Ted Danson is back, and this time, he’s got his sights set on uncovering secrets—retirement home style. In the trailer for Netflix’s upcoming comedy series A Man on the Inside, Danson reunites with The Good Place creator Mike Schur, bringing some of that familiar charm to a quirky new adventure. The series is based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent and seems destined to give audiences another wholesome dose of mystery and humor, Danson-style.
The Mole Agent documentary, if you’re not familiar, followed an elderly man hired by a private investigator to go undercover at a retirement home. A Man on the Inside takes that same premise but spins it into a Ted Danson comedy series about an undercover mission, starring Danson as Charles, a retired professor. Charles is struggling after his wife’s death, distant from his daughter Emily (played by Mary Elizabeth Ellis), and in desperate need of something to shake up his quiet life. Cue an intriguing classified ad and a call for an adventure he didn’t know he needed.
The Netflix description teases the story: Charles stumbles upon a classified ad from private investigator Julie (played by Lilah Richcreek Estrada), and, rather than stick to crossword puzzles, he decides to roll the dice on some undercover work. His mission? Infiltrate the Pacific View Retirement Home in San Francisco to recover a stolen family heirloom. Residents, staff—everyone’s a suspect in this oddly heartwarming heist. Charles must tread carefully not to end up on the radar of Didi, the sharp-eyed and intimidating director of Pacific View (Stephanie Beatriz). But staying low-key might just be Charles’ biggest challenge as he quickly wins the hearts of the other residents.
This undercover job might be exactly what Charles needs to feel alive again—and just maybe reconnect with his estranged daughter in the process.
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, and Marc Evan Jackson, among others. They all contribute to what looks like a colorful collection of characters who make Pacific View more than just a bland old folks’ home. Add in Schur’s knack for creating vibrant, loveable communities (see: Pawnee, Indiana, or the afterlife neighborhood in The Good Place), and you’ve got the recipe for a heartfelt, hilarious, and possibly tear-jerking series.
The Mole Agent documentary, directed by Maite Alberdi, earned acclaim for its tender and genuine portrayal of elderly life and the often-overlooked humanity of retirement communities. This series aims to take that same warmth and sincerity, while adding a touch of comedy and a dash of detective drama. Schur, working alongside producers like Morgan Sackett, David Miner, and Alberdi herself, ensures that A Man on the Inside stays true to its roots while sprinkling in plenty of laughs.
Fans of Mike Schur’s previous work (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parks and Recreation) can look forward to his trademark mix of heart and humor, and seeing Ted Danson take on another charmingly bumbling role feels like the perfect pairing. If the trailer is anything to go by, Danson’s Charles will join the ranks of his iconic roles, navigating the often absurd but sweet world of undercover life among senior citizens.
A Man on the Inside premieres on Netflix on November 21. Mark your calendars, because this one looks like it’ll be the perfect mix of cozy mystery and heartfelt comedy—just the kind of undercover assignment we all need.
