SAN FRANCISCO – Make it clear: Ted Danson is Mike Schur’s go-to guy.

The iconic sitcom star—known for his roles in “Cheers” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”—was the obvious pick for Schur when it came to portraying a 70-something amateur detective investigating thefts at a San Francisco assisted-living facility in the Netflix series, “A Man on the Inside” (now available for streaming).

However, that doesn’t mean the duo, who previously worked together on NBC’s “The Good Place” for four seasons, take each other too seriously.

“I thought it would be a fun show, but then I realized, oh no, I have to work with Ted again,” jokes Schur, known for his hits including “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Danson, 76, chuckles alongside Schur during a recent video call, showcasing his trademark bright smile.

Schur quickly pivots, saying, “In all seriousness, this project is all about Ted. Without him, it just wouldn’t happen.”

Danson reveals he was on board right after Schur’s first call, even before knowing the show was a humorous spin on a touching 2020 documentary, “The Mole Agent,” which is set in a nursing home in Chile. It surely helped that Schur’s reputation is nearing the level of sitcom legends like his “Cheers” director, James Burrows.

“I won’t make comparisons, but I can say there’s nothing casual about Mike,” Danson remarks. “At this point in my life, I aim to be intentional with my acting decisions, and Mike is very much that kind of person.”

For Ted Danson, ‘Man on the Inside’ Enabled Him to Portray a Senior Who is ‘Passionate, Curious, and Engaged’

Danson eagerly embraced the opportunity to work again with Schur, portraying a character who relishes life, even as the end is increasingly near.

“I enjoy the opening montage, where you see photos from my past alongside my present self,” Danson shares. “The audience likely recognizes both versions of me. But this is my current self, and I enjoy playing with humor in this role, embodying someone who is energetic, inquisitive, and present. I get to express who I really am now, and I love that.”

Danson also enjoys some time in San Francisco, where the cast filmed for a week last summer, capturing the city’s iconic spots, from a baseball game at Oracle Park to a ferry ride across San Francisco Bay. For Schur, this location was key to “A Man on the Inside.”

“In the show, there’s this feeling that the bustling city is just out of reach for them,” Schur explains. “It conveys a message of ‘Look at all the life around you, get out and enjoy it.’ I’ve always loved San Francisco for its incredible variety—from the water to the bridges and the stunning views.”

One breezy summer day, the filming crew shot a scene where Charles (Danson) and fellow resident Calbert (Stephen McKinley Henderson, 75, who has a rich career including roles in August Wilson plays and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) share a rare outing outside the retirement home.

For Danson, collaborating with the seasoned actor was a true pleasure. “In one of our scenes, we were surrounded by redwoods,” he reflects. “To me, Stephen is like a redwood—strong and authentic.”

The captivating stories shared off-screen by this experienced cast made a lasting impression on Stephanie Beatriz, also from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” who plays Didi, the kind yet perceptive director of the Pacific View community.

“One day while we were sitting around, out of nowhere, Sally Struthers, 77 (best known for her role as Sally Stivic on “All in the Family” and now a resident in the home), shared stories about her dates with Elvis,” Beatriz recalls, her excitement evident. “Then the conversations turned to Broadway memories from 40 years ago. I mean, these are legends. I felt so grateful. It reminded me just how vibrant these individuals are.”

Mike Schur becomes passionate when discussing the issue of ageism in Hollywood.

“In our society, there’s such a focus on youth: it’s all about looking younger, acting younger, ignoring your age, and using all sorts of creams to erase wrinkles. It’s so absurd for multiple reasons,” he explains.

“At the age of 9, I was just a typical kid from suburban Connecticut watching ‘Golden Girls,’ a series centered on retirees in Florida with lives vastly different from mine,” he reminisces. “However, the narratives were engaging, and the performances were outstanding. It makes me ponder why we don’t have more shows today featuring the incredible talents of older actors?”

‘Only Murders in the Building’ serves as another example demonstrating that older actors can attract a wide audience, according to Mike Schur

Schur highlights the widespread acclaim of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” where his wife J.J. Philbin is a writer-producer, as evidence that seasoned stars like Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Meryl Streep can successfully capture the attention of viewers. “I truly hope we see a resurgence of compelling roles for those outside the 18-to-49 age range,” he expresses.

Danson acknowledges this point. Schur glances at his distinguished star and continues, “This issue feels highly relevant to explore within a series, even if I’m not at the age of well  Charles.”

Danson gives Schur a piercing look.

“You were about to say, ‘I’m not the age of Ted,’ weren’t you?” Danson interjects.

Schur laughs heartily. “Well, yes, I was.”

And scene.