Why Ted Danson Loves His New Netflix Show
By Movieguide® Contributor
Ted Danson explained why his new show, A MAN ON THE INSIDE, means so much to him and allowed him to take on a role that is relevant to his stage in life.
A MAN ON THE INSIDE follows Danson as Charles, a retiree whose life has lost all meaning since his wife died. When his daughter encourages him to reengage with his life, he begins working as a private investigator’s assistant and infiltrates a senior living community to uncover the person behind a string of robberies.
“We get to explore aging, all those things that, in this country, sometimes we’re afraid to talk about, memory loss, everything, we broach with a tenderness and a seriousness still contained in a kind of light-hearted, joyful way,” the actor told PEOPLE, explaining why he loves the show. “I’m so happy because I’m 76 and I get to be part of this conversation, which is becoming more and more of my conversation in life.”
The show also confronts one of the difficulties of parenting adults as Danson’s character chooses to shelter his daughter from his sadness about his wife’s passing, believing it to be better than burdening her with his pain. In the end, however, he realizes that, as an adult, she can handle the emotions and wants to be let into her father’s life.
“[My character] decides to protect his daughter from this sadness and pain that he’s going through, which cuts her out completely from being able to be part of his life,” he explained. “It’s really beautiful storytelling. I’m so happy to be part of this.”
These two topics, mixed into an entertaining comedy have made the show a smash hit, and it has ranked among the top shows on Netflix since it was released just before Thanksgiving. A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:
The first three episodes of season one of MAN ON THE INSIDE have an undefinable charm, much like its leading man, Ted Danson. The series has strong production values, including good direction, cinematography, and supporting roles. The overall worldview is one of romanticism with some biblical moral elements, with an emphasis on Charles finding his purpose after losing his wife a year before. The only biblical moral element is that he helps to thwart a thief. Some drunkenness and drug content in episode two, as well as slight sexual banter throughout the episodes, make it necessary for MOVIEGUIDE® to advise caution for teens.
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A MAN ON THE INSIDE has yet to be renewed for a second season, but fans and crew alike are eager for it.
“We’re sort of in a fingers crossed, we’ll that bridge when we come to it, kind of a deal. But I will say that there is no shortage of ideas from me and from other writers about what we might do in a future season. Fingers crossed, we’ll see,” creator Mike Schur said.
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