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In a quiet suburb of Dublin, a person can be found in his driveway, dressed in a sleeveless jumper and expressing his concerns. “I feel I'm becoming more silent. Harder to see,” says the protagonist, staring toward the stars. “Events have unfolded and at this point I believe without a change, I will continue in this simple, peaceful routine.” Paul, his only companion, reflects on this statement. “That's perfectly fine,” he replies, his dressing gown swaying with the wind. “Better than trying to make a mark and ending up damaging things.”

For anyone tired by the bluster and rat-tat-tat of current streaming landscape, this series steps in similar to a foil blanket and a comforting beverage of blackcurrant juice.

Like its gentle leads, the series – a half-dozen installment comedy developed by its authors, inspired by the novelist’s understated 2019 novel – takes a dim view at modern life; gazing disapprovingly over its spectacles at anything related to disturbances, abrupt changes or – goodness forbid – an abundance of ambition. The series on the contrary, an ode to introversion; a quiet celebration to people satisfied to pootle around away from attention. However. Leonard (one more sublimely idiosyncratic portrayal from the star) feels restless. He feels an increasing “desire to unlock the doors and windows in my existence … just a bit.” The recent death of his mother has yanked the floor out from under him and this young man, a writer for others, now realizes questioning the decisions which led him to where he is (single; sporting facial hair; writing multiple children’s encyclopedias for an employer who ends messages using the words “ciao for now”).

Therefore Leonard launches on a journey for emotional fulfilment, alongside his more outgoing Hungry Paul (the performer) serving as his trusted friend, guide and co-conspirator in a weekly board games evening that serves both as discussion (“Does the pool feel warm because kids pee in it, or do children urinate since it's warm?”) and sanctuary.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? The reason is unknown. The source of this name is shrouded to the mists of time. Perhaps the postal worker on one occasion consumed some food very fast, or reacted to an awkward situation by hastily opening four scotch eggs by biting into them).

Into Leonard’s gentle world bursts a vibrant character (the actress), a recent lively co-worker who lightheartedly proposes to get rid of Leonard’s appalling boss (the character) at a fire practice. The swift movement audible is Leonard’s gentle world being turned upside down.

In another part in the first episode of this program driven less by plot and more on what the under-30s might call “mood”, we are introduced to Paul's father (the brilliant the performer), a worn-out individual who covertly observes, records then replays television game programs to impress his loving spouse using his trivia skills.

Shepherding viewers through all this gentle kindness we hear a narrator that is unmistakably – and actually is – the Hollywood icon. Indeed, the star. In case you're considering, “undoubtedly the use of a major Hollywood star clashes with the series’ unshowy MO and at first acts merely as an interruption?” that's accurate. However, the actress performs admirably, and lines for example “The issue with Leonard is his absence of a look of sudden insight” assist in making sure that first reservations fade if not quite to appreciation, then at least acceptance.

But that’s enough grumbling currently. The show's core is well-intentioned: the right place being “resting on a bench in the company of gentle comedies, showing its favourite duck.” The program that moves gently in its sleeveless jumper, sometimes gazing upward into space, occasionally down at its feet, serenely certain that nothing is on Earth as uplifting as being alongside dear pals.

Unlock the entryways of your life, slightly, and allow it entry.