D’Arcy Carden on Saying a Prolonged ‘Bittersweet’ Farewell to THE GOOD PLACE

THE GOOD PLACE has always been a little unconventional, so it makes sense its ending comes in a similar fashion: earlier this month, showrunner Michael Schur announced its upcoming fourth season would be its last.

“It’s very bittersweet,” D’Arcy Carden (Janet) admits. “I’m very sad, but also really respect the decision. I just love this group of people, I love this story, I love this show. As someone who works on it and as a fan of it, I would be happy if it went three or more seasons. But I really think it’s correct, that this is a good moment to end it. And the way they end the season is so lovely and wonderful. They had a story to tell and told it. And I respect it. But I’m sad.”

The top-secret show has notoriously kept things from its actors at certain points, while bringing them in early on others. But as they’re working on the final season (THE GOOD PLACE has a different production schedule than most network shows, and they’ve already filmed a chunk of the last year), the actors were looped in a bit more.

“I did want to know everything,” Carden says with a laugh. “I was really happy to get as much information as possible. I was even happy to hang out in the writers’ room every day [if I could]. But they were also, get out of here.”

The team is also paying special attention to appreciate their final bit of time together on set.

“I’m trying to really soak it up,” she acknowledges. “I think we all are. We know it’s a quick, wonderful [final season] we have. We know how lucky we are to be a part of this great group. But this season, more than ever, we’re hanging out a little longer, chatting during lunches a little longer. We are trying to soak it in.”

And while the show’s final legacy is still TBD—at least until season 4 kicks off on Thursday, September 26—Carden is grateful for her experience. “It’s so nice that something like THE GOOD PLACE existed at this particular time,” she says. “It’s something that is so full of hope and the message is people can get better: if we work together, we can make each other better.”

“I think that I will miss [it being] something that is not cheesy and not too cutesy or over the top,” she continues. “I know families watch it together, but it’s not for kids. It’s something that people have bonded over. I think as actors, to be on something that impacts people is truly all we can ask for. It’s so special…even someone like Mike Schur or Ted Danson, who have worked on so many successful shows, they’re very aware of the specialness of this show. I’m going to be sad as hell [when it’s over]. I am sad as hell. But it’s good.”

THE GOOD PLACE, Season Premiere, Thursday, September 26, 9/8c, NBC

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