Watch The Paley Center Salutes The Good Place
The Paley Center Salutes The Good Place is a one-hour special that celebrates the critically acclaimed and wildly imaginative NBC sitcom, The Good Place. Hosted by Parks and Recreation‘s Retta, the tribute features the show’s cast and crew, who open up about the making of the series and the unique bond they formed over the course of its four seasons.
The Good Place, created by Michael Schur, centers on Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), a selfish and amoral woman who dies and goes to the titular “good place” – a utopia-like afterlife reserved for only the most morally pristine people. However, it quickly becomes clear that Eleanor was mistakenly placed there, as she’s not the kind-hearted, selfless person she’s supposed to be. She enlists the help of Chidi (William Jackson Harper), a moral philosophy professor who teaches her how to be a better person, while navigating her way through the various other inhabitants of the good place, including an indecisive socialite (Jameela Jamil), a dim-witted Floridian named Jason (Manny Jacinto), and a Divine being named Michael (Ted Danson) who is actually a demon in disguise.
Throughout the retrospective, the cast and crew reminisce about the show’s origin, including Michael Schur’s initial conception for the series, which was based on his interest in how people respond to ethical dilemmas. They also discuss the unconventional casting process that brought the show’s all-star ensemble together, and the unique challenges of working on a series that’s as tonally and narratively ambitious as The Good Place.
In between interviews, The Paley Center Salutes The Good Place also features never-before-seen bloopers, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips from some of the show’s most memorable scenes. Viewers are treated to a whimsical, colorful montage that highlights the series’ impressive visual design, including its imaginative character designs and visually stunning depictions of the afterlife.
The format of the special is both informative and irreverent – much like the show it celebrates. Retta, who has proven herself a gifted comedian on shows like Parks and Recreation and Good Girls, injects just the right amount of goofiness and self-awareness into the proceedings. She asks the cast and crew provocative questions, like how long they could last on the chili buffet that’s featured in one episode of the show, and invites them to share their favorite lines and moments from the series.
However, there are also several moments of heartfelt emotion, especially when the cast discusses the way the show has impacted their lives and the lives of viewers. Jameela Jamil talks about how playing her character Tahani helped her better understand her own insecurities and anxieties. William Jackson Harper shares how the show has opened up conversations about mental health and empathy. And Ted Danson speaks about the way the show’s optimistic, unconventional ending offers a model for how people can live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Ultimately, The Paley Center Salutes The Good Place is a fitting tribute to a beloved show that was unlike anything else on television during its run. Fans of the series will delight in revisiting some of its most memorable moments and hearing from its charming, talented cast and crew. But even newcomers to the show will appreciate the special’s infectious energy, which demonstrates the kind of camaraderie and creativity that can come from bringing together a group of talented people who are passionate about telling one-of-a-kind stories.
