Ted Danson stars in Netflix comedy A Man on the Inside: "This Is Me Now"

Ted Danson is once again teaming up with creator Mike Schur in the new Netflix series A Man on the Inside A Man on the Inside , now streaming. Known for his legendary roles in Cheers and The Good Place , Danson takes on the role of a septuagenarian amateur spy investigating robberies at a San Francisco assisted-living facility. For Schur, the collaboration was a no-brainer. “Without Ted, we just don’t do it,” said the sitcom mastermind behind hits like The Office and Parks and Recreation . Despite joking about having to “work with Ted again,” Schur admitted the show was crafted specifically with Danson in mind. A Heartfelt and Hilarious Role Danson, 76, was sold on the project before he even knew it was inspired by the heartwarming 2020 documentary The Mole Agent . “At this stage in my life, I want to make purposeful acting choices,” said Danson. “And Mike is a very purposeful guy.” The show allows Danson to embrace both comedy and vulnerability, portraying a man who rediscovers passion and curiosity in the twilight of his life. “I love the opening montage, where you see the me from decades ago and the me now,” he said. “This is me now, and I love playing silly, curious, and involved. It feels true to who I am.” The Charm of San Francisco Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco, A Man on the Inside features iconic locations like Oracle Park and the Golden Gate Bridge. Schur emphasized the significance of the city’s contrast: “There’s this bustling world outside that the residents can’t easily access. It’s a metaphor for life—get out there and live it.” Danson, too, relished filming in the Bay Area, calling the experience a highlight of the production. A Stellar Cast and Off-Screen Stories Joining Danson is a veteran cast, including Stephen McKinley Henderson as Charles’ fellow resident and confidant, Calbert, and Sally Struthers as Virginia, one of the facility’s quirky inhabitants. For Brooklyn Nine-Nine alum Stephanie Beatriz, who plays the community’s sharp-witted director, working with these legends was an honor. “One day, Sally Struthers was casually telling us about her dates with Elvis,” Beatriz shared. “These stories are a reminder of just how full of life these people are.” Tackling Ageism in Hollywood Ageism in Hollywood Schur didn’t shy away from addressing ageism in the entertainment industry. “Hollywood is obsessed with youth, and it’s ridiculous,” he said. “When I was a kid, I loved Golden Girls . The stories and performances mattered, not the age of the cast.” He also cited the success of Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building , featuring 70-something stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, as evidence that audiences embrace stories led by older actors. Comedy, Heart, and a Relevant Message While A Man on the Inside is packed with humor, it’s the show’s poignant exploration of aging, connection, and purpose that stands out. “This is an incredibly relevant theme,” said Schur. Danson, with his trademark wit, wrapped up their chat with a jab at his younger collaborator. When Schur admitted he was “not the age of Charles,” Danson quipped, “You were about to say, ‘not the age of Ted,’ weren’t you?” Schur burst into laughter. “Well, yes, I was.” And with that, it’s clear: the partnership between Schur and Danson is as delightful as ever, both on and off screen.