Mike Schur, acclaimed creator of The Good Place and co-creator of Parks and Recreation, shares his journey from local cable access to SNL at just 22. He reflects on the intricacies of pitching unique concepts and the blending of humor with moral philosophy in sitcoms. Ted Danson and Mike discuss the chaos and creativity behind memorable Thanksgiving episodes and touch on the importance of collaboration in storytelling. They also delve into the ethical challenges artists face, weaving in personal anecdotes that shaped their passion for comedy.
Mike Schur reflects on the creative process, stressing that humility and openness to experimentation are vital for successful comedy writing.
The podcast highlights Mike's collaborative experiences with actors like Ted Danson, showcasing how their contributions enhance the realization of scripts.
Schur discusses the challenge of integrating ethical dilemmas in comedy, illustrating how The Good Place innovatively addresses serious topics in an engaging manner.
Deep dives
The Impact of Cheers on Thanksgiving
The speaker reflects on the iconic Thanksgiving scenes from the TV show Cheers, particularly recalling a hilarious image of an oversized turkey, dubbed 'birdzilla.' This memorable scene was fun to shoot but required careful planning to execute in one take due to the mess it would create. The speaker suggests that such memorable moments contribute to the nostalgic appeal of classic shows like Cheers during holiday gatherings. The blend of humor and chaos seen in television shows captures the essence of holiday festivities, making them relatable to many viewers.
The Journey of Mike Schur
Mike Schur, a prominent figure in comedy, shares his journey from working on The Office to co-creating other celebrated shows like Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. His experiences highlight the collaborative nature of comedy writing and the importance of being open to ideas during the creative process. Schur expresses admiration for actors like Ted Danson, noting the significance of their contributions in bringing scripts to life. This relationship between writers and actors showcases the dynamic giving and taking that shapes successful television projects.
The Philosophy of Collaboration
In discussing the creative process, Schur emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and willingness to experiment, suggesting that every creative undertaking begins with a mindset of knowing nothing. This philosophy encourages continuous exploration and collaboration, contrasting with actors who may come from different backgrounds. Schur notes that many of the best moments in series like The Good Place stem from this collaborative spirit, allowing for breakthroughs that elevate the entire production. As the discussion unfolds, it is clear that the sharing of ideas is what fuels not only the creative process but also relationships within the industry.
The Good Place and Its Moral Philosophies
The conversation touches upon the challenges of portraying complex ethical dilemmas in a comedic format, specifically in the context of The Good Place. Schur notes the incorporation of real philosophies into the storyline, with references made to the show's exploration of morality and ethics. He explains that teaching ethics in an engaging manner, particularly to younger audiences, has become a unique aspect of the show's impact. This intersection of entertainment and education reveals the potential of comedy to address serious topics while remaining accessible to viewers.
Challenges of the Entertainment Industry
The dialogue shifts to the intense pressures present within the television industry, particularly at institutions like Saturday Night Live. Schur recounts his early struggles in that high-stakes environment, where competition among writers breeds both stress and creativity. Recognizing the need for a supportive work culture, he emphasizes that a safe and happy environment is key for writers to flourish. This transformative realization catalyzed his growth, leading to a more effective and collaborative approach in his later projects.
Ted Danson feels a bit strange about interviewing his TV “boss,” showrunner and writer Mike Schur. Of course, you know Mike as the creator of The Good Place and co-creator of shows like Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Mike talks to Ted about pitching The Good Place, how Ted’s role on the show took shape, why Cheers was the first show he cared about, landing his dream job at SNL at 22, and much more.
Ted and Mike have teamed up again on a new Netflix comedy series, “A Man on the Inside.” All eight episodes are streaming now: https://www.netflix.com/title/81677257
