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In a calm area of the Irish capital, a man stands outside his home, dressed in a sleeveless jumper and voicing his thoughts. “I feel my voice is fading. More invisible,” says the main character, staring into the darkness. “One thing’s led to another and now it seems unless I take action, my life will proceed in this simple, peaceful routine.” His friend Paul, his only and only friend, reflects on this statement. “That's perfectly fine,” he responds, his bathrobe moving gently. “Superior to attempting to leave an impact only to wind up defacing it.”

For those weary by the bluster and rat-tat-tat of today’s TV offerings, this series steps in like a cozy wrap and warming mug of a sweet cordial.

Like its quiet characters, the series – a six-episode comedy written by Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson, adapted from Rónán Hession’s quiet 2019 novel – looks disapprovingly at modern life; gazing disapprovingly above its eyewear at anything related to unnecessary noise, quick actions or – goodness forbid – too much drive. The program on the contrary, an ode to introversion; a quiet celebration of those happy to amble along out of the spotlight. However. The character (a further uniquely quirky portrayal from the star) feels restless. He feels a growing “need to open the openings of my life … a little.” The loss of his beloved mother has yanked the floor from under his slippers and this young man, a ghost writer, now feels reconsidering the decisions which led him to where he is (alone; defensively moustached; writing several children’s encyclopedias for a boss who concludes messages saying “ciao for now”).

Thus Leonard launches on a journey to find happiness, alongside his more outgoing Hungry Paul (the actor) acting as his trusted friend, mentor and co-conspirator during their regular game night which acts as debate (“Is the pool warm because kids pee in it, or do kids pee in it since it's warm?”) and sanctuary.

(Why “Hungry” Paul? The reason is unknown. The source of this name is shrouded in history. Perhaps the postal worker once ate some food unusually quickly, or responded to a tense moment by panic-peeling four scotch eggs using his teeth).

Into Leonard’s gentle world comes Shelley (the actress), a recent energetic associate who cheerily offers to get rid of Leonard’s appalling boss (the actor) at a fire practice. The rushing noise audible represents Leonard's calm life experiencing a revolution.

In other scenes in the first episode of this program focused less on story and centered around what a modern audience might call “mood”, we are introduced to the older generation (the ever-wonderful Lorcan Cranitch), a worn-out individual who secretly watches, tapes and rewatches trivia competitions to dazzle his adoring wife using his trivia skills.

Leading viewers throughout this gentle kindness we hear a narrator that sounds very much like – and, indeed, very much is – the Hollywood icon. Yes, the celebrity. If you are thinking, “undoubtedly the presence of a major Hollywood star clashes with the program's low-key style and at first acts merely as an interruption?” you're right. Nevertheless, Roberts acquits herself well, and dialogue like “Leonard's challenge is that he lacks an expression of discovery” help ensure that initial doubts fade if not quite to appreciation, then at least acceptance.

No more criticism currently. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart is in the right place: the right place being “resting on a bench alongside similar shows, showing the duck it loves.” It’s a series that moves gently in comfortable attire, at times staring toward the sky, sometimes downward toward the ground, calmly assured that nothing is in life as uplifting as passing time in the company of dear pals.

Open the doors and windows within your world, a little, and welcome it inside.