The much-loved trio from The Good Place reunited in an emotional display of support and camaraderie at the premiere of Ted Danson’s new Netflix series, A Man on the Inside, on November 10. Although The Good Place may have wrapped up its run in 2020, it’s clear that the cast’s friendship is alive and well. Kristen Bell and D’Arcy Carden made a heartfelt appearance at the event, both embracing Danson, who was visibly moved by their support.
For Danson, who portrayed Michael in The Good Place, the bonds with his co-stars run deep. When he speaks about Kristen Bell, who portrayed Eleanor Shellstrop, his words are full of genuine affection and admiration. “I adore her, and she adores me, but she's also the most adorable human being on the planet,” Danson shared with PEOPLE. “There's no one who doesn’t adore Kristen Bell. Really, truly.” Bell’s portrayal of Eleanor earned her a Golden Globe nomination in 2019, adding to the show's legacy of award-worthy performances and poignant storytelling. Currently, Bell has been making waves in her own Netflix series, Nobody Wants This, which has already been renewed for a second season—a testament to her ongoing popularity and talent.
Not only did The Good Place leave a cultural impact, but it also drew accolades, amassing 14 Emmy nominations, including several for Danson as a leading actor in a comedy. The show explored ethical and philosophical dilemmas within a comedic framework, setting it apart from typical sitcoms. The team even collaborated with real-life ethics professors to ensure accuracy—a unique approach that Danson fondly recalls. “Did you see her latest show?” Danson asked, referencing Bell's ongoing work. “I have to cover my eyes and say, ‘No, no, no. Don’t fall in love with him!’ She’s marvelous. They [Bell and Carden] both are.”
The connection between Danson, Bell, and Carden has only grown since The Good Place, and their reunion felt like a celebration of both the past and the present. A Man on the Inside represents a new chapter for Danson, but it’s one that still carries the familiar heart and humor fans have come to expect from him. In this new show, Danson takes on the role of Michael, a recently widowed retiree who finds unexpected purpose as a private investigator’s assistant. His character's mission? Infiltrating a senior living community to help solve a mystery. With eight episodes filled with humor and insights into the lives of seniors, Danson brings an undeniable charm and depth to the role.
Danson, at 76, finds great joy in exploring this stage of life through comedy and sincerity. “One of my joys, and I’ve been able to do it in life several times, is to use my age and what I’m going through in life and explore that,” he reflected. “What is it like to be 76 and be funny, trying to be funny? What does that feel like? Oh my God, [the] greatest joy is to be funny possibly in every possible way I can.” For Danson, the joy of acting doesn’t diminish with age. In fact, he embraces the idea that even in one’s later years, there’s a purpose in living fully. “You can still do anything even at our age, and one of the things you have to teach them is how to die, and how to live right up until you do,” he added. “Don’t call it quits, don’t wind down, keep going. The world needs you.”
Danson’s passion for the craft and his perspective on aging add a layer of depth to A Man on the Inside. It’s a sentiment that resonates with viewers of all ages and encourages people to keep pushing forward, embracing new opportunities, and living fully no matter what stage of life they’re in. This sense of purpose and zest for life is at the heart of the show, making it more than just a comedy—it’s a reflection on life, purpose, and the beauty of never really being “too old” for anything.
In fact, while the show has yet to be officially renewed for a second season, creator and executive producer Michael Schur has hinted at possibilities for future seasons. Schur, well-known for his work on The Good Place and Parks and Recreation, has a unique knack for blending humor with thought-provoking themes. He’s already dreaming up ways to expand the show’s universe, perhaps even bringing in familiar faces. “Should we be lucky enough to do more seasons, I think the world is our oyster,” Schur told PEOPLE. He added, “I think I would happily cast anyone that we thought was the right person to cast regardless of whether Ted has worked with him or not, because [at] this point, he’s worked with everyone!”
This sentiment suggests fans might get to see a Good Place mini-reunion on A Man on the Inside, especially with Bell and Carden still so closely connected to Danson. In fact, there’s even talk of including Danson’s wife, Mary Steenburgen, in future seasons. The two have shared the screen before, in projects like Gulliver’s Travels (1996) and It Must Be Love (2004), so seeing them together again would be an extra treat for fans who love them both.
In a landscape full of new content, A Man on the Inside brings something refreshingly unique. It’s a show that not only entertains but also embraces the complexities and humor that come with growing older. At a time when much of Hollywood gravitates toward youth-centric stories, Danson’s latest project is a reminder that life remains rich, meaningful, and full of opportunity well into the golden years.
Danson’s performance is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and joy at any age. It’s clear that his connection to his Good Place castmates, combined with his passion for telling relatable, humorous stories, has made this premiere a memorable one. His message about aging gracefully, pushing boundaries, and savoring every moment makes A Man on the Inside more than just a series; it’s a hopeful narrative about making the most out of life, even when society may say it’s time to slow down.
As fans and newcomers await updates on a potential second season, the show stands as a charming, heartfelt look at what it means to age without losing one’s spirit. For Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, D’Arcy Carden, and those who have followed their journey, this premiere was more than a reunion—it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the adventures that still lie ahead.
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