In a tribute befitting a centennial icon, Netflix has officially greenlit a sweeping, six-part limited series titled Step in Time, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Ron Howard. With a production budget reported at $65 million, the project aims to be the definitive chronicle of Dick Van Dyke—the man whose rubber-limbed comedy, infectious charm, and pioneering spirit defined American entertainment for over seven decades.
While many celebrity documentaries focus on scandal or sorrow, Step in Time is described as a “kinetic celebration.” It is a study of motion, joy, and the relentless optimism required to keep the world smiling through the changing tides of history.
The Boy from Danville and the Art of the Fall
The series begins in the heartland of Danville, Illinois, painting a portrait of a young man who didn’t just walk through life—he tripped, tumbled, and danced through it. Early episodes will focus on Van Dyke’s formative years, where he idolized Stan Laurel and honed the pantomime skills that would later become his trademark.
“We wanted to understand the physics of his joy,” director Ron Howard noted in the press release. “Dick didn’t just tell jokes; he used his entire body as an instrument. He turned the pratfall into high art. The first episode explores how a radio DJ with no formal training ended up conquering Broadway in Bye Bye Birdie simply because he possessed an energy that couldn’t be contained.”
Through restored kinescopes and never-before-seen home movies, viewers will witness the transformation of a lanky Midwesterner into a Broadway sensation, setting the stage for his takeover of the medium that would make him a household name: television.
The Ottoman Empire
Central to the series narrative is the revolution of the sitcom. Step in Time devotes significant runtime to The Dick Van Dyke Show, exploring the magical, lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry between Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore.
Insiders suggest the series treats the creation of Rob Petrie not just as a role, but as the invention of the modern TV dad—sophisticated yet silly, professional yet prone to disaster. The documentary utilizes split-screen comparisons to show how Van Dyke improvised some of the show’s most famous moments, often surprising the writers and directors. It posits that while the scripts were brilliant, it was Van Dyke’s “everyman” vulnerability that glued viewers to the screen, creating a comfort television legacy that endures to this day.
Shadows and Chimney Sweeps
Perhaps the most poignant segment of the series covers the transition to film and the hidden struggles behind the smile. The series dives into the production of Mary Poppins, addressing everything from the infamous Cockney accent (which Van Dyke now jokes about with good nature) to the sheer athletic prowess required for the “Step in Time” rooftop sequence.
However, the series does not shy away from the darkness. For the first time in a major documentary format, the show deeply explores Van Dyke’s brave decision in the 1970s to go public with his alcoholism. At a time when celebrity addiction was swept under the rug, Van Dyke’s admission—and his subsequent TV movie The Morning After—saved countless lives. This section is described as “raw and redemptive,” highlighting how his honesty was perhaps his bravest performance of all.
The Ageless Wonder
The final acts of the series cover a period often overlooked: his remarkable “third act.” From the cozy mystery success of Diagnosis: Murder to his shocking, desk-jumping cameo in Mary Poppins Returns at age 93, the series asks the question: How does he keep going?
Viewers are taken inside his Malibu home to witness his surprising hobbies. We see the tech-savvy senior creating 3D computer animation—a passion he has cultivated for decades—and singing bass with his a cappella quartet, The Vantastix. These scenes are described as “life-affirming,” showcasing a man who refuses to let age dictate his capabilities.
A Legacy of Motion
Visually, the series is vibrant. Filmed across Danville, the theaters of New York, the backlots of Los Angeles, and the rainy streets of London, the cinematography captures the color and movement of his career.
Ron Howard sums up the project’s ambition: “Dick Van Dyke taught us that growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional. This isn’t just a biography; it’s a manual on how to live with grace. We wanted to capture the sparkle in his eye that has never dimmed.”
The trailer, released this morning, ends with a simple, resonant image: Van Dyke, sitting at a piano in his living room, playing a soft melody before looking up at the camera with a mischievous grin and a wink.
Step in Time is slated for a global release next winter, promising to be a warm embrace for generations of fans who grew up tripping over the ottoman right alongside him.
