A Man on the Inside Fights Hollywood’s Ageism

While there have been shows like Grace and Frankie and Jean Smart leads Hacks through a very successful run, Hollywood isn’t known for giving older people worthwhile characters. A Man on the Inside has been fighting ageism since its first season, giving older actors the chance to shine through characters who make a difference.

As a widower and retired professor, Charles seems to be living a very monotonous, repetitive life. That is until he meets Julie, a private investigator who hires him to go undercover inside a retirement home.

The premise of A Man on the Inside Season 1 makes it very clear that older people will be at the center of the action. The retirement home is full of men and women of a certain age living together, which allows many actors to come onscreen.

However, the truth is that not only the presence of actors of a certain age works to fight Hollywood’s ageism. The message within every episode is loud and clear: just because someone is of retirement age, it doesn’t mean their life is over, and they have nothing to bring to the table.

On the contrary, every character we meet teaches viewers an important message about life. Charles is the most obvious answer, enlightening people on the fact that it is never too late to meet new people, make friends, and start over.

There’s also Calbert, who goes from talking to no one to making friends, becoming more social, and eventually getting a girlfriend. Calbert’s storyline even talks about the fears older people might have when it comes to their health, remarking how important it is to have someone to talk to.

Virginia and Elliot’s story is a funny and joyful look at what it is like to fall in love again at a certain age after losing your life partner. There is the jealousy, flirting, and banter that Hollywood has reserved for younger couples, reminding us that love truly has no age.

A Man on the Inside Season 2 takes Charles on a different undercover adventure. This time, Julie asks him to go undercover at a university. While it may have seemed as if the older characters wouldn’t get their time in the spotlight, the season proves that wrong.

New characters as old as Charles come onscreen and continue to prove these are characters that need to be explored, characters that have a lot to say. These are characters who can still put up a fight when the injustices of the world take them on.

The character of Holly Bodgemark is the perfect example. When she learns something bad is about to happen, she puts a plan in motion to protect the university she loves so much and the people she cares about most. Holly doesn’t go away quietly, but manages to stay under the radar enough to get away with the blackmail.

Mona Margadoff is a very vivid representation of never settling, always trying new things, never giving up, and not being afraid of going on the next adventure. She reminds everyone that it’s never too late to try something new or experience something you always wished you had. And while that may scare Charles at times, it is a beautiful way to see a woman of her age.

Julie’s mom, Vanessa Cascade, is another great example. Even after spending time in prison, Vanessa is able to turn her life around and become the kind of mother she always wanted to be. Once again, proving there is no deadline on when people can live their best lives.

A Man on the Inside is the kind of show that brings people joy and laughter when the real way gets scary. The kind of show that brings us hope in times of darkness.

Its hope is brought to people of every age, reminding us that we can always pick up, start over, and follow our hearts.

A Man on the Inside is the perfect show to fight Hollywood’s ageism and show that we will always want to know more about the stories of older people.

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A Man on the Inside is available to stream on Netflix.

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