Ted Danson Stars in Michael Schur’s New Netflix Series ‘A Man on the Inside’

Actor Ted Danson reunites with renowned television writer and producer Michael Schur for the new Netflix series «A Man on the Inside,» a heartwarming tale inspired by true events. The series, reportedly based on the Oscar-nominated documentary «The Mole Agent,» follows the story of Charles, a lonely, retired widower played by Danson, who finds a renewed sense of purpose and companionship while on an undercover mission at a retirement home.

Michael Schur, known for his work on «The Good Place» and «Parks and Recreation,» reportedly wanted «A Man on the Inside» to focus on themes of niceness and humanity, revisiting the hallmark traits that characterized his earlier projects. «Niceness was always going to be a key factor,» as described by sources familiar with Schur’s work.

Charles’s character embarks on a mission for a private investigator to unveil a thief within the retirement community. Throughout the series, he unexpectedly discovers camaraderie among the residents, leading to a heartwarming narrative filled with both humor and poignancy.

Despite «A Man on the Inside» being designed not for «belly laughs» but rather a more subtle, poignant kind of humor, Schur’s latest project has still managed to kindle excitement among viewers and critics alike. Notable character actors such as Stephen McKinley Henderson, John Getz, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Sally Struthers, and Susan Ruttan feature prominently, enhancing the series with decades of combined acting experience. According to entertainment commentators, «These performers have all been sorely underserved by the entertainment industry,» and now they «get their time in the sun.»

The series tackles heavier themes as well. It addresses issues related to aging and dementia, injecting a bittersweet layer into the storyline. As noted, «When it chooses to play that card fully, ‘A Man on the Inside’ becomes an all-out weepy,» offering viewers a deeper, emotional connection.

The final scene of the series left room for anticipation of a potential renewal, though the storyline appeared to reach a natural conclusion with Charles regaining a meaningful connection to the world around him. Schur, however, is lauded for his ability to reinvent subsequent seasons, having demonstrated this talent with previous shows such as «The Good Place» and «Parks and Recreation.»

As the series sparks discussions on potential directions for future episodes, fans of Schur and Danson remain eager to see how «A Man on the Inside» will evolve. Whether a continuation happens or not, the series has sparked interest with its heartfelt approach to storytelling.