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In a calm suburb of Dublin, an individual is standing outside his home, sporting a tank top and expressing his thoughts. “I notice myself getting quieter. Less noticeable,” remarks the protagonist, gazing toward the stars. “Events have unfolded and at this point I believe unless I take action, I’ll just carry on in this simple, peaceful routine.” Paul, his only companion, considers this statement. “Nothing wrong with that,” he responds, his robe flapping gently. “Preferable to attempting to leave an impact and causing harm instead.”

For viewers tired by the noise and rat-tat-tat of current streaming terrain, the show comes as a warm cover and warming mug of a sweet cordial.

Similar to its harmless protagonists, Leonard and Hungry Paul – a half-dozen installment show created by the writing duo, inspired by Rónán Hession’s understated book – looks disapprovingly on contemporary society; gazing critically over its spectacles on everything related to disturbances, quick actions or – perish the thought – an abundance of ambition. The series on the contrary, a celebration of shyness; a gentle tribute for those satisfied to pootle around away from attention. But. He (another sublimely idiosyncratic portrayal by the actor) is uneasy. He notices a growing “urge to throw open the doors and windows within my world … a little.” The passing of his beloved mother has pulled the carpet out from under him and Leonard, an anonymous author, now realizes questioning the paths that directed him to his current situation (single; sporting facial hair; writing multiple educational volumes for a boss who signs off emails using the words “goodbye for now”).

Thus Leonard starts himself on a quest for emotional fulfilment, alongside his more outgoing Paul (the actor) functioning as his confidante, life coach and partner during their regular gaming session functioning as both discussion (“Does the pool feel warm from kids relieving themselves, or do kids pee in it as it's heated?”) and refuge.

(How did Paul get his nickname? It's unclear. The origin of this name seems forgotten to the mists of time. It could be that the postal worker on one occasion consumed some food in record time, or responded to an awkward situation by nervously peeling several snacks with his teeth).

Entering Leonard's quiet life comes Shelley (the performer), a fresh lively colleague who lightheartedly proposes to kill his terrible supervisor (Paul Reid) during the office fire drill. The rushing noise you can hear signals Leonard's peaceful routine being turned upside down.

In other scenes in the first episode of a series focused less on story and more by what the under-30s might call “vibes”, viewers encounter the older generation (the consistently great the actor), a tired character who covertly observes, records then replays trivia competitions to amaze his devoted partner through his fact recall.

Guiding us through all this minor-key niceness there is a voiceover that sounds very much like – and truly is – Julia Roberts. Indeed, Julia Roberts. If you are thinking, “certainly the inclusion of such a famous actor contradicts the series’ unshowy MO and at first acts merely as a distraction?” you're right. Nevertheless, the actress performs admirably, and phrases such as “Leonard’s problem is that he lacks an expression of discovery” assist in making sure that early misgivings yield though not complete approval, then certainly understanding.

But that’s enough grumbling at this time. The series' spirit is in the right place: which is “resting on a bench next to the Detectorists, indicating the duck it loves.” This is a show that strolls leisurely in comfortable attire, sometimes gazing upward toward the sky, occasionally down at its feet, serenely certain that no experience is in the world as heartening as passing time in the company of dear pals.

Unlock the entryways in your existence, just a bit, and allow it entry.