Ted Danson has worn many unforgettable looks across his legendary television career, but A Man on the Inside Season 2 might just be one of his most stylish transformations yet. Behind the sharp suits, polished pocket squares, and effortless spy swagger is acclaimed costume designer Kirston Leigh Mann, who redefined Charles Nieuwendyk’s wardrobe to reflect his evolution from meticulous academic to confident undercover investigator.
In Season 2 of Netflix’s heartfelt comedy-crime series, Mann subtly but powerfully reshapes Charles’ visual identity. The result? A character who looks every bit like a modern, campus-friendly James Bond—without ever losing his intellectual charm.
This deep dive explores how Kirston Leigh Mann crafted Charles Nieuwendyk’s spy-inspired look, why Ted Danson is famously easy to dress, and how costume design plays a crucial role in character storytelling in A Man on the Inside.
Charles Nieuwendyk: From Architect to Investigator With Style
Charles Nieuwendyk is not your typical TV detective. Introduced as a former architect turned professor, Charles brings precision, discipline, and taste into every part of his life—including how he dresses. From the very beginning, his wardrobe communicates intelligence, order, and restraint.
According to Kirston Leigh Mann, Charles’ background heavily influenced his clothing choices.
As an architect, Charles is fastidious, methodical, and exacting. His clothes reflect this mindset—clean lines, crisp tailoring, and a sense of personal uniformity. Even small habits, like how he cuts out newspaper articles or organizes his workspace, align with his polished appearance.
But Season 2 marks a turning point.
Charles is no longer just solving mysteries casually. He is leaning deeper into the role of a private investigator, and his wardrobe evolves to reflect that shift.
Season 2 Style Evolution: Less Cardigan, More Spy Energy
In A Man on the Inside Season 1, Charles’ style leaned academic—cardigans, tweed textures, and relaxed layers. While refined, it was rooted in his university life.
Season 2 changes the game.
Kirston Leigh Mann intentionally pushed Charles’ look toward cloak-and-dagger sophistication. The inspiration? Classic cinematic spies.
“In Season 2, we tried to make him a little more James Bond,” Mann explained.
The transformation includes:
- More tailored suits
- Fewer tweedy and casual knits
- Sharper silhouettes
- Darker, richer color palettes
The result is a character who still belongs on a university campus—but looks just as comfortable navigating secret investigations, dimly lit bars, and undercover missions.
Why Ted Danson Is “The Easiest Man on Television to Dress”
One recurring theme in Mann’s work with Ted Danson is how effortlessly he carries clothing. Having collaborated with him previously on The Good Place, Mann understands exactly what works for him.
Ted Danson’s physical attributes play a major role:
- Tall frame
- Slender build
- Proportions close to designer sample sizes
In the fashion world, people like Ted are often called “hangers”—meaning clothes naturally fall perfectly on them. In Danson’s case, Mann jokes that outfits often look better on him than on the hanger itself.
But it’s not just his build.
Ted Danson has decades of on-camera experience. He knows what suits him, understands tailoring, and actively collaborates during fittings. Many of Charles’ suits are custom-made, fine-tuned down to shoulder symmetry and sleeve length.
This combination of experience, confidence, and physique makes styling Ted Danson both easy and creatively rewarding.
Custom Suits and Spy-Inspired Tailoring
While some of Charles’ wardrobe pieces are sourced, many of his Season 2 suits are built from scratch.
Why custom suits?
- Ted Danson’s height requires precise proportions
- Camera lighting demands perfect tailoring
- Movement scenes need flexibility without losing shape
Mann and her team work closely with expert tailors to adjust minor details—such as shoulder height or jacket drape—to create visual symmetry on screen.
The goal is subtle perfection. Viewers may not consciously notice the tailoring, but they feel the confidence it gives the character.
Color Palette: Blues, Browns, and Spy Elegance
Unlike many shows that rely heavily on black suits, Mann avoids excessive black on camera.
Why?
Black can visually “disappear” on screen, especially under certain lighting conditions. Instead, Mann leans into colors that add depth and texture.
For Charles Nieuwendyk in Season 2, the dominant shades include:
- Deep navy blues
- Earthy browns
- Muted greens
- Warm neutrals
These tones:
- Enhance Ted Danson’s natural features
- Maintain realism for a university setting
- Evoke classic spy aesthetics without being flashy
The balance ensures Charles looks sophisticated and mysterious—but never out of place.
Pocket Squares, Shoes, and the Details That Matter
In costume design, details often tell the biggest story.
Charles’ pocket squares are carefully pre-folded, sewn into place, and meticulously adjusted on set. This ensures consistency across takes and prevents distraction.
Ted Danson’s on-set dresser, Wes Albrecht, plays a crucial role here. With decades of experience and an eye for perfection, Albrecht monitors every fold, tie knot, and alignment during filming.
Shoes are equally important. Charles’ footwear is classic, polished, and understated—reinforcing his disciplined personality and professional demeanor.
Nothing is accidental.
The Trench Coat Moment: Film Noir Meets Modern Comedy
One standout wardrobe piece in Season 2 is Charles’ trench coat during an art-class investigation.
The coat:
- Channels classic film noir detectives
- Adds cinematic flair to the scene
- Reinforces Charles’ growing confidence as an investigator
Unlike many of his suits, the trench coat was sourced, not custom-made. Practicality played a role—especially since stunt doubles and multiple takes were involved, including a fountain fall scene.
In television production, wardrobe pieces often need duplicates, and sourcing allows flexibility without compromising visual impact.
Connery or Moore? The Bond Inspiration Behind Charles
When asked which James Bond influenced Charles Nieuwendyk’s Season 2 look, Mann leaned toward Roger Moore.
The choice makes sense.
Roger Moore’s Bond was:
- Suave rather than gritty
- Elegant rather than aggressive
- Stylish with a hint of humor
That tone aligns perfectly with A Man on the Inside, which blends crime elements with warmth and comedy.
Charles is not a ruthless spy—he’s a thoughtful, observant investigator with charm and humanity. Moore’s Bond energy fits seamlessly.
Separating Charles From Michael (The Good Place)
One unique challenge Mann faced was distinguishing Charles Nieuwendyk from Michael, Ted Danson’s iconic character in The Good Place.
Both characters:
- Wear suits
- Are intellectual
- Carry authority
However, they are fundamentally different.
Michael’s wardrobe leaned whimsical and otherworldly. Charles’ clothing is grounded, human, and practical.
Through tailoring, fabric choices, and subtle styling shifts, Mann ensured viewers could instantly recognize Charles as a distinct character—even without dialogue.
Easter Eggs, Fan Theories, and Michael Schur’s Storytelling DNA
Fans have noticedddit theories suggesting that Charles could be one of Michael’s Earth identities from The Good Place. While Mann doesn’t confirm anything, she encourages viewers not to ignore visual Easter eggs.
Michael Schur is known for layered storytelling, and attentive fans often notice recurring motifs across his projects.
Whether intentional or not, these connections deepen audience engagement—and reward careful viewers.
Long-Term Creative Relationships: Mann, Schur, Danson, Poehler, and Rudolph
Kirston Leigh Mann’s career is built on long-term creative trust.
She has worked extensively with:
- Michael Schur
- Ted Danson
- Amy Poehler
- Maya Rudolph
These relationships allow for deeper character exploration, faster collaboration, and stronger storytelling through costume design.
Many members of Mann’s costume crew have been with her for over a decade, creating consistency and shared creative language across projects.
Why Costume Design Matters in A Man on the Inside
Costumes are not just clothes—they are storytelling tools.
In A Man on the Inside Season 2:
- Suits reflect Charles’ confidence growth
- Colors convey mood and intention
- Tailoring reinforces precision and intelligence
- Accessories add subtle narrative depth
Kirston Leigh Mann’s work proves that when costume design is done right, it enhances character development without drawing attention to itself.
About A Man on the Inside
- Rating: TV-14
- Language: English
- Genre: Comedy, Crime
- Cast: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Lilah Richcreek Estrada
Netflix Release Dates
- Season 1: November 21, 2024
- Season 2: November 20, 2025
Final Thoughts
Ted Danson’s transformation into a suit-wearing spy in A Man on the Inside Season 2 is not accidental—it’s the result of thoughtful design, deep collaboration, and years of creative trust.
Kirston Leigh Mann masterfully blends character psychology with classic menswear, proving once again why she is one of the most respected costume designers in modern television.
For fans of stylish detectives, sharp tailoring, and character-driven storytelling, A Man on the Inside Season 2 delivers elegance with substance—and a reminder that sometimes, the suit tells the story before the dialogue does.
