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In a quiet area of the city, an individual can be found on the pavement, wearing a sleeveless jumper and expressing his concerns. “I feel I'm becoming more silent. Less noticeable,” states the protagonist, gazing up at the night sky. “One thing’s led to another and currently I feel like without a change, I will continue in this minor, harmless existence.” His friend Paul, his only companion, considers the idea. “Nothing wrong with that,” he responds, his robe flapping in the breeze. “Superior to striving for recognition and causing harm instead.”

For viewers tired by the noise and fast pace of today’s TV offerings, this series steps in as a cozy wrap with a hot drink of a sweet cordial.

Similar to its quiet characters, Leonard and Hungry Paul – a six-episode comedy created by its authors, adapted from the author’s subtle 2019 novel – takes a dim view toward today's world; peering disapprovingly over its prematurely middle-aged glasses on everything in the way of unnecessary noise, quick actions or – heaven forfend – too much drive. This show on the contrary, an ode to introversion; a quiet celebration of those content to pootle around below the parapet. But. He (a further sublimely idiosyncratic portrayal from the star) feels restless. He feels a growing “need to open the doors and windows of my life … a little.” The passing of his parent has pulled the carpet away from his feet and this young man, an anonymous author, now feels doubting the paths which led him to his current situation (alone; defensively moustached; writing a range of educational volumes for a boss who ends emails using the words “ciao for now”).

And so Leonard launches on a journey to find happiness, alongside his more outgoing Hungry Paul (the actor) functioning as his trusted friend, guide and partner in a recurring game night functioning as both discussion (“Does the pool feel warm because kids pee in it, or do children urinate as it's heated?”) and refuge.

(What's the origin of "Hungry" Paul? It's unclear. The origin of this name seems forgotten to the mists of time. Perhaps he once ate a snack very fast, or answered to a tense moment by panic-peeling some food items with his teeth).

Into Leonard’s gentle world cartwheels Shelley (the actress), a recent lively co-worker who happily suggests 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 younger viewers may refer to as “mood”, viewers encounter the older generation (the brilliant the performer), a battered sofa of a man who covertly observes, records then replays trivia competitions to amaze his adoring wife with his general knowledge.

Shepherding us amidst this gentle kindness there is a voiceover who closely resembles – and truly is – the Hollywood icon. Truly, Julia Roberts. In case you're considering, “undoubtedly the presence of such a famous actor contradicts the program's low-key style and initially serves only as an interruption?” you would be correct. However, the actress performs admirably, and lines like “Leonard’s problem is that he lacks an expression of discovery” contribute to ensuring that initial doubts fade though not complete approval, then certainly understanding.

No more criticism at this time. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart is in the right place: that place is “resting on a bench next to the Detectorists, indicating its favourite duck.” The program that strolls leisurely in its sleeveless jumper, sometimes gazing upward at the stars, occasionally down at its slippers, calmly assured that nothing is on Earth as cheering as being alongside close companions.

Throw open the portals within your world, just a bit, and allow it entry.