Movies and Shows With Senior Protagonists

About Tori Thurmond

Tori Thurmond combines her creative writing background with her marketing experience in her role as the Content Specialist at Brookdale. When she's not writing, she's probably spending time with her two cats or knitting.

Whether reading a book, going to the movies or streaming shows at home, everyone likes to see themselves in the characters. Relating to the characters in our favorite stories is part of the reason we’re able to lose ourselves in the plot.

If you’re looking for some great shows and movies with senior protagonists, you’re in luck. Here are some standout options to explore.

“Hacks”

Available to stream on HBO Max, “Hacks” is a show that stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Smart plays the seasoned comedian Deborah Vance, whose Vegas shows are at risk of being cut back. She teams up with Einbinder’s character Ava Daniels, a blacklisted comedy writer, to freshen things up. “Hacks” highlights mentorship and relationships that breach a generational divide. This show is sure to keep you laughing and rooting for these women in the new phases of their entertaining careers.

The Intern

The Intern follows 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker, played by Robert De Niro, as he comes out of retirement to become a senior intern at a fashion website founded and run by Jules Ostin, played by Anne Hathaway. At first, Whittaker seems like he has a lot to learn about new technology and the way this trendy business runs, but soon Ostin and other coworkers discover that they also have a lot to learn from this senior intern. Funny and heartwarming, this movie is a must-watch. You can rent or buy The Intern on Amazon’s Prime Video.

“Grace and Frankie”

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are at it again. The two women play two recent divorcees, Grace and Frankie, who are forced to live together after their husbands declare their love for one another. “Grace and Frankie” is a dramedy that will have you watching episode after episode, rooting for these two unlikely friends! You can stream all seven seasons of Grace and Frankie on Netflix now.

“Man on the Inside”

In “Man on the Inside”, Ted Danson plays a retired professor who answers an ad from a private investigator and becomes a part of a secret investigation in a retirement home. This comedy has themes of rediscovering purpose and companionship that will make you laugh and maybe shed a few tender tears. If you’re a fan of quirky mysteries, you may want to give this show a shot! You can watch “Man on the Inside” on Netflix.

Up

Although Up is a cartoon movie, it’s not just for kids. Viewers of all ages will fall in love with 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen, voiced by Edward Asner, as he plans an adventure to South America in honor of his late wife. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll want to give your loved ones a big hug after watching. You can stream Up on Disney+.

“The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette”

If reality TV is more your speed, make sure to watch “The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette.” If you’re familiar with The Bachelor franchise, you know that one man for seasons of “The Bachelor” or one woman for seasons of “The Bachelorette” is introduced to a number of eligible men and women with the hope of finding love. The Golden seasons feature older adults looking for love. These seasons are the perfect reminder that it’s never too late to find love. You can stream both seasons on Hulu.

“Only Murders in the Building”

If you’re a fan of a cozy whodunnit that will keep you laughing and guessing, “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu might be for you. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez play a trio of quirky neighbors who work to solve murders around their New York apartment building. With guest appearances from stars like Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd, each episode is a fun watch you won’t want to miss!