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In a quiet suburb of the Irish capital, a man is standing on the pavement, sporting a tank top and expressing his concerns. “I notice myself getting quieter. Less noticeable,” says Leonard, staring toward the stars. “Events have unfolded and now it seems without a change, I’ll just carry on in this simple, peaceful routine.” Hungry Paul, his closest companion, ponders this statement. “Nothing wrong with that,” he responds, his bathrobe flapping gently. “Preferable to trying to make a mark and causing harm instead.”

For viewers weary by the chaos and constant stimulation of modern television terrain, this series arrives as a cozy wrap with a hot drink of Ribena.

Like its harmless protagonists, this comedy – a six-episode comedy created by the writing duo, adapted from Rónán Hession’s subtle book – looks disapprovingly on contemporary society; peering skeptically over its spectacles toward anything that involves disturbances, sudden movements or – perish the thought – excessive aspiration. This show is, instead, a celebration of shyness; a quiet celebration of those happy to amble along away from attention. And yet. The character (a further uniquely quirky performance by the actor) feels restless. He senses an increasing “urge to throw open the openings in my existence … just a bit.” The loss of his parent has whisked the rug out from under him and this young man, a writer for others, now realizes reconsidering the decisions that have brought him to where he is (alone; defensively moustached; working on a range of educational volumes for a boss who concludes emails using the words “goodbye for now”).

Thus Leonard begins himself on a quest to find happiness, with the slightly bolder Hungry Paul (the performer) acting as his confidante, guide and partner in a recurring gaming session which acts as discussion (“Does the pool feel warm from kids relieving themselves, or do children urinate as it's heated?”) and safe space.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? No idea. The source of the moniker seems forgotten to the mists of time. Maybe he previously devoured some food in record time, or responded to a tense moment by panic-peeling some food items by biting into them).

Entering Leonard's quiet life cartwheels a new colleague (the actress), a recent spring-loaded co-worker who cheerily offers to eliminate Leonard’s appalling boss (Paul Reid) during the office fire drill. That whooshing sound audible represents Leonard's calm life being turned upside down.

In other scenes in the first episode of the comedy focused less on story and more by what younger viewers could describe as “mood”, we meet Hungry Paul’s dad (the brilliant Lorcan Cranitch), a battered sofa of a man who secretly watches, records then replays daytime quiz shows to dazzle his loving spouse using his trivia skills.

Guiding the audience through all this gentle kindness there is a voiceover that is unmistakably – and, indeed, very much is – Julia Roberts. Yes, Julia Roberts. Should you wonder, “surely the presence of a big-name celebrity contradicts the program's low-key style and starts off as just a diversion?” you're right. Nevertheless, the actress performs admirably, and lines like “Leonard's challenge is that he lacks a ‘eureka’ face” contribute to ensuring that first reservations give way if not full admiration, 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 in the company of gentle comedies, pointing out its preferred bird.” It’s a series that ambles along in its sleeveless jumper, at times staring at the stars, occasionally down at its slippers, calmly assured that there is nothing in life as heartening as being alongside good friends.

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