Entertainment
Hulu’s 4-Part Fantasy Series Is Still the Greatest Binge on the Platform 10 Years Later
As the fantasy genre has grown more popular, it’s also gotten darker, but there are exceptions to every rule. Rather than giving in to the conventions, one bold 2016 series blends fantasy elements with a sitcom’s tone, proving that this rare genre combination can work surprisingly well. With this choice, The Good Place forges its own path and is now one of the best series on Hulu. The recognizable cast, laugh-out-loud moments, and shocking reveals work together to make the series an addictive binge-watch perfect for anyone willing to embrace the outlandish premise and just have a good time.
Telling a hilarious and heartfelt story about the afterlife, The Good Place creates a seemingly idyllic world, only to make the audience question it. The story is full of surprises, lovable characters, and deep questions about morality, giving emotional weight to the comedy. As strange as the combination may sound, the NBC series lasted four seasons before wrapping up with what fans agree to be one of the best series finales around, which is far from guaranteed. All of these factors make The Good Place the satisfying and unforgettable series it is, which is why you won’t find a better option to stream while scrolling through Hulu.
What Is ‘The Good Place’ About?
The Good Place’s premise immediately catches the audience’s attention as the protagonist, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), dies, but the afterlife isn’t what she expects. Sent to the “Good Place,” she is placed in an idyllic neighborhood by the architect Michael (Ted Danson), who oversees the paradise. There, by just asking the programmed guide, Janet (D’Arcy Carden), Eleanor can do anything she wants (except curse) and is introduced to her soulmate, the former ethics professor, Chidi (William Jackson Harper), but the catch is that she isn’t supposed to be there. Due to a clerical error, Eleanor has taken someone else’s spot, and she must hide the mistake or be sent to the torment of the “Bad Place.”
Eleanor isn’t the only misplaced soul, as she soon learns that her new neighbor, Jason (Manny Jacinto), was falsely identified as a Buddhist monk. The pair must work together to avoid detection, which is no easy task, especially as Jason’s supposed soulmate, Tahani (Jameela Jamil), becomes close with Michael. Eleanor’s solution is to convince Chidi to teach them ethics so they can retroactively earn their place. However, Eleanor and Jason’s presence causes chaos, giving them a ticking clock as Michael searches for what has gone wrong. And that is only the beginning. The Good Place takes several major turns, making each season different as Eleanor and her unlikely new friends try to change the afterlife. The story comes together in an addictive way, making the audience laugh even as it questions whether redemption is possible.
‘The Good Place’ Combines a Shocking Story with Philosophical Questions
With its relentless humor and unique story, The Good Place stands out in many ways, but chief among them are the shocking twists the series consistently delivers. When your character dies at the beginning of the show, nothing is off limits, and The Good Place takes advantage of that. As Eleanor and her friends explore the afterlife, the story shifts dramatically, opening new avenues with shocking twists that recontextualize the previous episodes. The Season 1 finale, in particular, changes the game, but that isn’t the last time. This keeps the audience guessing, making the show addictive as the audience wonders what could be next.
Yet, The Good Place isn’t all about shocking the audience. Between the repetitive gags and hilarious characters, the series poses deep questions about what makes a good person and the possibility of redemption, which separates it from most sitcoms. Eleanor’s emotional journey as she realizes the mistakes she made throughout her life and actively tries to do better adds a deep, uplifting meaning to the series. While the twists will only surprise you once, this storyline doesn’t fade when you already know the end. Actually, it’s easier to see Eleanor’s progression when you’re not focused on keeping up with the twists. Because of its surprising story and deep questions, The Good Place is a binge-watch like no other, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
The Good Place is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
- Release Date
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2016 – 2020
- Directors
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Dean Holland, Beth McCarthy-Miller, Morgan Sackett, Michael Schur, Jude Weng, Trent O’Donnell, Rebecca Asher, Linda Mendoza, Claire Scanlon, Ken Whittingham, Kristen Bell, Michael McDonald, Tristram Shapeero, Tucker Gates, Alan Yang, Julie Anne Robinson, Lynn Shelton
- Writers
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Andrew Law, Dylan Morgan, Josh Siegal, Matt Murray, Cord Jefferson, Kassia Miller, Kate Gersten, Dave King, Demi Adejuyigbe, Lizzy Pace
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