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In a calm neighborhood of the city, an individual is standing on the pavement, sporting a tank top and expressing his thoughts. “I notice myself getting quieter. Less noticeable,” says Leonard, staring up at the night sky. “Events have unfolded and at this point I feel like without a change, my life will proceed in this minor, harmless existence.” His friend Paul, his only confidant, considers these words. “That's perfectly fine,” he answers, his dressing gown swaying gently. “Preferable to attempting to leave an impact and causing harm instead.”

For those exhausted by the noise and constant stimulation of current streaming offerings, the show steps in similar to a cozy wrap with a hot drink of a sweet cordial.

Like its gentle leads, Leonard and Hungry Paul – a six-episode comedy developed by Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, based on Rónán Hession’s quiet book – takes a dim view at modern life; gazing disapprovingly over its prematurely middle-aged glasses at anything related to disturbances, quick actions or – heaven forfend – an abundance of ambition. The series rather, a tribute to quiet people; a subtle homage to people satisfied to wander below the parapet. But. The character (a further sublimely idiosyncratic portrayal by the actor) is unsettled. He senses an increasing “desire to unlock the doors and windows of my life … just a bit.” The passing of his parent has whisked the rug away from his feet and Leonard, an anonymous author, now feels questioning the choices that directed him to his current situation (unattached; with a protective mustache; writing a range of educational volumes for an employer who signs off messages saying “goodbye for now”).

And so Leonard launches on a journey to find happiness, alongside his more outgoing friend Paul (the performer) acting as his close companion, life coach and ally in a weekly board games evening functioning as both discussion (“Is the water heated from kids relieving themselves, or do kids pee in it because it’s warm?”) and safe space.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? It's unclear. The beginning of this name seems forgotten in history. Perhaps the postal worker once ate some food unusually quickly, or answered to a socially fraught incident by panic-peeling some food items by biting into them).

Into Leonard’s gentle world comes Shelley (the actress), a new energetic colleague who lightheartedly proposes to get rid of his terrible supervisor (Paul Reid) during the office fire drill. The swift movement noticeable signals Leonard's peaceful routine undergoing a shake-up.

In another part during the opening installment of a series not heavily plotted and more by what younger viewers could describe as “mood”, we meet Hungry Paul’s dad (the brilliant the actor), a tired character who covertly observes, tapes and rewatches television game programs to impress his adoring wife with his general knowledge.

Leading viewers through all this subtle warmth is a narrator that is unmistakably – and truly is – Julia Roberts. Truly, the star. In case you're considering, “surely the presence of a big-name celebrity is at odds with the show's modest approach and starts off as just a distraction?” that's accurate. Still, the actress performs admirably, and phrases for example “The issue with Leonard is that he lacks a look of sudden insight” help ensure that early misgivings give way though not complete approval, then at least acceptance.

No more criticism for now. The series' spirit is well-intentioned: that place is “located on a seat alongside similar shows, showing its preferred bird.” The program that ambles along in comfortable attire, occasionally looking up into space, at other times looking at its feet, quietly confident that there is nothing on Earth as heartening as spending time alongside dear pals.

Unlock the entryways within your world, a little, and allow it entry.