NBC’s “The Good Place” most creative new show of the fall (Review)

Courtesy of NBC

A bizarre twist on humanity’s most essential questions, “The Good Place” delivers a unique pilot episode.

NBC’s new sitcom, The Good Place left a strong first impression on viewers when the pilot aired September 19.

With creator Michael Schur (known for his work on Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and lead actors Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, The Good Place was destined for success.

After her death, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristin Bell) is sent to a modernistic utopia called “the good place.” Everyone who lives there has earned their place through a lifetime of volunteering and good deeds.

Everyone except Eleanor, who can hardly be considered a decent person. She is mistakenly placed in this perfect world and must conceal her secret from the rest of the development. With the help of her soul mate Chidi (William Jackson Harper), she must learn how to be a good person and earn her place in the community.

 

According to Rotten Tomatoes, 78% of viewers liked the show’s premiere. Adding to this evidence, The Good Place attracted 8.04 million viewers Monday night.

Behind the satire, The Good Place is asking some of humanity’s largest unanswered questions. What happens after death? Who gets to go to Heaven and who is forced downstairs? Are people inherently good or bad, or can morality be learned?

The show has a very unique, quirky humor that immediately attracted my attention. However, there were several moments when I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cringe. I’ve seen a lot of TV, and this is one of the weirdest episodes I’ve ever watched. It’s too soon to tell if those qualities will be the show’s saving grace or its downfall.

NBC airs The Good Place on Thursdays at 8:30 EST.