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In a calm neighborhood of the city, an individual stands on the pavement, sporting a sleeveless jumper and expressing his feelings. “It seems like I'm becoming more silent. More invisible,” states Leonard, gazing into the darkness. “Events have unfolded and currently I feel like if I don’t do something, I will continue in this quiet, unremarkable life.” His friend Paul, his closest companion, ponders the idea. “That's perfectly fine,” he replies, his bathrobe flapping gently. “Better than attempting to leave an impact and causing harm instead.”

For anyone weary by the noise and rat-tat-tat of current streaming landscape, this series steps in as a cozy wrap and a comforting beverage of blackcurrant juice.

Similar to its gentle leads, the series – a half-dozen installment comedy developed by its authors, inspired by the author’s understated book – casts a critical eye on contemporary society; gazing critically above its prematurely middle-aged glasses at anything in the way of loud sounds, abrupt changes or – perish the thought – too much drive. The program on the contrary, a celebration of shyness; a quiet celebration of those content to pootle around below the parapet. And yet. He (another distinctly original turn from Alex Lawther) is unsettled. He senses a creeping “need to open the doors and windows of my life … just a bit.” The loss of his parent has yanked the floor out from under him and the 32-year-old, a writer for others, now finds himself doubting the paths that directed him to his current situation (single; sporting facial hair; working on multiple kids' reference books for a man who ends correspondence with the phrase “see you later”).

Thus Leonard begins on a journey to find happiness, accompanied by the somewhat braver Hungry Paul (the performer) serving as his confidante, guide and partner in a recurring board games evening functioning as both discussion (“Does the pool feel warm due to children urinating, or is it that kids pee as it's heated?”) and sanctuary.

(How did Paul get his nickname? The reason is unknown. The beginning of this name is shrouded to the mists of time. It could be that the postal worker previously devoured a sandwich very fast, or responded to a tense moment by nervously peeling some food items by biting into them).

Arriving in Leonard's calm existence bursts a vibrant character (the performer), a new energetic associate who happily suggests to kill his terrible supervisor (the actor) in a workplace safety exercise. That whooshing sound you can hear represents Leonard's calm life experiencing a revolution.

In another part in the first episode of a series not heavily plotted and more by what a modern audience could describe as “atmosphere”, we meet Paul's father (the ever-wonderful the performer), a tired character who privately views, saves and reviews daytime quiz shows to amaze his devoted partner through his fact recall.

Shepherding the audience amidst this subtle warmth is a narrator who closely resembles – and actually is – the Hollywood icon. Indeed, the celebrity. If you are thinking, “undoubtedly the presence of such a famous actor is at odds with the program's low-key style and starts off as just an interruption?” you're right. Nevertheless, the actress performs admirably, and lines such as “Leonard’s problem is the missing an expression of discovery” assist in making sure that first reservations fade if not quite to appreciation, then at least acceptance.

Enough complaining at this time. Leonard and Hungry Paul’s heart is well-intentioned: the right place being “resting on a bench next to the Detectorists, showing its favourite duck.” This is a show that strolls leisurely in its sleeveless jumper, occasionally looking up toward the sky, sometimes downward at its feet, calmly assured that there is nothing in life as cheering as being with close companions.

Unlock the entryways in your existence, slightly, and allow it entry.