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In a calm area of Dublin, an individual is standing outside his home, wearing a vest and expressing his feelings. “I notice myself getting quieter. Less noticeable,” remarks Leonard, staring toward the stars. “Circumstances have evolved and currently it seems if I don’t do something, I will continue in this quiet, unremarkable life.” His friend Paul, his only confidant, reflects on this statement. “Nothing wrong with that,” he replies, his dressing gown swaying in the breeze. “Better than attempting to leave an impact and causing harm instead.”

For viewers tired by the noise and constant stimulation of today’s TV offerings, this series comes like a foil blanket and a comforting beverage of Ribena.

Similar to its harmless protagonists, the series – a six-part show developed by its authors, adapted from the novelist’s understated story – casts a critical eye at modern life; looking skeptically through its spectacles at anything related to disturbances, quick actions or – heaven forfend – excessive aspiration. This show is, instead, an ode to introversion; a subtle homage of those content to wander out of the spotlight. However. Leonard (one more uniquely quirky portrayal by the actor) feels restless. He senses a growing “need to open the doors and windows in my existence … a little.” The loss of his parent has pulled the carpet away from his feet and this young man, a ghost writer, now realizes questioning the decisions that have brought him to this point (unattached; sporting facial hair; working on a range of kids' reference books for a man who concludes emails with the phrase “ciao for now”).

And so Leonard launches himself on a quest for personal satisfaction, alongside his more outgoing Paul (the performer) serving as his close companion, life coach and co-conspirator in a recurring gaming session that serves both as debate (“Does the pool feel warm because kids pee in it, or do children urinate as it's heated?”) and sanctuary.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? The reason is unknown. The source of the moniker seems forgotten in mystery. It could be that the postal worker previously devoured a sandwich in record time, or answered to an awkward situation by nervously peeling several snacks by biting into them).

Entering Leonard's quiet life bursts a new colleague (the actress), a recent lively colleague who lightheartedly proposes to get rid of his terrible supervisor (Paul Reid) in a workplace safety exercise. That whooshing sound you can hear signals Leonard's peaceful routine being turned upside down.

Elsewhere during the opening installment of this program focused less on story and more on what the under-30s may refer to as “mood”, viewers encounter Hungry Paul’s dad (the ever-wonderful the actor), a worn-out individual who privately views, saves and reviews television game programs to impress his loving spouse through his fact recall.

Guiding the audience amidst this minor-key niceness is a narrator who closely resembles – and truly is – the famous actress. Yes, the star. If you are thinking, “undoubtedly the inclusion of a major Hollywood star clashes with the show's modest approach and at first acts merely as an interruption?” you're right. Nevertheless, Roberts acquits herself well, and phrases like “Leonard’s problem is the missing an expression of discovery” help ensure that initial doubts give way if not full admiration, then at least acceptance.

But that’s enough grumbling for now. The show's core is well-intentioned: that place is “resting on a bench alongside similar shows, showing its favourite duck.” The program that ambles along in comfortable attire, sometimes gazing upward at the stars, at other times looking at its slippers, calmly assured that there is nothing on Earth as uplifting as being with close companions.

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