Ted Danson returns as wannabe private investigator Charles Nieuwendyk in Season 2 of Netflix’s “A Man on the Inside,” premiering on November 20. This time, Charles finds himself in a precarious situation as he begins a romance with Mona Margadoff, a professor at Wheeler College who could very well be the blackmailer linked to his case. The role is played by none other than Mary Steenburgen, Danson’s wife of 30 years, which adds a layer of authenticity to the on-screen chemistry.
Danson, 77, describes the experience of acting opposite Steenburgen as a delight. “Charles is smitten, and I was too. It’s so much fun to play falling in love with someone you’re madly in love with. You just sink into each other, which is lovely,” he shares. The couple’s real-life love story began when they met during auditions for the film “Cross Creek” in 1983, and they eventually married in 1995 after portraying a couple in “Pontiac Moon.”
Their relationship even faced challenges on-screen when the two played fictionalized versions of themselves in 2024’s Season 10 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which presented a comedic twist with their characters getting divorced. Reflecting on that experience, Danson joked, “Thanks to Larry, we were happily married,” emphasizing the bond that lighthearted projects can create.
Mike Schur, the executive producer of “A Man on the Inside,” was the one who suggested casting Steenburgen as Charles’s love interest. Danson appreciated this opportunity, noting that working together is a dream come true for the pair. The couple shares a peaceful life just outside of Los Angeles, often enjoying quiet mornings filled with coffee and word games, strengthening their bond.
Danson also humorously admits that his character’s ineptitude as a private investigator mirrors his own lack of tech-savvy. His portrayal combines earnestness with relatable clumsiness, making his character a lovable hero despite his flaws. The show captures a hopeful perspective on aging, emphasizing that it’s never too late to embrace new adventures in life.
Despite the challenges of navigating personal and professional life, Danson finds joy in the experience and the unique stories they tell. “There’s plenty to do in life,” he says, affirming the underlying theme of second chances and revitalization present in the series. As “A Man on the Inside” progresses, audiences can look forward to more of the silver charm that Danson and Steenburgen bring to the screen while celebrating the joys of life at any age.