Though some may find the show’s premise and gimmick a bit stale by this point, “The Good Place” has remained one of the biggest sitcoms currently on air. Having just completed its third season, the show proves that it is still a comedy worth watching, and season three may be the funniest yet.
With their chances of getting into the heavenly Good Place on the line, in this new season, the show’s characters are given a second chance at life to prove that they could have become better people if they had not died on Earth.
However, the task of becoming better people in life proves to be easier said than done, and reformed demon Michael — played by Ted Danson — finds himself interfering more and more in the lives of his human friends in order to ensure that they can find happiness in the afterlife.
While some may not like the fact that the series essentially reboots its premise at the start of each new season, it is undeniable that the show stays fresh and interesting as a result of said gimmick.
There are few comedies that manage to be as unique or intriguing as “The Good Place,” and the show continues to use this to its advantage.
The show’s actors continue to prove why they are perfect in their respective roles. Whether it is Ted Danson’s caring Michael, Kristen Bell’s independent to a fault Eleanor, or William Jackson Harper’s ever-indecisive Chiti, the characters still manage to be as loveable as ever and present some of the best chemistry of any comedy cast. The show’s casting has always been one of its strongest points, and the third season continues to prove why.
While the third season is great in many ways, it still has faults that are worth mentioning. The fact that the show reboots itself each season allows it to stay new and interesting, but the repetitive stunt is getting to the point where it is starting to become somewhat old. Though the third season doesn’t continue this reboot ploy in the same way, should the show go onto further seasons with the general premise of constantly reinventing itself, it brings about risks of dragging the series down.
It should also be noted that in the season’s finale, the show attempts to be more emotional than it usually is. For this reason, the effectiveness of this decision depends on how invested you are in any one of the show’s relationships. While I thought it was effective, the season finale will likely not work for everyone.
While it may present some issues, the third season of “The Good Place” continues to provide the same fun that the show has always delivered. The series remains a mainstay of current comedy and is worth catching up on if you have yet to see it.
Final Grade: B+
Joseph Marz is a TV columnist for the Daily Cardinal. To read more of his work, click here.
