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In a calm area of the city, a person is standing outside his home, dressed in a tank top and expressing his thoughts. “It seems like myself getting quieter. Less noticeable,” says the main character, gazing into the darkness. “One thing’s led to another and at this point I believe without a change, my life will proceed in this quiet, unremarkable life.” Hungry Paul, Leonard’s best companion, considers this statement. “That's perfectly fine,” he responds, his dressing gown moving with the wind. “Better than trying to make a mark only to wind up defacing it.”

For those weary by the bluster and rat-tat-tat of today’s TV offerings, the show steps in like a cozy wrap with a hot drink of blackcurrant juice.

In line with its harmless protagonists, the series – a six-episode comedy written by the writing duo, adapted from the novelist’s subtle 2019 novel – takes a dim view at modern life; looking skeptically over its eyewear on everything in the way of unnecessary noise, sudden movements or – perish the thought – excessive aspiration. This show rather, a tribute to quiet people; a subtle homage for those satisfied to amble along below the parapet. However. Leonard (one more distinctly original portrayal from Alex Lawther) feels restless. He senses a growing “urge to throw open the entryways in my existence … a little.” The recent death of his beloved mother has yanked the floor away from his feet and the 32-year-old, an anonymous author, now finds himself questioning the decisions that directed him to his current situation (single; defensively moustached; working on several kids' reference books for a man who concludes emails using the words “goodbye for now”).

Therefore Leonard starts on a journey for emotional fulfilment, accompanied by the somewhat braver Paul (the performer) acting as his close companion, life coach and ally in a weekly gaming session that serves both as discussion (“Does the pool feel warm from kids relieving themselves, or do kids pee in it since it's warm?”) and refuge.

(How did Paul get his nickname? It's unclear. The beginning of the moniker is shrouded in history. Perhaps Paul once ate a sandwich in record time, or answered to a socially fraught incident by panic-peeling four scotch eggs by biting into them).

Entering Leonard's quiet life comes Shelley (the performer), a new lively co-worker who lightheartedly proposes to get rid of Leonard’s appalling boss (the character) at a fire practice. The rushing noise you can hear is Leonard’s gentle world experiencing a revolution.

In other scenes during the opening installment of this program focused less on story and more by what a modern audience may refer to as “mood”, viewers encounter Hungry Paul’s dad (the ever-wonderful the actor), a worn-out individual who privately views, records then replays trivia competitions to dazzle his devoted partner using his trivia skills.

Shepherding viewers through all this subtle warmth there is a voiceover who closely resembles – and truly is – the famous actress. Yes, the star. In case you're considering, “undoubtedly the use of a big-name celebrity is at odds with the series’ unshowy MO and starts off as just an interruption?” you're right. Nevertheless, Roberts does a good job, and phrases such as “The issue with Leonard is that he lacks a ‘eureka’ face” assist in making sure that first reservations yield if not full admiration, then certainly understanding.

But that’s enough grumbling currently. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart is in the right place: which is “located on a seat alongside similar shows, showing its favourite duck.” This is a show that strolls leisurely in comfortable attire, sometimes gazing upward into space, at other times looking at its feet, calmly assured that no experience is in the world as cheering as being in the company of dear pals.

Unlock the entryways in your existence, slightly, and allow it entry.