A Man on the Inside (Netflix) 

By: Rachel Brodeur

Ted Danson is television royalty for a reason. He started his career on Cheers in 1982, and now over 40 years later, he is still leading-man charming in Netflix’s A Man on the Inside. In the eight episode series, Danson plays the part of Charles, a widower, who’s lived a successful life. He loves his daughter, played by Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and his grandchildren, but their family is their own, and he’s not really a part of their daily life. In his quest for purpose, Charles responds to a cryptic job post, and there he finds himself in a unique position, given his age, to work for a detective by infiltrating a retirement community.

As Charles takes on this new role as investigator solving the case of missing jewelry, he interacts with a delightful cast of residents and staff. The head of the facility is a recognizable face from Brooklyn 99, Stephanie Beatriz.  For a show that confronts aging, memory care and loneliness, it’s not disheartening. Instead of evoking sadness, it reminds audiences about the beauty and humor in life. Jack Nicholson famously attempted a similar infiltration in the classic film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), and imagine the joy that Randall McMurphy could have brought to his compatriots without the torments of Ms. Ratchett. In that way audiences can see that surprising wholesomeness and optimism that come from watching this lighthearted mystery series. 

Are there aspects of the show that are predictable? Sure. Are some of the characters tropes of expected character types? Maybe. But what this series does differently, is that it doesn’t view the elderly through the lens of the young. It’s not about chasing youth, but embarking on where life currently is in authentic, albeit comedic ways. 

It’s ironic that the beloved tagline for Cheers was that “sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your name”, and here decades later, Danson plays a character that discovers just that. A Man on the Inside is a success because of the community the show builds and the viewers are lucky to witness it. As for witnessing a crime and if it’s solved, that is for audiences to uncover.

Rachel’s Rating: 8/10  

Netflix’s A Man on the Inside is an endearing exploration of life’s later chapters, blending humor, mystery, and heart. While the premise of solving crimes in a retirement community might seem quirky, the show’s real triumph lies in its authentic portrayal of aging and connection. With a strong cast and a focus on community, it offers a feel-good reminder that purpose and joy can be found at any stage of life.