Fresh Air Podcast Summary: Michael Schur on “A Man on the Inside”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fresh Air
• Host: Terry Gross
• Episode: “‘Parks and Rec’ & ‘Good Place’ Creator Michael Schur On His New Show”
• Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Fresh Air, host Terry Gross engages in an in-depth conversation with Michael Schur, the acclaimed creator behind beloved television series such as The Office, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place. Schur discusses his latest project, A Man on the Inside, a new comedy series streaming on Netflix, exploring its creation, themes, and his collaborative process with actors like Ted Danson.

Overview of “A Man on the Inside”

A Man on the Inside is an eight-episode Netflix series starring Ted Danson as Charles, an elderly man hired to go undercover in a nursing home to investigate a mystery surrounding a missing family heirloom. Inspired by the Chilean documentary The Mole Agent, the show balances humor with philosophical undertones, much like Schur’s previous work, The Good Place.

David Biancouli, TV critic and professor at Rowan University, reviews the series, highlighting its blend of entertainment and deep philosophical questions. He notes, “A Man on the Inside isn’t just in it for the laughs. It uses music and poetry poetically, discussing life, death, and the treasures along the way” (02:58).

Inspiration from the Chilean Documentary “The Mole Agent”

Schur was deeply moved by The Mole Agent, a documentary centered on Sergio, an elderly man who integrates himself into a nursing home to solve a theft. He states:

“Everyone I know who saw it had the same exact feeling, which was I should call my mom or I need to call my grandpa or I should hang out with my kids more” (07:00).

This universal emotional response inspired Schur to create a slightly fictionalized version that emphasizes community, friendship, and personal transformation.

Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in the New Series

A significant theme in A Man on the Inside revolves around the ethics of undercover investigations. Schur delves into whether it is right for Charles to secretly record residents without their knowledge. He reflects:

“We decided that what was important was for Charles to suffer the consequences of having been essentially dishonest to the folks that he was interacting with” (11:33).

This ethical questioning mirrors the philosophical explorations found in The Good Place, where moral dilemmas are at the forefront.

Collaboration with Ted Danson

Schur discusses his rewarding collaboration with Ted Danson, praising Danson’s dedication to his craft:

“He just has this unrelenting desire to be as good as he can be... It feels like a real collaboration” (12:23).

Their partnership extends from The Good Place to A Man on the Inside, showcasing Danson’s versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Philosophical Underpinnings in “The Good Place”

Reflecting on The Good Place, Schur explains his longstanding interest in philosophy and ethics, which heavily influenced the show's narrative structure. He shares:

“I just pursued that and thought, okay, this is going to be weird. I'm going to do a half-hour comedy show about moral philosophy” (14:30).

This integration of philosophical concepts into comedy not only entertained audiences but also encouraged them to ponder deeper moral questions.

Mentorship and Influences

Schur credits his collaboration with Greg Daniels, co-creator of The Office and Parks and Recreation, as pivotal in his development as a writer. He recounts lessons on story hierarchy and character development, emphasizing Daniels’ meticulous approach:

“He thinks so carefully and so studiously about what he's doing. He treats writing, specifically TV writing, with such care and consideration” (26:36).

Daniels’ influence is evident in Schur’s structured yet innovative storytelling techniques.

Impact of Streaming on Television Production

Addressing the transformation in the television landscape, Schur laments the shift from traditional 22-episode seasons to shorter, streaming-focused formats:

“The biggest change... is the shift to the Streaming model... a season of TV is eight half hours, usually” (44:41).

He expresses nostalgia for the extended storytelling opportunities that longer seasons provided, allowing for deeper character development and more intricate plots.

Personal Reflections on Television and Work

Schur reflects on his personal approach to work, emphasizing passion and collaboration. He states:

“The work that I do is incredibly fun... It's sitting in a room with a dozen really funny people writing stories and making jokes like that barely counts as work to me” (47:05).

His genuine enjoyment and dedication shine through, underscoring the fulfillment he derives from his creative endeavors.

Conclusion

In this episode of Fresh Air, Michael Schur offers a comprehensive look into his creative process, the ethical considerations of his new series, and his thoughts on the evolving television industry. His insightful discussion provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities behind crafting meaningful and entertaining television that resonates on both comedic and philosophical levels.

Notable Quotes:

• On the emotional impact of the documentary:
  “Everyone I know who saw it had the same exact feeling, which was I should call my mom or I need to call my grandpa or I should hang out with my kids more” (07:00)

• On ethical dilemmas in storytelling:
  “We decided that what was important was for Charles to suffer the consequences of having been essentially dishonest to the folks that he was interacting with” (11:33)

• On collaboration with Ted Danson:
  “It feels like a real collaboration” (12:23)

• On the shift to streaming models:
  “A season of TV is eight half hours, usually” (44:41)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a rich and engaging overview for those who haven’t listened.