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In a peaceful area of the city, a person is standing on the pavement, sporting a vest and sharing his feelings. “I feel I'm becoming more silent. Less noticeable,” states the protagonist, looking toward the stars. “Circumstances have evolved and at this point I feel like unless I take action, I’ll just carry on in this quiet, unremarkable life.” His friend Paul, his only confidant, considers this statement. “Nothing wrong with that,” he replies, his robe moving with the wind. “Better than trying to make a mark and ending up damaging things.”

For viewers weary by the noise and rat-tat-tat of modern television offerings, this series comes like a foil blanket and a comforting beverage of Ribena.

Similar to its harmless protagonists, this comedy – a six-part show developed by its authors, based on Rónán Hession’s subtle book – casts a critical eye toward today's world; peering critically through its eyewear on everything in the way of loud sounds, quick actions or – goodness forbid – an abundance of ambition. The series on the contrary, a tribute to quiet people; a gentle tribute of those happy to wander below the parapet. However. The character (a further sublimely idiosyncratic turn from the star) is uneasy. He senses an increasing “need to open the entryways of my life … a little.” The passing of his beloved mother has pulled the carpet from under his slippers and Leonard, a writer for others, now finds himself questioning the decisions which led him to his current situation (unattached; defensively moustached; working on multiple kids' reference books for a boss who signs off messages with the phrase “see you later”).

Thus Leonard launches an exploration for personal satisfaction, with the slightly bolder Hungry Paul (the performer) acting as his confidante, mentor and co-conspirator during their regular game night which acts as discussion (“Does the pool feel warm due to children urinating, or do children urinate as it's heated?”) and safe space.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? It's unclear. The source of the nickname is shrouded to the mists of time. It could be that the postal worker on one occasion consumed a snack in record time, or responded to a tense moment by nervously peeling four scotch eggs by biting into them).

Entering Leonard's quiet life bursts a new colleague (the actress), a new lively colleague who lightheartedly proposes to eliminate the awful manager (the actor) in a workplace safety exercise. The swift movement you can hear signals Leonard's peaceful routine experiencing a revolution.

Elsewhere during the opening installment of the comedy not heavily plotted and more on what younger viewers could describe as “atmosphere”, we meet Paul's father (the consistently great the performer), a worn-out individual who secretly watches, records then replays daytime quiz shows to dazzle his loving spouse with his general knowledge.

Leading viewers amidst this minor-key niceness we hear a narrator that is unmistakably – and, indeed, very much is – the Hollywood icon. Yes, the star. If you are thinking, “undoubtedly the use of such a famous actor clashes with the series’ unshowy MO and initially serves only as a distraction?” you would be correct. Nevertheless, the actress performs admirably, and lines such as “Leonard's challenge is that he lacks an expression of discovery” contribute to ensuring that initial doubts yield though not complete approval, then at minimum tolerance.

Enough complaining for now. The series' spirit is well-intentioned: which is “located on a seat next to the Detectorists, showing its preferred bird.” The program that strolls leisurely in comfortable attire, occasionally looking up into space, at other times looking at its feet, serenely certain that nothing is in the world as cheering as being alongside close companions.

Unlock the entryways in your existence, slightly, and welcome it inside.