Follow Eleanor Shellstrop (“House of Lies,” “Veronica Mars): Kristin Bell an ordinary woman who enters the afterlife and is sent to the Good Place instead of the Bad Place due to some kind of error (which is definitely where she belongs).
While hiding Good Place Architect Michael (Ted Danson — “Cheers,” “CSI” — in an Emmy Award-nominated performance), she is determined to shed her old way of living and earn her spot.
I love this show; it is easy to watch, has random banter, and all the works! Well, did you know some of these star-filming and behind-the-scenes facts? Let’s dig inside!
- Before the big spin was revealed in Season 1—that the actors were in the Bad Place—the colour red was avoided in all set designs and costumes to avoid any unintentional connections with the devil/hell.
- The premiere episode, The Good Place: Pilot (2016), attracted 8.04 million viewers.
- The frozen yoghurt they eat is mashed potatoes.
- Eleanor’s shrimps are fake, as actress Kristen Bell is vegetarian. Bell described them as “rubber nuggets” painted as shrimp (although the various dipping sauces are real).
- All the Good Place coffee cups are green, saying The Good Place.
- Sandy’s post-makeover look inspired Bad Janet’s outfit in Grease.
- Nick Offerman was offered the role of Shawn but ended up rejecting it.
- The set design across the board demonstrated remarkable attention to detail; all of Chidi’s notes were genuine and fact-checked by the show’s philosophy advisors.
- Eleanor’s search history is very revealing (and relatable).
- Everyone Meets Their Soulmate On Day One: When viewers later join the programme, it’s easy to forget how many relationships started. It could surprise some fans to remember that on their very first day there, all new post-life entries find their soulmate. It’s a little surprising when watching for the first time, as it seemed people would naturally have to see each other when they were alive.
- On Little Europe, set at Universal Studios, the all-chocolate Everything store is the restroom for the VIP tour.
- Executive producer Michael Schur consulted Lost (2004) executive producer Damon Lindelof on world-building when pursuing this project.
- The only actors of whom the great revelation of the first season finale, producer Michael Schur, was made were Kristen Bell and Ted Danson.
- NBC aired a special show after the series finale. Seth Meyers hosted this after-show, and they eventually toasted each other’s main characters.
- Michael (Ted Danson): Immortality: Michael cannot die as an immortal being. The only known way the “killed” Extra-Dimensional Vision could “Eternal Shrek” him is: Michael can see in 9 different dimensions. Memory manipulation can delete any human’s memories.
- Reality Warping: Michael can happily shift the afterlife reality to what he wishes, but this is most likely confined to the neighbourhood he built.
- Simulation projection: Michael can create any artificial stimulation he likes, no matter how complex.
From the show’s inception, it became clear that “The Good Place” offered a refreshing and unique take on the afterlife concept. Its blend of comedy, philosophy, and ethical dilemmas resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and an enthusiastic fan base. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary series, we can reflect on the fascinating journey of its characters, the profound questions it raises, and the laughter it brings. “The Good Place” will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to brilliant storytelling and exceptional performances.
So, whether you’re a fan of Eleanor, Chidi, Michael, or any other beloved character, “The Good Place” leaves a lasting impression as a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of the human condition and the pursuit of personal growth.
