This series based on a true story is Netflix's latest big hit

Netflix has a catalog suitable for all audiences, from fans of the darkest horror to those who just want a series to laugh and unwind for a while. In this latter category is The Infiltrated Man, the new gem recently released on the platform that tops the list of most-watched since its premiere.

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With a mix of humor, emotion, and a bit of mystery, the series has managed to reach a global audience thanks to a venture by Michael Schur, the creator of none other than The Good Place and Parks and Recreation. The series, in this case, is based on real events, as it adapts with a fictional twist the Chilean documentary The Mole Agent by Maite Alberdi, nominated for an Oscar in 2021. However, it also features Schur’s classic humorous touch and, above all, a Ted Danson in top form.

A residence, an investigation, and many laughs

The plot of The Infiltrated Man follows Charles, a retired professor played by Danson. Marked by the loss of his wife and estranged from his daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), Charles feels that his life has lost purpose and he no longer has anything to live for.

However, everything changes when he responds to an ad from a private detective, Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada), who recruits him to infiltrate the Pacific View retirement home in San Francisco. His mission is to investigate the disappearance of a valuable family necklace, but he quickly discovers that both the residents and the staff are suspects. In his effort to maintain a low profile, Charles ends up getting involved in the home’s dynamics and building unexpected bonds that reignite his zest for life.

The series has been enthusiastically received by both the public and critics. Media outlets like IndieWire have highlighted its balance between hilarious and moving moments, describing it as a brave and sentimental comedy. And although it doesn’t have the level of uncontrolled laughter of other Schur productions, it manages to capture the viewer with its warmth and humanity, especially when addressing sensitive topics such as old age, dementia, and loneliness.

It is this new and vindicating approach, as highlighted by The Guardian, that transforms the series into a tear-jerking but deeply satisfying experience, ideal for those seeking comforting entertainment in complex times.

After making a huge impact in The Good Place, Ted Danson delivers a performance that is both endearing and full of emotional nuances. Meanwhile, Stephanie Beatriz, famous for Brooklyn Nine-Nine, plays the strict director of the residence, adding an interesting counterpoint to the narrative. The chemistry between the characters and the depth of their interactions elevate the story, making each episode offer something new.

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One aspect that distinguishes The Infiltrated Man is how it adapts the essence of The Mole Agent to transform it into a fiction accessible to wider audiences. While the Chilean documentary explored the reality of the elderly in a retirement home through an undercover mission aimed at investigating possible abuses, the series expands the narrative to include elements of intrigue and humor. Of course, always keeping in mind the social commentary on the elderly and the importance of empathy.

With a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and millions of views globally, The Infiltrated Man is already shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest hits in 2024. It is an invitation not only to laugh and be moved, but also to reflect on how human connections can transform our lives at any stage.