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In a calm area of the city, a person can be found on the pavement, sporting a tank top and voicing his thoughts. “I notice myself getting quieter. Harder to see,” says the main character, gazing up at the night sky. “Events have unfolded and currently it seems if I don’t do something, my life will proceed in this minor, harmless existence.” Hungry Paul, his only and only friend, considers these words. “That's perfectly fine,” he replies, his dressing gown moving in the breeze. “Preferable to trying to make a mark and ending up damaging things.”

For those weary by the bluster and fast pace of modern television terrain, the show arrives similar to a foil blanket with a hot drink of a sweet cordial.

Like its gentle leads, this comedy – a six-part program written by Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, adapted from Rónán Hession’s subtle 2019 novel – takes a dim view on contemporary society; looking skeptically above its spectacles on everything in the way of loud sounds, quick actions or – perish the thought – excessive aspiration. The series on the contrary, a celebration of shyness; a subtle homage for those content to wander out of the spotlight. But. The character (one more sublimely idiosyncratic turn by the actor) feels restless. He notices a growing “desire to unlock the entryways within my world … just a bit.” The loss of his beloved mother has pulled the carpet out from under him and Leonard, an anonymous author, now finds himself doubting the choices that directed him to this point (unattached; with a protective mustache; working on several kids' reference books for a boss who signs off messages using the words “ciao for now”).

Thus Leonard launches an exploration for personal satisfaction, with the slightly bolder friend Paul (the actor) functioning as his close companion, guide and ally during their regular gaming session that serves both as discussion (“Is the pool warm from kids relieving themselves, or is it that kids pee because it’s warm?”) and refuge.

(Why “Hungry” Paul? The reason is unknown. The source of the nickname seems forgotten in history. It could be that the postal worker once ate a sandwich in record time, or answered to a socially fraught incident by hastily opening some food items with his teeth).

Arriving in Leonard's calm existence bursts a vibrant character (the performer), a new spring-loaded co-worker who cheerily offers to eliminate his terrible supervisor (the character) at a fire practice. The swift movement audible represents Leonard's calm life undergoing a shake-up.

In other scenes in the first episode of a series focused less on story and more on what younger viewers could describe as “vibes”, we are introduced to Paul's father (the brilliant the actor), a worn-out individual who secretly watches, records then replays daytime quiz shows to amaze his loving spouse using his trivia skills.

Shepherding viewers throughout this minor-key niceness we hear a narrator who closely resembles – and truly is – Julia Roberts. Indeed, the star. If you are thinking, “certainly the presence of a big-name celebrity clashes with the series’ unshowy MO and at first acts merely as an interruption?” you would be correct. However, Roberts acquits herself well, and phrases such as “Leonard’s problem is that he lacks an expression of discovery” help ensure that initial doubts give way though not complete approval, then at least acceptance.

No more criticism at this time. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart has good intentions: which is “resting on a bench alongside similar shows, indicating the duck it loves.” It’s a series that moves gently wearing its simple clothes, at times staring into space, at other times looking at its feet, quietly confident that no experience is in life as uplifting as being alongside dear pals.

Unlock the entryways of your life, slightly, and welcome it inside.