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In a calm area of Dublin, an individual is standing in his driveway, sporting a tank top and voicing his thoughts. “I notice I'm becoming more silent. Less noticeable,” says the main character, staring toward the stars. “One thing’s led to another and now I believe unless I take action, I’ll just carry on in this quiet, unremarkable life.” Hungry Paul, his closest companion, considers this statement. “That's perfectly fine,” he replies, his robe flapping gently. “Preferable to attempting to leave an impact and causing harm instead.”

For those exhausted by the chaos and rat-tat-tat of modern television terrain, the show arrives similar to a cozy wrap and warming mug of a sweet cordial.

In line with its harmless protagonists, Leonard and Hungry Paul – a half-dozen installment program created by the writing duo, adapted from Rónán Hession’s understated 2019 novel – looks disapprovingly on contemporary society; peering disapprovingly above its eyewear toward anything in the way of disturbances, sudden movements or – goodness forbid – too much drive. The series is, instead, an ode to introversion; a quiet celebration for those satisfied to amble along below the parapet. However. Leonard (one more distinctly original turn by the actor) is unsettled. He notices a creeping “need to open the doors and windows of my life … slightly.” The passing of his mother has yanked the floor from under his slippers and Leonard, an anonymous author, now finds himself questioning the decisions that have brought him to his current situation (single; sporting facial hair; writing multiple educational volumes for a man who concludes correspondence using the words “see you later”).

Therefore Leonard launches on a journey for personal satisfaction, alongside his more outgoing friend Paul (the performer) serving as his trusted friend, guide and ally in a recurring gaming session that serves both as discussion (“Is the pool warm because kids pee in it, or is it that kids pee because it’s warm?”) and refuge.

(Why “Hungry” Paul? The reason is unknown. The origin of the moniker is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the postal worker previously devoured a sandwich in record time, or answered to a tense moment by hastily opening four scotch eggs using his teeth).

Entering Leonard's quiet life comes Shelley (the actress), a new energetic associate who lightheartedly proposes to kill Leonard’s appalling boss (the actor) in a workplace safety exercise. That whooshing sound audible is Leonard’s gentle world being turned upside down.

In another part in the initial show of the comedy focused less on story and centered around what younger viewers may refer to as “mood”, we are introduced to Paul's father (the ever-wonderful Lorcan Cranitch), a tired character who privately views, records then replays television game programs to impress his devoted partner using his trivia skills.

Guiding viewers throughout this subtle warmth we hear a narrator who closely resembles – and actually is – the Hollywood icon. Indeed, the celebrity. If you are thinking, “surely the use of such a famous actor clashes with the series’ unshowy MO and starts off as just an interruption?” you would be correct. However, the actress performs admirably, and lines such as “Leonard's challenge is that he lacks an expression of discovery” help ensure that early misgivings give way if not full admiration, then at least acceptance.

No more criticism currently. The show's core has good intentions: which is “located on a seat in the company of gentle comedies, pointing out the duck it loves.” The program that ambles along wearing its simple clothes, occasionally looking up into space, occasionally down toward the ground, serenely certain that no experience is in life as uplifting as spending time alongside dear pals.

Unlock the entryways within your world, just a bit, and welcome it inside.