I don't know why it took me so long to watch The Good Place. Perhaps it's because, despite being a Michael Schur series, it doesn't enjoy the same popularity as The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Or maybe no one recommended it to me as a must-watch for so long. In a sea of series that demand an excessive amount of our time, I didn't find the first two episodes as engaging as I hoped, which might have contributed to my delay. I'm also frustrated that every comedy that has come out recently (with the exception of What We Do in the Shadows) has become serious, abandoning the rib-tickling humor that builds your abs in favor of relatable characters and catchphrases, accompanied by a "deeper meaning." They have become more of a "warm comfort show" than a place to find unpredictable, unapologetic moments of ticklish humor.

Despite these obstacles, I eventually watched The Good Place, and it definitely belongs to the exclusive club of shows that "tore me apart and rebuilt me from scratch" (sorry for repeating myself). While it may not be the kind of sitcom that makes you laugh out loud, it surpasses the comfort and wholesomeness of traditional sitcoms. It takes guts to create something like The Good Place, a show based on the existential truth that we all share: we will one day leave this world. However, the show does not limit itself to this idea, but instead uses it as a starting point to explore the intricacies of the human condition. Since the series takes place in the afterlife rather than an office, a public service, or a police station, anything can happen, and the plot twists are entirely unexpected. The show has complete creative freedom, and although there are hints of future plot points scattered throughout, it's refreshing to be in the dark about where it's going. When those cliffhangers and storylines are resolved, it's incredibly satisfying. Of course, The Good Place is not without its faults. It can be cringey and has some unnecessary content that could have been avoided. Some may accuse the show of trying to achieve philosophical depth to appeal to social media and Reddit users, but it's an American sitcom, not a Foucault lecture. It deserves extra respect for its four seasons; the showrunners knew when it was time to end, and it did so with a bang.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Good Place to everyone. Although I think I may re-watch it after writing this post, I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed the show. I could talk about it for hours, but I want to express my admiration for Ted Danson and his character, Michael. He's a precious, nervous, sweet being, and one of my favorite characters ever. 

https://youtu.be/9QxRbzFk3zk