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In a peaceful suburb of the city, a person can be found in his driveway, dressed in a sleeveless jumper and expressing his feelings. “It seems like I'm becoming more silent. Harder to see,” says the protagonist, gazing up at the night sky. “One thing’s led to another and at this point I believe if I don’t do something, I will continue in this minor, harmless existence.” Hungry Paul, his closest companion, reflects on this statement. “Nothing wrong with that,” he responds, his dressing gown flapping gently. “Better than attempting to leave an impact and ending up damaging things.”

For viewers weary by the chaos and rat-tat-tat of current streaming offerings, the show steps in as a cozy wrap and warming mug of blackcurrant juice.

In line with its harmless protagonists, this comedy – a six-part show developed by its authors, inspired by the novelist’s subtle story – casts a critical eye at modern life; peering skeptically through its spectacles toward anything in the way of unnecessary noise, abrupt changes or – perish the thought – too much drive. The series on the contrary, a tribute to quiet people; a subtle homage for those content to wander away from attention. However. The character (another uniquely quirky turn from Alex Lawther) is uneasy. He feels a growing “desire to unlock the doors and windows in my existence … a little.” The passing of his parent has pulled the carpet away from his feet and this young man, an anonymous author, now realizes questioning the choices that directed him to his current situation (single; with a protective mustache; creating a range of children’s encyclopedias for a man who ends messages using the words “see you later”).

Thus Leonard begins an exploration to find happiness, alongside his more outgoing Paul (Laurie Kynaston) serving as his trusted friend, mentor and co-conspirator during their regular board games evening which acts as debate (“Is the water heated because kids pee in it, or do kids pee in it as it's heated?”) and safe space.

(How did Paul get his nickname? It's unclear. The beginning of this name is shrouded in history. Perhaps Paul on one occasion consumed some food unusually quickly, or reacted to an awkward situation by hastily opening several snacks using his teeth).

Arriving in Leonard's calm existence cartwheels a new colleague (the actress), a recent energetic associate who cheerily offers to eliminate the awful manager (Paul Reid) at a fire practice. The rushing noise you can hear signals Leonard's peaceful routine experiencing a revolution.

In another part in the initial show of the comedy driven less by plot and centered around what a modern audience might call “mood”, viewers encounter Hungry Paul’s dad (the ever-wonderful the actor), a worn-out individual who privately views, saves and reviews trivia competitions to impress his loving spouse with his general knowledge.

Guiding the audience through all this subtle warmth is a narrator who closely resembles – and actually is – Julia Roberts. Yes, the celebrity. Should you wonder, “certainly the presence of a major Hollywood star contradicts the show's modest approach and initially serves only as a diversion?” you're right. Nevertheless, the actress performs admirably, and phrases for example “The issue with Leonard is that he lacks a look of sudden insight” help ensure that early misgivings fade though not complete approval, then at minimum tolerance.

No more criticism for now. The show's core is in the right place: which is “resting on a bench in the company of gentle comedies, showing its favourite duck.” The program that strolls leisurely in comfortable attire, at times staring at the stars, sometimes downward at its slippers, calmly assured that nothing is in the world as uplifting as being with dear pals.

Throw open the portals in your existence, a little, and let it in.