10 Shows & Movies Like The Good Place (2016)

Description: 'Scrubs' and 'The Good Place' both mix comedy with deeper, sometimes existential themes. Both shows use surreal elements (like J.D.'s daydreams in 'Scrubs') to explore their characters' inner lives. The balance of humor and heart, along with a strong ensemble cast, is a key similarity.

Fact: The show's medical accuracy was praised by real doctors. The Janitor was originally intended to be a figment of J.D.'s imagination. The show's theme song, 'Superman' by Lazlo Bane, was chosen because it was the only one the creators could afford.

Description: '30 Rock' and 'The Good Place' both feature fast-paced, joke-dense writing and absurdist humor. Both shows are created by and star strong female leads (Tina Fey and Kristen Bell) and explore themes of identity and purpose. The surreal, almost cartoonish tone of '30 Rock' is echoed in 'The Good Place's' afterlife setting.

Fact: The show is loosely based on Tina Fey's experiences at 'Saturday Night Live'. Alec Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghy, was originally intended to appear in only a few episodes. The show won multiple Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Description: Like 'The Good Place', 'Parks and Recreation' is a comedy with a strong ensemble cast and a focus on character development. Both shows use humor to explore themes of community, personal growth, and doing good. The optimistic tone and quirky characters in 'Parks and Recreation' are reminiscent of the positivity found in 'The Good Place'.

Fact: The show was initially conceived as a spin-off of 'The Office'. Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope, was named after a real-life parks employee. The fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, has its own detailed history and government structure.

Description: 'Community' shares 'The Good Place's' clever, meta humor and willingness to experiment with genre and format. Both shows feature a group of misfits learning to work together and grow as people. The philosophical undertones and pop culture references in 'Community' are also similar to 'The Good Place'.

Fact: The show's famous 'paintball episodes' were inspired by action movies. Donald Glover wrote many of Troy's funniest lines. The show was almost canceled multiple times but was saved by fan campaigns.

Description: 'New Girl' and 'The Good Place' both center around quirky, lovable characters living together and forming a family-like bond. Both shows balance humor with emotional depth, and the characters' growth over time is a key focus. The ensemble chemistry and joke delivery are similarly strong in both.

Fact: Zooey Deschanel was pregnant twice during the show's run, which was written into the plot. The show's famous 'True American' drinking game was created by the writers. Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield often improvised their lines.

Description: 'The Mindy Project' shares 'The Good Place's' blend of romance, comedy, and personal growth. Both shows feature flawed but lovable protagonists who are trying to figure out their place in the world. The witty, pop culture-heavy dialogue is similar in both shows.

Fact: Mindy Kaling wrote many episodes of 'The Office' before creating her own show. The show was originally developed for Fox but moved to Hulu after three seasons. Chris Messina's character, Danny Castellano, was not originally intended to be a love interest.

Description: 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' shares 'The Good Place's' blend of humor and heart, with a focus on teamwork and moral dilemmas. Both shows feature diverse, lovable characters who grow over time. The fast-paced, joke-heavy writing style is similar, and both shows balance comedy with moments of genuine emotion.

Fact: The show was canceled by Fox after five seasons but was revived by NBC due to fan outcry. Andre Braugher, who plays Captain Holt, is a classically trained Shakespearean actor. The cast often improvises lines, especially Andy Samberg and Joe Lo Truglio.

Description: 'Schitt's Creek' and 'The Good Place' both focus on personal growth and redemption. Both shows feature wealthy characters who are forced to reevaluate their lives and become better people. The humor in both is character-driven and often heartwarming, with a strong emphasis on found family.

Fact: The show was created by Eugene Levy and his son, Dan Levy. Catherine O'Hara's iconic wigs were her own idea. The show swept the comedy categories at the 2020 Emmys, a first for a single season of a show.

Description: 'Superstore' and 'The Good Place' both use workplace settings to explore social issues and human nature. Both shows feature a diverse cast of characters who form a tight-knit community. The humor in 'Superstore' is similarly witty and character-driven, with a mix of absurdity and realism.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Justin Spitzer's experiences working at a big-box store. America Ferrera directed several episodes of the series. The show's fictional store, Cloud 9, has its own in-universe commercials.

Description: Similar to 'The Good Place', 'Upload' explores themes of the afterlife and morality, but with a technological twist. Both shows blend comedy with philosophical questions, creating a unique mix of humor and deep thought. The visual aesthetics of 'Upload' also share a bright, almost surreal quality with 'The Good Place', making the afterlife seem both familiar and strange.

Fact: 'Upload' was created by Greg Daniels, who also worked on 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation'. The show's concept of 'uploading' consciousness was inspired by real-life tech billionaires' interest in digital immortality. Robbie Amell, the lead actor, is the cousin of Stephen Amell, known for his role in 'Arrow'.