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In a peaceful area of the city, a person can be found in his driveway, wearing a sleeveless jumper and sharing his thoughts. “I notice I'm becoming more silent. Less noticeable,” says Leonard, looking into the darkness. “Events have unfolded and currently I believe without a change, I’ll just carry on in this simple, peaceful routine.” Hungry Paul, his only companion, considers the idea. “There's no harm in that,” he replies, his robe moving with the wind. “Better than striving for recognition only to wind up defacing it.”

For viewers weary by the noise and fast pace of today’s TV landscape, the show comes similar to a foil blanket with a hot drink of blackcurrant juice.

Similar to its harmless protagonists, this comedy – a half-dozen installment comedy written by its authors, inspired by the novelist’s subtle book – casts a critical eye on contemporary society; peering disapprovingly through its prematurely middle-aged glasses on everything in the way of loud sounds, abrupt changes or – perish the thought – excessive aspiration. The series is, instead, a celebration of shyness; a subtle homage to people satisfied to amble along out of the spotlight. However. The character (another uniquely quirky performance by the actor) is uneasy. He notices an increasing “desire to unlock the entryways within my world … slightly.” The recent death of his mother has whisked the rug away from his feet and the 32-year-old, a ghost writer, now realizes doubting the decisions that directed him to his current situation (unattached; sporting facial hair; writing a range of children’s encyclopedias for a man who ends correspondence with the phrase “ciao for now”).

Thus Leonard begins himself on a quest for emotional fulfilment, with the slightly bolder Paul (Laurie Kynaston) acting as his close companion, life coach and ally during their regular gaming session that serves both as debate (“Is the water heated because kids pee in it, or do children urinate since it's warm?”) and refuge.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? The reason is unknown. The origin of this name appears lost in history. Perhaps the postal worker previously devoured some food unusually quickly, or reacted to a tense moment by nervously peeling four scotch eggs using his teeth).

Into Leonard’s gentle world comes Shelley (the actress), a fresh energetic colleague who lightheartedly proposes to eliminate Leonard’s appalling boss (Paul Reid) in a workplace safety exercise. The swift movement you can hear is Leonard’s gentle world undergoing a shake-up.

In another part in the initial show of the comedy not heavily plotted and more by what a modern audience could describe as “vibes”, we are introduced to the older generation (the brilliant the actor), a worn-out individual who covertly observes, records then replays daytime quiz shows to amaze his loving spouse with his general knowledge.

Guiding us throughout this subtle warmth there is a voiceover that is unmistakably – and, indeed, very much is – the famous actress. Yes, Julia Roberts. Should you wonder, “surely the inclusion of a major Hollywood star is at odds with the show's modest approach and starts off as just a distraction?” you're right. However, Roberts acquits herself well, and dialogue for example “Leonard's challenge is the missing a look of sudden insight” contribute to ensuring that first reservations fade if not full admiration, then at least acceptance.

But that’s enough grumbling currently. The show's core is in the right place: that place is “located on a seat alongside similar shows, showing its favourite duck.” It’s a series that ambles along in its sleeveless jumper, occasionally looking up at the stars, at other times looking at its slippers, serenely certain that no experience is on Earth as uplifting as spending time with dear pals.

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