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In a quiet neighborhood of Dublin, a man is standing on the pavement, dressed in a tank top and voicing his concerns. “I feel my voice is fading. Less noticeable,” says the protagonist, gazing toward the stars. “Events have unfolded and at this point it seems if I don’t do something, I’ll just carry on in this simple, peaceful routine.” His friend Paul, his only companion, ponders the idea. “That's perfectly fine,” he replies, his robe flapping in the breeze. “Better than trying to make a mark and ending up damaging things.”

For viewers weary by the noise and fast pace of today’s TV terrain, this series comes similar to a cozy wrap with a hot drink of a sweet cordial.

In line with its quiet characters, this comedy – a six-episode comedy written by its authors, based on Rónán Hession’s understated 2019 novel – takes a dim view toward today's world; gazing disapprovingly over its eyewear toward anything that involves loud sounds, abrupt changes or – perish the thought – too much drive. The series is, instead, a tribute to quiet people; a quiet celebration for those satisfied to wander out of the spotlight. And yet. The character (another uniquely quirky portrayal by the actor) is unsettled. He senses a creeping “need to open the entryways in my existence … just a bit.” The recent death of his parent has yanked the floor away from his feet and Leonard, an anonymous author, now finds himself questioning the paths that have brought him to this point (unattached; with a protective mustache; working on a range of kids' reference books for a boss who signs off correspondence using the words “ciao for now”).

And so Leonard starts an exploration to find happiness, accompanied by the somewhat braver Hungry Paul (the performer) serving as his trusted friend, guide and co-conspirator during their regular gaming session which acts as debate (“Does the pool feel warm from kids relieving themselves, or is it that kids pee as it's heated?”) and sanctuary.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? No idea. The source of this name is shrouded in history. It could be that Paul on one occasion consumed a sandwich very fast, or responded to a socially fraught incident by panic-peeling four scotch eggs using his teeth).

Arriving in Leonard's calm existence comes Shelley (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), a fresh lively colleague who lightheartedly proposes to eliminate Leonard’s appalling boss (the actor) in a workplace safety exercise. The swift movement audible signals Leonard's peaceful routine being turned upside down.

In another part in the initial show of the comedy focused less on story and more by what the under-30s could describe as “atmosphere”, we meet Hungry Paul’s dad (the ever-wonderful the actor), a tired character who secretly watches, records then replays trivia competitions to dazzle his devoted partner through his fact recall.

Shepherding us through all this subtle warmth is a narrator who closely resembles – and truly is – the famous actress. Truly, the celebrity. Should you wonder, “certainly the use of such a famous actor clashes with the series’ unshowy MO and starts off as just a distraction?” you're right. However, Roberts acquits herself well, and dialogue for example “The issue with Leonard is his absence of an expression of discovery” contribute to ensuring that initial doubts fade though not complete approval, then certainly understanding.

No more criticism at this time. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart is well-intentioned: that place is “resting on a bench in the company of gentle comedies, showing the duck it loves.” The program that ambles along in comfortable attire, occasionally looking up toward the sky, occasionally down at its slippers, quietly confident that there is nothing on Earth as heartening as being in the company of close companions.

Open the doors and windows in your existence, slightly, and let it in.