While the news has always had a certain degree of terribleness to it, you cannot deny that these past few weeks can best be described as some sort of hellish landscape. Thankfully, The Good Place returned to our screens last night, injecting humour into our lives. The show, brought to you by Michael Schur (who you may also recognize from another one of the best shows on TV, Brooklyn 99), is in its third season, and stars Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto, and D’Arcy Carden. If you aren’t watching one of the smartest and funniest shows on TV, here are just a few reasons why you should start.
The Plot is the Perfect Kind of Bonkers
Tumblr
As the series progresses, it is increasingly difficult to give a compelling synopsis without spoiling any of the fun plot twists that await new viewers. The best I can do is to tell you that it is about four humans, one being from the beyond, and an advanced form of AI navigating the afterlife. Hilarity, I promise, ensues.
It’s a Comedy About Philosophy
Tumblr
The Good Place is one of the most original shows on television, blending actual philosophical lessons with humour. In fact, advanced philosophical concepts are actually used to drive the plot forward, making them much more accessible for the viewer. Throughout the show’s run, the characters have all tried to become better people, initially starting out by taking philosophy lessons from Chidi, played brilliantly by William Jackson Harper. As a result, no advanced knowledge of any of those concepts is needed. You, like Eleanor, can firmly believe that Aristotle is pronounced like Chipolte, and still learn a lot. Bonus: you probably won’t even realize you’re absorbing those lessons until way later.
The Cast and Characters are Amazing
Tumblr
Each and every single one of the characters on the show are well written, fully formed, and feel “real,” making for a fantastic half hour of television. The writers do an amazing job of creating complex, yet sympathetic characters out of some of our worst human impulses (selfishness, vanity, indecision, and obliviousness among others).
The series has also frequently been hailed as one of the best cast ones on television, with Vulture even calling it “note perfect.” Kristen Bell plays Eleanor Shellstrop, a self-absorbed woman from Arizona who initially believed she was put in The Good Place by mistake. As mentioned, philosophy professor, and man who takes chronic worrying to a whole new level, Chidi Anagonye is played with perfection by William Jackson Harper. Jameela Jamil’s Tahani Al-Jamil is a former socialite who used to take pleasure in her status and celebrity connections. Ignorant yet earnest Jason Mendoza is brought to (the after) life by Manny Jacinto. Rounding the cast are two characters from the beyond, Ted Danson as Michael, who has a keen interest in humanity, and D’Arcy Carden, as Janet, a not-quite-robot and not-quite-woman who also develops a connection with our main cast.
The chemistry between these characters is incredible. Through plot twists and character growth, each actor brings a special touch to the role they play. The result is an incredible half hour of television where you can feel completely submerged.
It’s Funny Without Punching Down
Tumblr
Of course, another huge reason why the show is a must-see is the writing. The Good Place is consistently hilarious, throwing pop culture references, amazing jokes, and laugh out loud moments in among the philosophical lessons. While the humour is indeed incredible, the jokes never punch down. For a show that is honestly so funny, this is an incredible feet. These are jokes that are genuinely funny, without relying on mocking or belittling other groups in order to do so. Instead, the show relies on quick witted dialogue, visual puns, and the incredible comedic timing of the actors involved for laughs. The show’s way of getting around swearing on prime time TV is also forking brilliant.
Additionally, The Good Place’s humour frequently comes from a very relatable spot. We may not all be in some version of the afterlife, but we all know how much feelings suck, or how tempting shrimp can be, or how creepy clowns are.
The Show Has Heart
Giphy
Not only is The Good Place hilarious, it is also heartfelt. None of the characters are perfect, which makes watching their exploits that much more fun. Despite being flawed, or perhaps because of it, they are people you can connect with, even pseudo-robot Janet. As the characters develop, you can easily get a sense that they genuinely care for one another. Moments of heart and emotion are evident in between moments of humour, giving audience something to relate to while also laughing at. Thankfully, the writers are skilled enough to evade the trap that befalls many other comedies on TV; they manage to be heartfelt without making you feel as though you had overdosed on sugar.
BONUS: You Can Quickly Catch Up On Netflix
Tumblr
The show just started its third season, which makes getting caught up a breeze. Even better! The first two seasons are on Netflix!! So, if the world is getting you down or causing an unreasonable level of rage, take some time out, disconnect from the news cycle, and lose yourself in one of television’s best half hours.
