roberts acquits herself well, and dialogue such as “Leonard's challenge is the missing a look of sudden insight” assist in making sure that early misgivings fade if not quite to appreciation, then at least acceptance.

But that’s enough grumbling for now. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart has good intentions: that place is “resting on a bench next to the Detectorists, pointing out the duck it loves.” The program that strolls leisurely in its sleeveless jumper, occasionally looking up at the stars, at other times looking at its slippers, quietly confident that there is nothing in the world as uplifting as being with dear pals.

Unlock the entryways within your world, just a bit, and welcome it inside.