NPR

The Good Psychology In 'The Good Place'

Despite my skepticism at the outset, for a light and amusing TV sitcom "The Good Place" does a pretty good job with philosophy — and a pretty good job with human psychology, too, says Tania Lombrozo.
NBC's "The Good Place" cast during the Aug. 2, 2016. press appearance (left to right): William Jackson Harper, Ted Danson, D'Arcy Carden, Kristen Bell, Jameela Jamil, Manny Jacinto. / Getty Images

"The Good Place," an NBC comedy just beginning its second season, starts with a quirky premise.

Due to some celestial error, selfish and unpleasant Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) has made it into heaven: the good place. She immediately recognizes the mistake, but she intends to earn her spot (or in any case, to "pass") before any higher-ups are the wiser. Conveniently enough, her heavenly soul mate

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