Netflix’s A Man on the Inside might not be as funny as the previous Michael Schur/Ted Danson series The Good Place, but it’s a delightfully heartfelt and thoroughly enjoyable series that left me feeling both warm and sad in equal measures.
A year on from the death of his wife, life has become humdrum for Charles (Danson). His late wife had Dementia, and it has left him a newspaper article clipping reculse, even from his beloved daughter and his grandkids. At the suggestion of his daughter, Charles looks for a hobby, but it turns out a local Private Investigator (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) is in need of a man with his set of skills, being over 70, and the ability to use a cell phone.
Anchored by Ted Danson’s brilliant performance as Charles, a man navigating the challenges of older age while solving a lighthearted mystery, the show strikes a perfect balance between humour and poignancy. What I loved most was the show’s ability to explore meaningful themes—like cherishing the connections we form in unexpected places—without ever feeling heavy-handed. The vibrant cast of characters at the assisted living facility brings a mix of warmth and charm, with standout performances by Stephanie Beatriz and Stephen McKinley Henderson (who plays Charles’ new best friend Calbert). Every interaction feels authentic, and the dialogue is sharp yet tender, and I can’t stress how much I would like a spin-off show with Calbert discovering the City and bonding with his son. Make it happen Netflix.
The show also deserves credit for its heartwarming portrayal of ageing. It avoids cheap jokes and instead offers a thoughtful lens on the lives of its older characters. This isn’t just a comedy; it’s a love letter to the beauty of late-life reinvention and the value of connecting with others. The blend of quirky mystery and touching life lessons made it both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The scenes where Charles finally opens up to his daughter (played by Mary Elizabeth Ellis) and lets her into his grief, it’s a sharp reminder of Danson’s dramatic skills.
If you’re a fan of shows like Grace and Frankie, Ted Lasso or Shrinking, where the laughs are paired with heartfelt storytelling, this series is a must-watch. “A Man on the Inside” feels like a cosy, autumnal embrace—a show that makes you laugh, cry, and appreciate the relationships that shape our lives. Despite a neat ending that could have left the series there, a button for a possible second run sets the stage for another mystery for Charles to solve.
A Man on the Inside is on Netflix now.
