Over the course of four seasons, The Good Place has evolved from comedy about a woman who wakes up on the wrong side of the afterlife into an examination of ethical philosophy and what it means to be a good person. In an age where antiheroes and cynicism are all over the big and small screens, Michael Schur's latest show is refreshingly optimistic.
Before The Good Place airs its final five episodes in January, here are some more shows that fans will enjoy.
BROOKLYN NINE-NINE
Let's get the most obvious choice out of the way. Another show co-created by Schur, Brooklyn Nine-Nine shares a lot with The Good Place. In particular, it features a diverse cast of distinct and lovable characters, all of whom contribute to the humor of the show in their own unique ways.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine manages to set itself apart from the dozens of other cop shows on the air. Even with its comedic tone, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is not afraid to take on issues like racial profiling, workplace sexual harassment and homophobia.
COMMUNITY
A show about a disbarred lawyer who ends up at a community college, Community takes its conventional sitcom premise and uses it in the most unconventional ways. Greendale Community College is full of eccentric and lovable characters who all bring something to the study room table.
The show is almost a parody of modern pop culture, featuring lots of meta-humor and references. Some memorable plotlines focus on a paintball war, a Christmas themed musical, a game of Dungeons and Dragons and a series of alternate timelines triggered by who answers the door for the pizza guy. Fans of The Good Place will appreciate Community's characters and quirkiness.
WESTWORLD
On the surface, a sci-fi show about a Western-themed park where guests get to do whatever they wish to their android "hosts," no matter how violent or depraved, doesn't seem to have anything in common with a sitcom. Westworld is a dark show that is definitely not for everyone. Yet, both The Good Place and Westworld tackle existential questions we all likely ponder at one point or another.
The Good Place asks its audience to consider what makes someone a good or bad person. Westworld asks an even more basic question: What makes someone a person? With its examination of artificial intelligence, free will and humanity itself, fans interested in philosophy will enjoy the thought-provoking story of Westworld.
UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT
A series about moral philosophy and the afterlife really shouldn't work as a sitcom. Neither should a show about a young woman who has to adjust to the world after being kidnapped by a cult leader and spending 15 years in a doomsday bunker.
However, just like The Good Place, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt takes its unconventional subject matter and finds the comedy in it. Kimmy is proof that women can be both innocent and strong, and that optimistic characters can be just as entertaining to watch as jerks. Even through all of her challenges, setbacks and growth, Kimmy doesn't lose hope, choosing to face it all with a smile.
RICK AND MORTY
Another show popular with those interested in philosophy is Rick and Morty. It combines the comedy of The Good Place with the sci-fi of Westworld while, like both, asking the audience to consider some tough questions.
Rick and Morty deals with nihilism, or the philosophical idea that life has no meaning. Characters in the show are constantly dealing with their own insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe. This is in stark contrast to The Good Place, a show where every action taken by a single person is given a point value and everyone is judged as an individual. While Rick and Morty's vulgarity and cynicism may not appeal to fans of The Good Place's tone, it is a great choice for those interested in its themes. Philosophy is all about considering various viewpoints, and the ideas put forth by Rick and Morty will challenge fans to see things from a different perspective.
Returning Thursday, Jan. 9, on NBC, The Good Place stars Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, D’Arcy Carden and Manny Jacinto. Its series finale airs Jan. 30.