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In a calm neighborhood of the Irish capital, an individual can be found in his driveway, dressed in a tank top and sharing his concerns. “It seems like I'm becoming more silent. More invisible,” states the main character, gazing up at the night sky. “One thing’s led to another and at this point I feel like without a change, I will continue in this minor, harmless existence.” Hungry Paul, Leonard’s best companion, reflects on this statement. “Nothing wrong with that,” he answers, his dressing gown moving in the breeze. “Superior to trying to make a mark only to wind up defacing it.”

For those exhausted by the chaos and rat-tat-tat of current streaming offerings, this series steps in similar to a cozy wrap and a comforting beverage of Ribena.

In line with its harmless protagonists, this comedy – a six-part show written by its authors, based on Rónán Hession’s subtle book – casts a critical eye on contemporary society; gazing disapprovingly above its prematurely middle-aged glasses at anything that involves loud sounds, abrupt changes or – perish the thought – too much drive. The series is, instead, a tribute to quiet people; a gentle tribute for those satisfied to amble along below the parapet. And yet. He (another distinctly original turn from Alex Lawther) feels restless. He feels a growing “urge to throw open the entryways within my world … just a bit.” The passing of his mother has yanked the floor from under his slippers and the 32-year-old, a ghost writer, now realizes questioning the paths which led him to this point (single; with a protective mustache; writing several children’s encyclopedias for a man who concludes correspondence with the phrase “ciao for now”).

Therefore Leonard starts an exploration for emotional fulfilment, with the slightly bolder Paul (the actor) acting as his confidante, guide and co-conspirator in a weekly gaming session functioning as both debate (“Is the pool warm due to children urinating, or is it that kids pee since it's warm?”) and refuge.

(How did Paul get his nickname? The reason is unknown. The beginning of the moniker is shrouded in mystery. Maybe the postal worker previously devoured a sandwich unusually quickly, or responded to an awkward situation by nervously peeling some food items using his teeth).

Entering Leonard's quiet life bursts Shelley (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), a recent energetic associate who lightheartedly proposes to eliminate Leonard’s appalling boss (the actor) at a fire practice. The rushing noise noticeable is Leonard’s gentle world undergoing a shake-up.

In another part in the initial show of this program not heavily plotted and centered around what a modern audience could describe as “vibes”, we are introduced to Hungry Paul’s dad (the brilliant Lorcan Cranitch), a battered sofa of a man who privately views, tapes and rewatches trivia competitions to amaze his loving spouse through his fact recall.

Guiding us throughout this minor-key niceness there is a voiceover who closely resembles – and, indeed, very much is – the Hollywood icon. Indeed, Julia Roberts. In case you're considering, “surely the presence of such a famous actor is at odds with the series’ unshowy MO and initially serves only as an interruption?” you would be correct. Still, Roberts acquits herself well, and lines for example “Leonard's challenge is his absence of a look of sudden insight” contribute to ensuring that initial doubts yield though not complete approval, then certainly understanding.

Enough complaining for now. The show's core has good intentions: which is “located on a seat next to the Detectorists, showing the duck it loves.” The program that strolls leisurely wearing its simple clothes, at times staring into space, at other times looking at its feet, calmly assured that nothing is in life as uplifting as spending time alongside dear pals.

Unlock the entryways within your world, slightly, and welcome it inside.