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In a calm suburb of the Irish capital, a person stands in his driveway, wearing a tank top and voicing his feelings. “I feel I'm becoming more silent. Harder to see,” says the protagonist, looking toward the stars. “Circumstances have evolved and now it seems without a change, my life will proceed in this quiet, unremarkable life.” Hungry Paul, his closest companion, reflects on these words. “That's perfectly fine,” he responds, his bathrobe swaying in the breeze. “Superior to trying to make a mark and ending up damaging things.”

For anyone weary by the chaos and constant stimulation of today’s TV terrain, the show comes as a foil blanket and a comforting beverage of a sweet cordial.

Similar to its quiet characters, this comedy – a six-part comedy developed by the writing duo, inspired by the author’s subtle story – takes a dim view toward today's world; looking disapprovingly above its eyewear toward anything in the way of disturbances, abrupt changes or – goodness forbid – an abundance of ambition. The series on the contrary, a tribute to quiet people; a quiet celebration to people happy to amble along out of the spotlight. And yet. Leonard (one more distinctly original portrayal by the actor) feels restless. He feels an increasing “urge to throw open the openings of my life … just a bit.” The recent death of his parent has yanked the floor from under his slippers and this young man, an anonymous author, now finds himself questioning the paths that directed him to where he is (single; sporting facial hair; working on a range of children’s encyclopedias for a boss who concludes correspondence with the phrase “goodbye for now”).

Thus Leonard begins an exploration for emotional fulfilment, alongside his more outgoing Paul (the actor) acting as his trusted friend, mentor and co-conspirator during their regular gaming session which acts as debate (“Is the water heated because kids pee in it, or do kids pee in it as it's heated?”) and sanctuary.

(Why “Hungry” Paul? The reason is unknown. The source of this name is shrouded to the mists of time. It could be that the postal worker previously devoured some food unusually quickly, or responded to a socially fraught incident by nervously peeling some food items using his teeth).

Arriving in Leonard's calm existence comes a new colleague (the performer), a recent lively colleague who lightheartedly proposes to kill Leonard’s appalling boss (the actor) during the office fire drill. The rushing noise audible is Leonard’s gentle world being turned upside down.

In another part during the opening installment of this program not heavily plotted and more by what the under-30s might call “mood”, viewers encounter the older generation (the ever-wonderful the performer), a worn-out individual who covertly observes, records then replays daytime quiz shows to amaze his adoring wife with his general knowledge.

Guiding us through all this gentle kindness is a narrator that is unmistakably – and actually is – Julia Roberts. Yes, Julia Roberts. In case you're considering, “undoubtedly the inclusion of such a famous actor contradicts the series’ unshowy MO and at first acts merely as a diversion?” you would be correct. Still, Roberts does a good job, and phrases like “Leonard's challenge is his absence of an expression of discovery” contribute to ensuring that early misgivings 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 alongside similar shows, showing the duck it loves.” This is a show that ambles along wearing its simple clothes, occasionally looking up toward the sky, sometimes downward at its slippers, calmly assured that nothing is on Earth as cheering as being with dear pals.

Throw open the portals in your existence, slightly, and allow it entry.