In a recent episode of “Conan O’Brien“, a special guest appearance by Ted Danson had everyone talking. The talk show host sat down with Danson, who is known for his roles in popular shows like “Cheers” and “The Good Place”, to discuss his experience working with show creator Mike Schur.
Danson and Schur have collaborated on multiple projects, with Danson playing memorable characters written by Schur. During the interview, Danson openly acknowledged the power dynamic between them, referring to Schur as the “parent” and himself as the “kid”. He humorously admitted to still trying to impress Schur and expressed his desire to continue working with him.
Schur, known for his humility and egoless approach to his work, shared his perspective on the creative process. He emphasized the importance of starting each new project with a clean slate, avoiding the temptation to rely on past successes. Schur believes in remaining open to new ideas and being receptive to feedback and suggestions from others. This approach, he says, allows for more creativity and unexpected breakthroughs.
The conversation also touched on their collaboration on the hit show “The Good Place”. Danson praised Schur’s detailed pitch for the show, which initially seemed like a bizarre concept. He applauded Schur’s ability to dive into the intricacies of the idea and provide a clear vision for the series. Danson reflected on how the show shifted his traditional approach to comedy and how he had to trust Schur’s vision.
Both Danson and Schur admitted that the show’s success and unique ethical underpinnings were not initially easy to sell to the network. Schur’s commitment to integrating philosophy and ethics into the storyline made it a hard sell. However, thanks to the support of Danson and other cast members, the network gave Schur the green light to explore this unconventional approach.
Danson’s casting in the show was another crucial factor in its success. Schur praised casting director Allison Jones for her exceptional work in assembling the perfect ensemble cast for “The Good Place”. Danson’s portrayal of the character Michael, a confused immortal being, added depth and comedic brilliance to the show.
Overall, the conversation between Danson and Schur showcased their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and openness in creating successful and innovative television series. With their combined talents, it’s no wonder why “The Good Place” became a critically acclaimed and beloved show.
