Ted Danson SaysThe Good PlaceHad Real-Life Ethics Professors 'on Speed Dial' to Make Sure the Show Was 'Right'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ted Danson (left) and William Jackson Harper on ‘The Good Place’.

Ted Dansonis giving fans more insight intoThe Good Place’s behind-the-scenes research.

The Good Placeran for four seasons, from 2016 to 2020, and followed Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Tahani (Jameela Jamil), Jason (Manny Jacinto) and Chidi (William Jackson Harper) as they navigated the afterlife. Though they initially believe they’ve entered “the Good Place,” the quickly realize that their errors in judgement in their human lives have landed them in “the Bad Place.”

(L-R) Kristen Bell, D’Arcy Carden, Manny Jacinto, Jameela Jamil and Ted Danson on ‘The Good Place’.Colleen Hayes/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Through studying ethics and philosophy, each person attempts to shed their old ways of life to earn a true spot in “the Good Place.” The series also starred Danson as afterlife “architect” Michael and D’Arcy Carden as Janet, an AI being who assists the group in the afterlife.

After the actor noted how the series has been used in ethics courses in various universities, Danson also revealed that production also sought the advice of those in the field.

“On speed dial, we had three or four ethics professors who would talk to the writers daily to make sure what we were talking about was right,” he said. “Sometimes it’s good to get a second, third opinion.”

Ted Danson on ‘The Good Place’.Colleen Hayes/NBC

He also revealed that the cast formed a tight-knit friendship throughout the show’s four seasons and had a sleepover at his home a few weeks before the finale.

“Mary had everyone come over and we had a sleepover,” he said of his wife, actressMary Steenburgen. “It makes a party even better when you can wake up, have a coffee and reminisce.”

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At the time, Danson joked he was “not feeling very legendary” due to his hangover after the festivities.

source: people.com