A Man on the Inside presents a cozy yet uninspired mystery revolving around a retired professor who finds a new purpose as a private investigator. Though the narrative may appear lighthearted, it embodies many of the traits that characterize the often uninspired content of contemporary streaming platforms. Critics have described this phenomenon, including James Poniewozik of the New York Times, as “mid TV,” referring to the prevailing abundance of harmless and predictable entertainment that lacks depth.
While the series seems to offer harmless escapism with its elderly protagonists, it comments on the broader issue of modern television, which appears to prioritize safe entertainment over innovative storytelling. However, despite its shortcomings, the show is not noticeably worse than much of the other content currently available, aligning itself with standard tropes and familiar narratives.
Fundamentally, the show builds on the successes of its creators. Showrunner Michael Schur, known for acclaimed series like Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, collaborates with Ted Danson, enhancing the series’s visibility through their established reputations. The story is loosely based on the 2020 documentary The Mole Agent, which investigates allegations of abuse in a care home. In this adaptation, Danson’s character, Charles, embarks on a mission in a San Francisco retirement community to uncover a jewel thief, inadvertently reconnecting with companionship and belonging that he has lost since the passing of his wife.
Stretching eight 30-minute episodes, the series risks overstaying its welcome, with a plot that progresses slowly and is heavily telegraphed, making it easy to follow while multitasking. This aligns with a growing trend in television where shows are designed to be watched passively while viewers engage with their devices, resulting in a diluted viewing experience.
In Season 2, we find Charles eager for more undercover work as he delves into a laptop theft tied to a protest against a billionaire donor at a local college. The returning cast from the first season, though not directly related to the new storyline, are reintroduced to maintain continuity for the audience. Alongside familiar faces, Charles encounters some new ones, including a humorous character played by Jason Mantzoukas, who manages to inject a bit of levity into the series.
Although the show evokes comparisons to citizen detective narratives like Disney+’s Only Murders in the Building, it falls short of delivering the same level of humor and risk. The themes of aging and isolation are present, yet the series fails to offer a profound exploration, ultimately resulting in a formulaic and predictable resolution to the laptop mystery.
Viewers may not tune into A Man on the Inside for the thrill of the chase or the depth of its comedy; rather, it serves as a backdrop to fill silence—ideal for those seeking casual viewing while engaged with more compelling activities on their devices. Yet, within its limitations lies a gentle reminder of the value of companionship, underscoring the importance of connection, particularly for the elderly, in a world that often leaves them sidelined.