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In a peaceful suburb of the city, an individual stands on the pavement, wearing a vest and voicing his feelings. “I notice I'm becoming more silent. Less noticeable,” says the main character, gazing up at the night sky. “Circumstances have evolved and at this point I believe unless I take action, my life will proceed in this simple, peaceful routine.” His friend Paul, his only and only friend, reflects on these words. “Nothing wrong with that,” he responds, his dressing gown flapping in the breeze. “Preferable to striving for recognition and ending up damaging things.”

For anyone weary by the noise and constant stimulation of today’s TV terrain, this series arrives as a cozy wrap with a hot drink of blackcurrant juice.

Similar to its gentle leads, this comedy – a six-part show created by its authors, inspired by the novelist’s quiet 2019 novel – casts a critical eye on contemporary society; peering critically above its eyewear toward anything related to disturbances, quick actions or – heaven forfend – too much drive. The series rather, a celebration of shyness; a subtle homage to people content to wander below the parapet. And yet. He (another uniquely quirky turn from Alex Lawther) is unsettled. He feels a growing “desire to unlock the openings of my life … a little.” The loss of his beloved mother has yanked the floor out from under him and the 32-year-old, an anonymous author, now feels doubting the paths that directed him to where he is (alone; sporting facial hair; working on multiple kids' reference books for a man who signs off messages using the words “goodbye for now”).

Thus Leonard launches on a journey for emotional fulfilment, alongside his more outgoing Hungry Paul (the performer) acting as his confidante, guide and co-conspirator during their regular gaming session which acts as symposium (“Is the water heated from kids relieving themselves, or is it that kids pee as it's heated?”) and safe space.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? No idea. The beginning of this name appears lost in history. It could be that the postal worker once ate some food unusually quickly, or reacted to a tense moment by hastily opening several snacks using his teeth).

Arriving in Leonard's calm existence comes Shelley (the actress), a fresh energetic colleague who lightheartedly proposes to eliminate his terrible supervisor (Paul Reid) in a workplace safety exercise. The rushing noise audible is Leonard’s gentle world undergoing a shake-up.

In another part during the opening installment of a series not heavily plotted and more by what the under-30s might call “vibes”, viewers encounter Hungry Paul’s dad (the consistently great Lorcan Cranitch), a tired character who privately views, records then replays trivia competitions to dazzle his adoring wife using his trivia skills.

Shepherding viewers throughout this subtle warmth we hear a narrator who closely resembles – and, indeed, very much is – Julia Roberts. Indeed, Julia Roberts. Should you wonder, “certainly the inclusion of a big-name celebrity contradicts the program's low-key style and starts off as just a distraction?” you would be correct. However, Roberts acquits herself well, and lines like “The issue with Leonard is his absence of a ‘eureka’ face” contribute to ensuring that early misgivings give way if not full admiration, then at minimum tolerance.

Enough complaining currently. The show's core has good intentions: the right place being “located on a seat next to the Detectorists, pointing out the duck it loves.” The program that moves gently in comfortable attire, occasionally looking up into space, at other times looking at its feet, calmly assured that no experience is on Earth as uplifting as being alongside good friends.

Open the doors and windows within your world, slightly, and allow it entry.