A Man on the Inside is a laugh out loud comedy with plenty of heart

In a world where the definition of a comedy series has become subjective, Netflix's A Man on the Inside reminds audiences that the biggest benefit a comedy offers is the ability to laugh. Michael Shur, has already won audiences' hearts with The Office, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn 99, and The Good Place, as well as his previous experience writing for Saturday Night Live, aims to encourage laughs again in A Man on the Inside. A Man on the Inside shows Michael Shur's interest in reuniting with previous actors, such as Ted Danson and Stephanie Beatriz, who play lead roles. A Man on the Inside also features other fun cameos from various Michael Shur projects, including Eugene Cordero and Marc Evan Jackson.

The show follows Ted Danson's character, Charles, who begins as a retired man who has lost his spark and joy for life in the aftermath of his wife's death. But, after his daughter, Emily, encourages Charles to get back out into the world, his life changes when he gets a job working for Julie, a private investigator, who turns Charles' life around by turning him into a secret agent. While trying to prove that nefarious events are occurring under the roof of a retirement home, Charles also re-discovers his love for socializing. Along the way, Charles must try to prevent anyone from discovering why he is truly at Pacific View Retirement Community. It certainly does not help his case that Didi, the managing director, genuinely cares for the residents and seems to be aware of most of what occurs under Pacific View's roof.

Ted Danson perfectly blends the comedy of who Charles is and the emotional aspect of where his mindset lies. As a series that blends joy, heart, and comedy, A Man on the Inside is mostly about finding what it means to live, even though the show's central subplot surrounds the question of who may or may not be stealing from the residents. The Netflix series is quick and witty, but it also trusts the audience in moments of silence or seriousness to give room for more heartfelt scenes. Although Charles is the main character, what really allows this show to work is the nature and relationships between the ensemble cast. Charles' connections with his fellow residents are funny and heartfelt, and his dynamics with Julie and Emily add plenty of joy and laughter to various scenes.

Even the dynamics that the Pacific View Retirement Community residents have with each other allow for a strong foundation. Virginia and Florence's friendship adds strong bones to the backstory of the members of the community. Meanwhile, Virginia and Elliot, being coined as Pacific View's version of Ross and Rachel, tell the audience most of what they need to know about them. Charles' friendships with Calbert and Gladys also add layers to the series.

Funny, sweet, touching, and joyful, A Man on the Inside knows how to develop its more emotional arcs without compromising its identity as a comedy. The laughs keep coming with each episode. This is a show that knows how to execute a balancing act that keeps viewers laughing but still treats its more serious storylines with integrity. For anyone looking for a comedy, spy series, or mystery, A Man on the Inside is a perfect culmination of all three.