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In a peaceful neighborhood of the city, a person stands on the pavement, wearing a tank top and expressing his thoughts. “I feel my voice is fading. Less noticeable,” remarks the protagonist, looking into the darkness. “Events have unfolded and currently it seems if I don’t do something, my life will proceed in this minor, harmless existence.” Hungry Paul, Leonard’s best companion, ponders these words. “There's no harm in that,” he answers, his bathrobe swaying in the breeze. “Better than striving for recognition only to wind up defacing it.”

For viewers exhausted by the bluster and fast pace of today’s TV offerings, this series steps in as a cozy wrap and warming mug of blackcurrant juice.

Like its quiet characters, this comedy – a half-dozen installment show developed by the writing duo, based on Rónán Hession’s understated book – casts a critical eye toward today's world; gazing disapprovingly over its prematurely middle-aged glasses at anything related to disturbances, sudden movements or – goodness forbid – an abundance of ambition. The program is, instead, a celebration of shyness; a subtle homage of those satisfied to wander below the parapet. However. He (one more uniquely quirky portrayal from Alex Lawther) is unsettled. He senses an increasing “desire to unlock the doors and windows of my life … just a bit.” The recent death of his mother has pulled the carpet from under his slippers and this young man, a writer for others, now feels questioning the decisions that directed him to his current situation (alone; sporting facial hair; writing a range of children’s encyclopedias for a boss who ends messages with the phrase “ciao for now”).

Therefore Leonard starts himself on a quest for emotional fulfilment, accompanied by the somewhat braver Paul (Laurie Kynaston) functioning as his confidante, mentor and partner in a recurring gaming session functioning as both discussion (“Is the water heated due to children urinating, or do kids pee in it because it’s warm?”) and refuge.

(Why “Hungry” Paul? No idea. The origin of the moniker seems forgotten in mystery. It could be that Paul previously devoured some food very fast, or responded to an awkward situation by nervously peeling several snacks by biting into them).

Entering Leonard's quiet life cartwheels a new colleague (the performer), a new lively colleague who happily suggests to get rid of his terrible supervisor (the actor) at a fire practice. That whooshing sound audible represents Leonard's calm life being turned upside down.

Elsewhere in the first episode of this program not heavily plotted and centered around what the under-30s might call “atmosphere”, we meet Paul's father (the brilliant the actor), a tired character who privately views, tapes and rewatches trivia competitions to impress his loving spouse using his trivia skills.

Guiding viewers amidst this gentle kindness there is a voiceover who closely resembles – and truly is – the Hollywood icon. Indeed, the celebrity. In case you're considering, “certainly the inclusion of a big-name celebrity contradicts the show's modest approach and initially serves only as an interruption?” you're right. However, the actress performs admirably, and dialogue such as “The issue with Leonard is that he lacks a look of sudden insight” assist in making sure that first reservations yield if not quite to appreciation, then at minimum tolerance.

Enough complaining currently. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart has good intentions: the right place being “resting on a bench in the company of gentle comedies, showing the duck it loves.” The program that ambles along in its sleeveless jumper, occasionally looking up at the stars, sometimes downward at its feet, calmly assured that no experience is in the world as cheering as spending time alongside good friends.

Throw open the portals in your existence, slightly, and welcome it inside.