The Art of the Pitch: How Michael Schur Pitched "The Good Place"

TL;DR

Creator shares behind-the-scenes journey of creating The Good Place, focusing on moral philosophy in a family sitcom.

Transcript

i am a huge fan of the good place wrote about it in my newsletter five bullet friday which went out to a few million people long long long ago and it was a real trojan horse for me because it was recommended to me as a funny show and that was it and that's how i got started then i was like wait a second here this is a trojan horse for all sorts of ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The creator transitioned from familiar sitcom themes to The Good Place's unique blend of moral philosophy and comedy.
• 🆘 The network's offer of creative freedom and a guaranteed season helped shape the show's direction and narrative.
• 🤩 Securing star actors' interest played a crucial role in convincing the network to support the innovative concept.
• 💍 The creator's detailed planning and development process ensured a cohesive and engaging storyline for the season.
• 🎓 Emphasizing the central role of moral philosophy in The Good Place's narrative, the creator aimed to balance education with entertainment.
• ❓ Challenges in pitching a show about moral philosophy were addressed by highlighting the potential humor and entertainment value.
• 🧑‍🏭 A collaborative approach with network executives and actors helped build trust and support for the show's unique premise.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the creator to venture into a family sitcom about moral philosophy?

The creator felt a creative itch to try something new after similar sitcoms, leading to The Good Place's unique concept blending moral philosophy in a family setting.

Q: How did the creator convince the network to greenlight a show on moral philosophy?

By working extensively on the concept, securing star actors' interest, and assuring the network that moral philosophy would be entertaining, the creator gained approval for The Good Place.

Q: What were the challenges faced in pitching a show focused on moral philosophy?

The creator navigated obstacles by assuring the network that moral philosophy would be seamlessly integrated with humor, acknowledging potential risks in keeping the premise engaging.

Q: How did the creator balance the educational aspect of moral philosophy with entertainment in The Good Place?

By infusing humor into the show's moral philosophy discussions and ensuring the core framework remained entertaining, the creator found a blend that appealed to viewers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Creator recounts journey from Parks and Rec to The Good Place, embracing the challenge of a family sitcom.

• Developed the show on moral philosophy, convincing network with hard work and star power.

• Ensured moral philosophy was central to show's humor and entertainment value, overcoming initial skepticism.