The Kominsky Method was originally contracted by Netflix for two seasons, which aired in 2018 and 2019. Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin, who are Academy Award winners, starred in the first two seasons.

The show received largely positive reviews from both critics and the audience alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has a score of 93% from critics and an average audience score of 83%.

For most viewers, the chemistry between Douglas and Arkin was the best part. Because of this, it came as a shock to many when it was revealed that Arkin wouldn’t be returning for season 3 of the show, which started with his character’s funeral.

With Arkin’s absence, many expected the third season to have a void in it. However, the show was just as good as the previous two seasons, thanks to Morgan Freeman joining the cast.

How Morgan Freeman Joined ‘The Kominsky Method’

When talking to Variety alongside Paul Reiser and Douglas, Freeman shared how he came to be a part of The Kominsky Method’s third season. 

The show is so well written. I was watching it and I had worked with Michael and Alan Arkin… I always get off on writing, I guess all actors do… And I just got a call, I was invited to come in and do it. I would jump off a cliff to work with Michael.

Freeman also revealed that he was already a fan of the show before he joined it. And so when he got the opportunity to be part of the series, which was supposed only to have two seasons, he agreed immediately.

Douglas on Arkin’s Departure

The Kominsky Method has been nominated for six Emmys, and Douglas said he enjoyed the creating process of the series from the beginning.

When the first two seasons finished shooting, the Wall Street star approached the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre, to discuss another season that would tie everything together.

Lorre shared similar thoughts and began writing for a third season. However, unlike Lorre and Douglas, Arkin wasn’t stoked about the idea of a third season and chose not to be a part of it.

It [The Kominsky Method] was originally contracted for two seasons with Netflix and we did the two and I had a wonderful time with Alan. It was really great. And I don’t know the exact reason but I think the reason why Alan decided that’s it is because he is a few years older than me.

Cast and Setting

Douglas plays Sandy Kominsky, an aging acting coach who isn’t ready to leave behind his career but often feels like time is slipping away. However, with the friendship of his longtime agent and friend Norman Newlander (played by Arkin), the two continue seeing the world in a comedic light.

Freeman plays himself in the series. His character and Kominsky start competing against each other after the former visits the latter’s acting class.