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In a calm neighborhood of the city, a man can be found on the pavement, sporting a sleeveless jumper and expressing his feelings. “It seems like I'm becoming more silent. Harder to see,” states Leonard, staring toward the stars. “Circumstances have evolved and at this point I feel like if I don’t do something, my life will proceed in this quiet, unremarkable life.” Hungry Paul, his only and only friend, reflects on these words. “There's no harm in that,” he replies, his robe flapping with the wind. “Superior to striving for recognition only to wind up defacing it.”

For viewers tired by the chaos and fast pace of modern television terrain, this series comes similar to a cozy wrap and a comforting beverage of Ribena.

Similar to its harmless protagonists, the series – a six-episode program written by the writing duo, inspired by the novelist’s quiet 2019 novel – casts a critical eye on contemporary society; peering disapprovingly above its eyewear on everything in the way of unnecessary noise, quick actions or – goodness forbid – an abundance of ambition. The program on the contrary, a celebration of shyness; a quiet celebration for those satisfied to amble along out of the spotlight. But. He (one more sublimely idiosyncratic performance from the star) feels restless. He senses a creeping “desire to unlock the entryways within my world … a little.” The recent death of his mother has pulled the carpet away from his feet and the 32-year-old, an anonymous author, now realizes doubting the paths that directed him to this point (alone; with a protective mustache; creating a range of kids' reference books for an employer who concludes messages with the phrase “ciao for now”).

Thus Leonard launches an exploration for personal satisfaction, alongside his more outgoing Paul (the actor) acting as his trusted friend, life coach and ally in a weekly board games evening functioning as both debate (“Does the pool feel warm because kids pee in it, or do children urinate since it's warm?”) and sanctuary.

(Why “Hungry” Paul? The reason is unknown. The source of the nickname appears lost in history. Perhaps Paul on one occasion consumed some food unusually quickly, or answered to an awkward situation by nervously peeling several snacks with his teeth).

Entering Leonard's quiet life cartwheels a new colleague (the actress), a recent energetic co-worker who cheerily offers to get rid of Leonard’s appalling boss (the character) at a fire practice. That whooshing sound noticeable is Leonard’s gentle world being turned upside down.

In other scenes in the first episode of a series not heavily plotted and more on what younger viewers could describe as “vibes”, viewers encounter the older generation (the ever-wonderful the performer), a tired character who covertly observes, tapes and rewatches daytime quiz shows to amaze his adoring wife using his trivia skills.

Shepherding viewers throughout this minor-key niceness we hear a narrator that sounds very much like – and truly is – Julia Roberts. Indeed, Julia Roberts. Should you wonder, “undoubtedly the presence of a big-name celebrity is at odds with the series’ unshowy MO and initially serves only as a diversion?” that's accurate. Nevertheless, Roberts acquits herself well, and phrases for example “The issue with Leonard is his absence of a look of sudden insight” contribute to ensuring that first reservations fade if not full admiration, then certainly understanding.

But that’s enough grumbling currently. The series' spirit has good intentions: which is “sitting on a park bench in the company of gentle comedies, pointing out its preferred bird.” This is a show that moves gently in comfortable attire, at times staring into space, at other times looking at its feet, quietly confident that there is nothing in life as heartening as being alongside good friends.

Unlock the entryways within your world, slightly, and let it in.