Lloyd Vogel, a cynical investigative journalist known for his scathing writing style, receives an assignment from Esquire magazine to profile Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children's television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Vogel, grappling with his own personal issues, including a strained relationship with his father, Jerry, approaches the assignment skeptically, believing it to be beneath his journalistic talents. He is also soon to become a father himself, which adds to the emotional turbulence he feels. Despite his reluctance, Lloyd agrees to meet Rogers to complete what he assumes will be a straightforward interview.

The initial interaction between Vogel and Rogers doesn't go as the journalist plans. Instead of a simple interview, Rogers' genuine warmth and caring nature begin to chip away at Vogel's jaded exterior. Through a series of interviews and deepening conversations, Lloyd finds himself drawn into Rogers' world, a place where kindness and empathy reign. Rogers' curiosity about Lloyd's life leads to probing questions that force the writer to confront his own unresolved trauma and anger toward his father, pushing him into a journey of self-discovery and healing that challenges his worldview. The interactions with Rogers become a transformative experience for Lloyd, reshaping his understanding of himself and his relationships with his loved ones.