All eight episodes of the season of A Man on the Inside are now available to stream on Netflix. Created by Michael Schur, the series stars Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephanie Beatriz, Gary Cole, Max Greenfield, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Mary Steenburgen, and David Strathairn.

Eager for another high-stakes undercover case, Charles Nieuwendyk gets his chance when a mysterious blackmailer targets Wheeler College president Jack Berenger, who enlists Charles to go undercover as a professor. As Charles navigates a web of possible suspects, his attention is increasingly drawn to Mona, a free-spirited music teacher whose zest for life stirs emotions he thought long buried following the passing of his wife.

The first season of A Man on the Inside made a lasting impression, thanks to the collaboration of creator Michael Schur and lead actor Ted Danson. Their previous work together on The Good Place laid the foundation for a strong creative partnership that shines here. While the first season felt satisfyingly conclusive, the new episodes build on the story while maintaining the same engaging quality, effortlessly pulling viewers in. With the upcoming release of Stranger Things and the holiday season approaching, this series is an ideal next binge—immersive, compelling, and a perfect escape from the everyday.

To my surprise, the second season works. It finds a fresh way to move the story forward while staying true to the core characters from the first season. Recurring themes help the show maintain continuity, even as Charles (Danson) embarks on a new chapter in his life. He is still grappling with how to move forward while keeping the people closest to him from the first season in his life. If the show continues, it seems poised to explore new locations and situations that further develop Charles’s character while keeping the familiar faces around.

Ted Danson continues to be as charismatic as ever. He has always brought an undeniable charm to every role, and this one feels tailor-made for him. Though he is older, his energy, mannerisms, and delivery make him feel remarkably youthful, which makes it easy for viewers to connect with him. He strikes a perfect balance between confidence and relatability, giving the character both gravitas and warmth. Over time, it’s easy to see this role becoming one of the most defining of his career.

The new additions to the cast are a delightful surprise. I tend to avoid most marketing, so seeing Max Greenfield, Mary Steenburgen, and David Strathairn was unexpected. Greenfield fits perfectly in his role, and Steenburgen as Charles’ new love interest feels completely natural. Given that Steenburgen and Danson are married in real life, their on-screen chemistry comes across effortlessly. Strathairn was the biggest surprise for me—he’s not someone I usually associate with comedy—but he handles the material brilliantly.

With Michael Schur at the helm, the show maintains the witty, heartfelt comedic tone he’s known for on television. He knows how to bring in talent he has worked with—or knows will mesh well—to preserve that distinctive style. Fans of The Good Place or Parks & Recreation will likely appreciate both the humor and the richly drawn characters, making the series a consistently enjoyable watch.

With only eight half-hour episodes, the season feels just as short-lived as the first. Just as the story is gaining momentum, it’s over, which makes the show an easy binge but leaves me nostalgic for the longer sitcom seasons of the past. I understand why it’s limited to eight episodes—between Netflix’s vast catalogue, the show’s budget, and production time, it makes sense. Still, I wouldn’t mind waiting longer between seasons if it meant more episodes to enjoy.

The humor lands for the most part, but at times it can feel rushed. With only eight episodes trying to balance both story and comedy, there isn’t always enough space for the jokes to fully resonate. If the show had a slightly longer run, the humor would have more room to breathe, giving the comedy a chance to fully develop alongside the story.

Overall, the second season of A Man on the Inside largely delivers on what fans and viewers would expect from the first season. From the talented cast to the fresh new setting, there’s plenty to admire. Still, a longer season would have given both the story and the humor more room to fully develop.

VERDICT: 3.5/5 – Pretty Good