I know I don’t need to tell you this, but things can seem pretty bleak right now. Humanity itself is seemingly being tested, and it can be hard to find the good in things. But if you look close enough you can find it.

I’m fairly certain that when NBC’s The Good Place wrapped up its final season and production of the complete series on Blu-ray went into motion that studio executives knew we’d be in the middle of a global pandemic during the product’s launch. But here we are, most of us stuck at home, and desperately needing some good vibes. Fortunately, The Good Place delivers.

About the show

In the media landscape where creating and sustaining a hit show is rare, it’s even rarer to find a show that is both a hit series and one that elects to wrap up the story it set out to tell succinctly and on its own terms. The Good Place is one of those perfect gems, and like Parks & Rec and The Office before that, it will be a series that fans revisit again and again for needed pick-me-ups.

After four seasons, it’s unlikely that you, dear reader, are totally unaware of the premise of the show, but let me fill you in. The show revolves around four people (played by Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, and Manny Jacinto) who arrive in the afterlife in the “Good Place” as opposed to the “Bad Place.” But here’s one of the show’s many twists: they’re weren’t supposed to actually make it to the Good Place. With outlandish scenarios overseen by architect Michael (Ted Danson) and all-knowing A.I. Janet (D’Arcy Carden), viewers laugh, cry, and cringe as we watch the characters battle demons real and internal through eternity.

There’s too many spoilers for me to give any more detail, but know that you will be surprised, entertained, mentally and spiritually challenged, and forget about your own worries for a brief respite as you watch. Yes, it’s that good. But don’t just take my word for it. Over the course of four seasons, the show was nominated for numerous Emmys, and won two Critic’s Choice awards, two Hugos, and a Peabody. No biggie.

About the Blu-ray

The complete series Blu-ray which was released by Shout Factory May 19, is perfect for longstanding fans and newcomers alike. In addition to all four seasons, the set comes with some seriously great bonus features including:

• Select episode audio commentary (with creator Michael Schur, producer Drew Goddard, various writers, and various actors including Ted Danson)
• Gag reels
• Visual FX highlights
• San Diego Comic Con panel
• Table read
• Finale special hosted by Seth Myers

I waited to write my review until I could really digest those special features, and I have to say they mostly deliver. Honestly, I would have bought this set just for the gag reels (season 3 is my favorite) as seeing the normally censored cast curse their forking hearts out is worth it alone. However, I absolutely love listening to the audio commentary to hear just how much thought and cleverness went into each episode. Plus, seeing and hearing authentic interactions with the cast just reaffirms your suspicions that they are truly good people after all.

Other than that, the FX reels are a bit too fast and I would have appreciated a closer look at some of the production, but it’s better than nothing. The finale wrap up hosted by Seth Myers is a little cringey and not the best send off, but the 2019 Comic Con panel is just delightful. While the bonus features are just that—a bonus—the real appeal is the four near-perfect seasons of some of the greatest television ever made.

Our morals and ethics are challenged every day. I’d like to think that there is more good than bad in this world. Fortunately, even when the bad times show up, you can escape to The Good Place, which isn’t just good, but great.

Disclaimer: I would have bought this set myself (seriously), but the nice people at Shout Factory sent me a copy for review absolutely free.