Charles, a retired man, gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation in a nursing home.Charles, a retired man, gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation in a nursing home.Charles, a retired man, gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation in a nursing home.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 5 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'A Man on the Inside' is a heartfelt, humorous series about aging and loneliness. Ted Danson's performance is warmly received, balancing comedy with poignant themes like dementia and loss. The ensemble cast's chemistry and depth are praised, as is the realistic portrayal of retirement home life. Some find the mystery element less compelling but still enjoyable. The series resonates with audiences through its blend of humor, emotion, and relatable characters.
Featured reviews
Refreshing!
Loved this show. It's just a good watch. The plot might seem cliché but it unexpectedly surprised me with the depth they managed to put in this show. It explores the experience of old age via exploration of many issues related to it like loneliness, friendships, grief/loss, death, and dementia. I was incredibly impressed they managed to balance the humor of solving the case and the seriousness of these heavier topics.
Besides that, the characters are super likable and the episodes are on the shorter side so it's a pretty easy watch. The acting is pretty good, they capture cringe comedy well (in a good way). You could watch this as a family with older kids (tween and above).
I'm honestly pretty excited for the next season, one of a kind show for sure. You should give it a watch!
Besides that, the characters are super likable and the episodes are on the shorter side so it's a pretty easy watch. The acting is pretty good, they capture cringe comedy well (in a good way). You could watch this as a family with older kids (tween and above).
I'm honestly pretty excited for the next season, one of a kind show for sure. You should give it a watch!
Just a good watch
How can one not appreciate Ted Danson. Guys a legend, like Tom Sellecks mustache. Anyway, I found this show to be a boy of everything. Some pretty funny lines, two very attractive lead female characters which never hurts, and as well, a great message about bonds that are formed in life. Especially in the later stages, when things truly matter for the right reasons.
I also found this show resonating with me, being that it touches upon dementia. Losing my father recently, and who battled this terrible disease, simply made me feel more connected. Yet, as each episode progressed, I became more invested, and found each character to be charming and endearing in their own unique way.
I definitely recommend this series, and I also look forward to another season. It is feel good, not totally gut wrenching like some scenes in the classic film "on Golden Pond", and all an all, just a relaxing and well written show.
I also found this show resonating with me, being that it touches upon dementia. Losing my father recently, and who battled this terrible disease, simply made me feel more connected. Yet, as each episode progressed, I became more invested, and found each character to be charming and endearing in their own unique way.
I definitely recommend this series, and I also look forward to another season. It is feel good, not totally gut wrenching like some scenes in the classic film "on Golden Pond", and all an all, just a relaxing and well written show.
Entertaining and meaningful 8-episode miniseries.
As I update this in NOV 2025 we just finished watching season 2, again just great entertainment with accomplished actors and interesting characters.
Ted Danson, about 76, stars as Charles, about 76, a retired Professor of Engineering and living in San Francisco. He also is Producer of this series which sets itself apart from most by avoiding the all-too-common filthy language dialog. This in fact is very clean and more pleasant as a result.
In the story his wife had died perhaps a year ago from the effects of Alzheimer's. He is healthy but perhaps bored with his daily routine. He has a habit of reading periodicals and newspapers and often cuts an interesting one out to send to his married daughter in Sacramento. One day, through a cut-out hole he glimpses a small, short ad. Looking for someone in the 75 to 85 years age range for a specific job as a private investigator.
Season 1: This takes him to a private investigator hired by a man whose mother is in a type of upscale old folks home in San Francisco, some meaningful jewelry was stolen and the son wants the thief to be caught. Charles will be the key.
So he is hired to check into the place and observe and report as the person to expose what is going on.
Ted Danson is just perfect in this role which he plays with lots of humor. Quickly it becomes less about who the thief was and more about the relationships. The cast of characters are played by a group of fine actors, many of them old favorites we have come to know from the past 50 years or so.
Season 2: This job takes him to a private college, as a retired engineer he takes a job as a visiting professor. The story is totally different, it involves solving a mystery about a mega rich donor who has unsavory plans for the school. Some of the characters from the nursing home reappear but there are many new characters also. Including his real-life wife and the two develop a relationship.
My wife and I enjoyed both seasons, streaming. We generally watched two episodes a night.
One of the more enjoyable mini-series that we have watched. We hope there will be another season with a novel storyline next year.
Ted Danson, about 76, stars as Charles, about 76, a retired Professor of Engineering and living in San Francisco. He also is Producer of this series which sets itself apart from most by avoiding the all-too-common filthy language dialog. This in fact is very clean and more pleasant as a result.
In the story his wife had died perhaps a year ago from the effects of Alzheimer's. He is healthy but perhaps bored with his daily routine. He has a habit of reading periodicals and newspapers and often cuts an interesting one out to send to his married daughter in Sacramento. One day, through a cut-out hole he glimpses a small, short ad. Looking for someone in the 75 to 85 years age range for a specific job as a private investigator.
Season 1: This takes him to a private investigator hired by a man whose mother is in a type of upscale old folks home in San Francisco, some meaningful jewelry was stolen and the son wants the thief to be caught. Charles will be the key.
So he is hired to check into the place and observe and report as the person to expose what is going on.
Ted Danson is just perfect in this role which he plays with lots of humor. Quickly it becomes less about who the thief was and more about the relationships. The cast of characters are played by a group of fine actors, many of them old favorites we have come to know from the past 50 years or so.
Season 2: This job takes him to a private college, as a retired engineer he takes a job as a visiting professor. The story is totally different, it involves solving a mystery about a mega rich donor who has unsavory plans for the school. Some of the characters from the nursing home reappear but there are many new characters also. Including his real-life wife and the two develop a relationship.
My wife and I enjoyed both seasons, streaming. We generally watched two episodes a night.
One of the more enjoyable mini-series that we have watched. We hope there will be another season with a novel storyline next year.
Love the show
Son and I watched over holidays and we both enjoyed it immensely. Ted is a true gem, the guest stars were all people we knew from past shows and we got to see them again, reminding us how good they are. We binge watched this because the episodes were short which is perfect to keep our interest. There is a great chance for this to continue with so much more fun and games among an aging population. So much information just in the storyline about nursing homes, aging/elderly, grief and loss, friendships and honesty. It has a small tinge of murders in the building but unique in its own way with the mix of young and old in thoughts and technology. This show is a winner for me.
Funnier Than Expected
I just finished A Man on the Inside and have to say I really enjoyed it. It was much funnier than I expected. The show is about a retired college professor (Ted Danson) who recently lost his wife and is looking for something new in his life. He responds to an add in the paper from a private investigator (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) who's looking for someone to go undercover at a San Francisco retirement home to find someone who stole a valuable necklace from one of the residents. It's gotten nothing but great reviews from both critics and the audience, it currently has a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. If you're looking for a fun show to have some laughs and can binge in just a few hours then give this a try. You wont be disappointed.
Did you know
- TriviaMichael Schur was an Executive Producer on The Good Place (2016), and knew Ted Danson would love the role of Charles. Schur was quoted in the LA Times as saying, "I knew what kind of parts he likes. After I watched 'The Mole Agent,' I just saw the whole thing."
- ConnectionsReferenced in 82nd Golden Globe Awards (2025)
November 2025 TV and Streaming Premiere Dates
November 2025 TV and Streaming Premiere Dates
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Điệp Viên Lão Làng
- Filming locations
- 1201 California Street, San Francisco, California, USA(Exteriors for Pacific View building)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 30m
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD
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