A Man on the Inside wears its heart on its sleeve

I wasn’t going to watch this production, but I am so glad my mum just put it on randomly and found this gentle but entertaining show.

Micheal Schur, one of the writers and producers on this show, is a genius at making the most heartfelt TV shows. It is a very humbling program. Each episode isn’t too long, and there are no fillers.

His track record includes Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, and now A Man on the Inside. These shows are honest, kind, and emotional but most of all it has charm.

This eight part Netflix comedy/mystery drama really made an impression on me and reminded me of “The Good Place.”

A Man on the Inside is about an ex-professor, Charles (Ted Danson), who is lonely and a little bit lost after the death of his wife. His daughter tells him to take up a new challenge/hobby. Charles takes a job as a private detective!!! His first assignment is to go into a retirement home to investigate a theft amongst the residents.

The whole cast is fantastic, especially Ted Danson, who has great comedic timing and his scenes with home manager Didi (Stephanie Beatriz) have such a sweet tone. You might recognise Stephenie as the actor who was in Brooklyn Nine-Nine playing detective Rosa Diaz. 

One of the reasons I love this show is you get to know all the characters and delve into their personalities. Moreover, a theme that I think was very courageous about the series was highlighting and examining Alzheimers and its impact on people.

It’s good to see a show that is devoted to the older generation rather than the obsession with youth culture that Hollywood often displays. It takes its time, but is never boring, delves into deeper emotions and is not a quick fix.

The script is funny and tinged with the melancholy of the challenges of getting older and trying to find purpose. However, it is not maudlin or miserable, in fact these characters display a remarkable lust for life.

This production is the perfect show for Christmas.

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