TV Review: The Good Place

The Good Place
Run Date (Seasons): 2016-2020 (4 seasons)
Network: NBC
Genre: Comedy, Philosophy, Fantasy
Rating: 4/5

 

 

For those of you who haven't heard of this show, it's time to jump on the bandwagon. It's made by the same creator (Michael Schur) of Parks and Rec and The Office, some of my personal favorite TV shows. So if you have seen that and enjoyed the humor and the content of those shows, then I highly recommend The Good Place.  

Here's a synopsis about what the show entails:

 

When Eleanor Shellstrop finds herself in the afterlife, she's both relieved and surprised that she's made it into the Good Place. But it doesn't take long for Eleanor to realize she's there by mistake. She hides in plain sight from the Good Place's architect, Michael, and his all-knowing assistant, Janet. Her seemingly perfect neighbors, Tahani and Jason, and open-hearted soul mate, Chidi, help her realize that it's never too late to change. With the help of her new friends - and a few enemies - Eleanor becomes determined to shed her old way of life in hopes of discovering a new one in the afterlife.

 

Overall, the theme of the show is very very different from Schur's previous shows. It's very philosophical and raises many moral and ethical questions, something you don't see very often in entertainment these days. It's led by an all-star cast, especially Kristen Bell (Eleanor) and Ted Danson (Michael), who have hilarious interactions. The cast is also very diverse, including talents from Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and William Jackson Harper. My personal favorite is D'Arcy Carden, who plays Janet the sort of real-life "Google" and "Amazon" of the Good Place. 

 

I don't want to say too much without spoiling the show. I've watched it in its entirety, and it just recently finished early last year (though the recent season wasn't released until a couple months ago on Netflix in the US). It has a cohesive story with a poignant and fitting conclusion. The topics that are raised in this show are very thought-provoking, whether it be on life vs death or just simply what must a person achieve to be deemed "good". It's also short - only 4 seasons. There is a bit of a lag and repeat in the middle of the show, but the characters and jokes are silly enough that it is bearable.
So if you're looking for a show to binge over quarantine and you're a fan of witty comedy without having to think too much, then this is the show for you.