Netflix’s new crime-comedy show just hit #1 — and it’s 94% on Rotten Tomatoes

On November 23, 2024By Littum

Netflix’s new crime-comedy show “A Man on the Inside” has arrived, and it looks set to be the streamer’s next big hit, considering it just nabbed the No.1 spot. “The Good Place” creator has once again teamed up with Ted Danson for a delightful new comedy. Another streaming writer, Martin Shore, shared his thoughts on the trailer a few weeks ago, saying it “looks like another piece of feel-good TV, one with plenty of laughs to come.”

As someone who also loves a good whodunit with sharp wit in an oddball concept, this one seems like the perfect binge this weekend. With an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating, it has already climbed the ranks as one of this year’s must-see Netflix series.

Early reviews rave about its incredibly moving yet entertaining plot and an outstanding performance from its lead, Ted Danson, who goes undercover at a nursing home to solve a crime.

So if you’re looking for something new to watch on the streaming service, here’s everything you need to know about “A Man on the Inside” and why critics love it.

What is ‘A Man on the Inside’ about?

A man on the inside | Official Trailer | Netflix – YouTube

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Charles (Ted Danson), a widower looking to break out of his everyday routine, responds to a private detective’s call for help with a peculiar theft case. Disguised as a newcomer, he infiltrates a senior housing community, where his undercover mission leads to unexpected connections, newfound friendships and a closer relationship with his daughter.

Director Mike Schur spoke Netflix: “This is a multigenerational show, and it’s just as important to explore the inner lives of people my age – because it’s a strange thing when your parents start needing your help. You’re not used to that. The whole basis of the relationship was that you need their help. It struck me as a good idea to adapt this because we just don’t talk about it here. It feels painful, and it is especially difficult to talk about it directly with your parents.”

‘A Man on the Inside’ reviews – critics are loving this new comedy

At the time of writing, “A Man on the Inside” has an impressive score of 94% on it Rotten tomatoes from about 16 reviews. Most of the praise comes down to the show’s charm, and of course Danson’s incredible performance as the mole at the retirement home.

Variations Aramide Tinubu said: “A charming and funny whodunit that explores grief, love and the thrill of new beginnings from the perspective of seniors.” Meanwhile, Alan Sepinwall from Rolling Stone says it’s “smart and friendly, and it’s incredibly warm, a necessary balm in a moment when the world feels very angry and cold.”

salon’s Melanie McFarland also found it very heartwarming: “Instead of reaching for the light joke, or any at all, A Man on the Inside makes tenderness and honesty its north star. It’s not the funniest comedy on TV, but it might the most watchable and poignant.”

Ted Danson as Charles and Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Emily in

(Image credit: Netflix)

However, there was a piece of criticism among the reviews. Kelly Lawler from USA today said, “A light mix of themes and ideas, the series feels like it’s still a sketch on the drawing board rather than a fully realized story with a beginning, middle and end.”

However, the rest of the reviews remain very positive, and I’m sure “A Man on the Inside” will crash Netflix’s top 10 at some point. TV Insiders Matt Roush also convinced me to give it a go this weekend in his review: “I found A Man on the Inside incredibly moving as well as entertaining, often fighting back tears as I reveled in this showcase for some of TV’s most precious and still shining stars.”

Should you stream ‘A Man on the Inside’?

Charles (Ted Danson) stands at a corner of Netflix's "A man on the inside"

(Image credit: Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix)

Yes, I absolutely think you should stream “A Man on the Inside” this weekend if you love a charming comedy with lots of humor and emotion.

While “A Man on the Inside” is undoubtedly a comedy about espionage, it is just as much a heartfelt exploration of aging, friendship and the challenges of loneliness. The show plays with the cozy mystery format, of course, but at its core it’s a story about elders rediscovering connection and purpose.

Looking for more? Watch the best comedies currently available on Netflix. You should also watch these Netflix movies before they leave at the end of the month.

Stream “A Man on the Inside” on Netflix now.