Latest news with #TheGoodPlace
CNBC
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNBC
'Parks and Rec' creator: My No. 1 strategy for helping 'people do their best'—it works anywhere
The key to coaxing the best results from your team at work: Give them equal doses of structure and creative freedom, says Mike Schur, the Emmy Award-winning creator of television shows like NBC's "Parks and Recreation," "The Good Place" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." "I believe that people do their best work when there's a strong system that also allows for freedom within the system," Schur told comedian Amy Poehler on a May 20 episode of her podcast, "Good Hang." Even experienced professionals need good managers to bring out their best ideas and collaborative work, said Schur. He's found the most success by giving workers enough autonomy to get their creative juices properly flowing, while establishing clear boundaries to ensure they can meet their deadlines without veering off task, he said. Describing his process, Schur said he first works to "set up the boundaries," telling his team what needs to be done and when, before setting them free to reach those goals however they choose. "You lay out the fence and you [say] 'Anywhere in here is fine,'" said Schur. "Then you get the funniest people you can, who are the most comfortable and happy, and you say: 'Don't worry, everything's taken care of, rules are in place, the fence is in place, go crazy.' And you let people do their best, most fun, most joyous work."Flexibility and an open dialogue help create that welcoming environment of structured freedom, added Poehler, who starred in and co-produced "Parks and Recreation," with Schur serving as the showrunner. "People that are in your systems are very well taken care of, very well considered. And, in my case, it changed my life to be in your system. I love a good system too," Poehler said, adding: "You are not a strict person who doesn't take feedback." Schur isn't alone in his approach. Managers can inspire creative thinking — and better results — by giving their teams more autonomy over how an idea is created, or how a goal is reached, psychologist Teresa M. Amabile wrote for the Harvard Business Review in 1998. "People will be more creative, in other words, if you give them freedom to decide how to climb a particular mountain," Amabile wrote. "You needn't let them choose which mountain to climb. In fact, clearly specified strategic goals often enhance people's creativity." When Google went public in 2004, it had a "20% time" rule, where employees were encouraged to spend 20% of their time at work on projects that "they think will most benefit Google," co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page wrote at the time. Having the autonomy to experiment with interesting side projects, with the agreed-upon structure of working to "benefit" the company, "empowers [employees] to be more creative and innovative," wrote Page and Brin. Similarly, Netflix co-founder and chairman Reed Hastings built a corporate culture around what he calls "freedom and responsibility." At Netflix, employees are granted enough freedom to let their creativity run wild, making the company more adaptable when seeking solutions to major challenges, Hastings wrote in a 2009 PowerPoint presentation. Netflix balances that freedom with an expectation of accountability, where employees are expected to own their failures and take responsibility when goals are not met, according to Hastings' presentation. Those boundaries are essential to ensure you can "give freedom and not have chaos," he told CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin in 2020, adding that he seeks out employees who can effectively prioritize that balance. Schur also said he's typically drawn to working with "roll-with-the-punches people" who can collaborate with each other in nearly any circumstance. "Wonderful things happen" when you hire smart and creative people who can improvise when needed, establish clear boundaries, and give them room to play, he said. That strategy might not be "revelatory," Schur noted. But "I really believe that is the best way to work creatively in a group.",
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Podcast Corner: Jameela Jamil aims to be uninspiring on Wrong Turns
Jameela Jamil, an actress best known for The Good Place, a sitcom with a good idea that faded once it stretched past its first season, hosted the I Weigh podcast for four years. It ran from a month into lockdown in 2020 to the end of 2024, expanding from, as the title suggests, ideas of body shaming to talk of activism in local politics, disinformation, and dismantling gender violence. Perhaps she grew tired of the often heavy content, or maybe she just listened to a lot of How to Fail with Elizabeth Day and felt inspired, but either way, she's back with a new podcast called Wrong Turns - 'for anyone who feels like their life is one disaster after another'. Jamil explains at the outset of the first episode: 'This is a podcast that celebrates shame and indignity. I'm just fucking sick of all of the inspiration we're supposed to draw from all of the terrible moments in life, and I feel like we're overdosing on it online, and I just want somewhere where I can chill and just own my clusterfucks without it needing to have a silver fucking lining. And I wanted to bring my friends on to commiserate with me. We are anti-inspiration, pro-commiseration.' She's got a lot of celebrity pals to draw on - the first episode is with Mae Martin, a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and recording artist; and Bob the Drag Queen, a winner of Ru Paul's Drag Race. The second features We're Here to Help hosts Jake Johnson and Gareth Reynolds, and Eric Edelstein ( Parks and Recreation, Twin Peaks). 'Do you feel like disaster is drawn onto you?' Jamil asks them. Cue some very giddy banter as they throw themselves into the topic. It escalates so quickly that, not eight minutes in, Bob is telling a story about a vicious dressing down he gave to a pimply kid who was making fun of him when they were in seventh grade together. 'And then next year he's in a wheelchair. Because it wasn't a pimple. It was a brain tumour. He's dead. Fully dead to this day.' It's a stark story but it's played to Jamil and Martin laughing hysterically (and nervously?). A really weird moment. Whether you want to continue with the podcast after that is up to you. Finding Lucinda: Last autumn, The Road to Joni podcast traversed the US on the way to the Hollywood Bowl for a pair of rarely spotted Joni Mitchell shows, talking to various fans and followers along the way. Finding Lucinda is in the same vein as young singer-songwriter ISMAY goes on a road trip of self-discovery to trace the roots of their musical hero, Lucinda Williams, talking to collaborators and archivists along the way.
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Here's what the star-studded voice cast of Netflix's 'Big Mouth' looks like in real life
Nick Kroll plays Nick and Maury. Kroll played several human characters, including Nick Birch, the series' lead character, who was inspired by Kroll's childhood. Kroll also played Lola Skumpy and Coach Steve, Andrew's hormone monster, Maury, and Nick's hormone monster, Rick. Kroll is known for starring in the FX comedy "The League," creating and starring in his own sketch series "Kroll Show," and creating the "Big Mouth" spinoff series " Human Resources." John Mulaney plays Andrew Glouberman. Andrew Glouberman, a boy obsessed with masturbation, is Nick Birch's best friend who joins him on his adventure through puberty. John Mulaney, a comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" writer, plays the character. Mulaney has starred in other animated movies, including "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" and " Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." Jessi Klein plays Jessi Glaser. Jessi Klein plays Jessi Glaser, a close friend of Nick and Andrew's who explores her sexuality and struggles with depression and her parents' divorce. Klein is best known for her writing and producing work, having previously produced " Inside Amy Schumer," "Transparent," and "Dead to Me." Maya Rudolph plays Connie LaCienega and Diane Birch. Maya Rudolph plays two characters in the series — Connie LaCienega, the hormone monster for Jessi, and Diane Birch, Nick's mother. Rudolph, who rose to fame as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live," has won four primetime Emmy Awards for her performance in "Big Mouth" and has starred in numerous movies and TV shows, including "Bridesmaids," "The Good Place," and "The Lego Movie 2." Ayo Edebiri plays Missy Foreman-Greenwald. Missy is a nerdy biracial classmate of Andrew, Jessi, and Nick's. In the first four seasons, Jenny Slate voiced the character, but she stepped down from the role in 2020, announcing on Instagram that black people should play black characters. Slate was replaced with Ayo Edebiri as Missy began to explore her Black identity in the show. Edebiri is best known for her breakout roles in the 2020s in "Bottoms" and " The Bear." Thandiwe Newton plays Mona. Jason Mantzoukas plays Jay Bilzerian. Jay Bilzerian, a sex-obsessed bisexual boy, is another friend of Andrew, Nick, and Jessi's. Mantzoukas is a comedian who has previously played equally wacky characters in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," " The Good Place," and "The League." Andrew Rannells plays Matthew MacDell. Matthew MacDell, a gossipy gay student, was initially a secondary character in the first few seasons but became one of the main characters after season 3, developing relationships with Jay and Jessi. Broadway and screen actor Andrew Rannells has starred in " The Prom" and "Girls" and has a vibrant voice-acting career, appearing on shows like "Sonic X," "Pokémon," and "Invincible." David Thewlis plays The Shame Wizard. David Thewlis joined the cast in season two as the Shame Wizard, who will mock and bully the children to amplify their shame around their mistakes. Thewlis previously starred in multiple "Harry Potter" movies, "Wonder Woman," and "The Theory of Everything." Jean Smart plays Depression Kitty. Depression Kitty first shows up in season two after Jessi starts to develop strong negative emotions amid her parents' divorce. Since then, Depression Kitty has made a few appearances across the show. Jean Smart, an Emmy-winning actor who stars in "Hacks," played Depression Kitty. Maria Bamford plays Tito the Anxiety Mosquito. Tito the Anxiety Mosquito embodies the children's anxiety, first appearing in season four. Comedian Maria Bamford is known for her comedy specials as well as her Netflix show "Lady Dynamite." Zazie Beetz plays Danni. Megan Thee Stallion plays Megan. In season seven, Megan Thee Stallion guest stars as Megan, a hormone monster for Danni. Megan Thee Stallion is better known for her rapping career, though she has also starred in Disney+'s "She-Hulk: Attorney At Law" and the 2023 movie "Dicks: The Musical." Jordan Peele plays the ghost of Duke Ellington. One of Nick's friends is the ghost of jazz pianist Duke Ellington, who lives in the teen's attic. Jordan Peele is the voice behind the ghost. He also played Missy's father, Cyrus Foreman-Greenwald. Peele is an Oscar-winning horror director and comedy actor best known for directing "Get Out," "Nope," and "Us" and starring in "Key and Peele." Brian Tyree Henry plays Elijah. Elijah, an asexual Christian student, appears in seasons six and seven, building a relationship with Missy. They broke up after graduating from middle school. Brian Tyree Henry, known for his roles in "Atlanta," "Bullet Train," and Marvel's "Eternals," plays Elijah. Henry has voice acting experience from starring in the "Spider-Verse" movies as Miles Morales' father, Jefferson. Natasha Lyonne plays Ms. Dunn. Natasha Lyonne guest stars in the final season as sex-ed teacher Ms. Dunn. Lyonne has also made cameos in previous seasons playing Suzette Saint James, Jay's pillow girlfriend, and Nadia Vulvokov, the character Lyonne plays in Netflix's " Russian Doll." Lyonne is best known for starring in "American Pie," "Orange is the New Black," and " Poker Face." Ali Wong plays Ali. Ali Wong joined "Big Mouth" in season three, playing the pansexual transfer student Ali. Wong is a comedian who has previously starred in other Netflix originals like "Beef" and "Always Be My Maybe." Keke Palmer plays Rochelle. "Big Mouth" season five introduced the concept of Hateworms and Lovebugs, who strengthen the children's emotions. Rochelle, played by Keke Palmer, was Missy's Hateworm but later transformed into her Lovebug.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TV writer Michael Schur receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Television writer, producer, director and creator Michael Schur was honored with the 2,812th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on May 21, 2025. Schur was joined by Ted Danson, Amy Poehler and his family. Schur is best known for his work on "Parks and Recreation," "The Good Place," "A Man on the Inside," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "The Office."
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
George Wendt dead: Cheers co-star Ted Danson 'devastated' over actor's death
George Wendt dead: Cheers co-star Ted Danson 'devastated' over actor's death Cheers star George Wendt has died at the age of 76, with his co-stars and friends paying tribute to the late actor, including Ted Danson and John Ratzenberger (Image: CBS via Getty Images ) Tributes have been pouring in from the entertainment world for George Wendt, following the actor's recent passing, including touching words from his former 'Cheers' co-star Ted Danson. The actor, who played Sam Malone on the iconic NBC comedy series, expressed his heartbreak stating that he was "devastated to hear that Georgie is no longer with us." Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, 'The Good Place' star said: "I am sending all my love to Bernadette and the children. It is going to take me a long time to get used to this. I love you, Georgie." Joining the chorus of tributes was John Ratzenberger, another 'Cheers' alumnus known for his role as Cliff Clavin, who reflected on their shared experiences: "For eleven years on Cheers, we shared a stage, a lot of laughs, and a front-row seat to one of television's most beloved friendships," he recalled. "George brought Norm to life with a subtle brilliance - the kind that made it look easy. That was his gift." Ratzenberger hailed him as a gifted artist, complimenting his humility and humour by adding, "He was a true craftsman - humble, hilarious, and full of heart," and noted, "What you saw on screen was exactly who he was off screen with impeccable comedic timing and a deep loyalty to those he loved. I'll miss our conversations and the quiet moments of friendship that meant the most." Melissa Joan Hart, who had the opportunity to appear alongside George Wendt in the latter seasons of 'Sabrina The Teenage Witch', also took to her Instagram this evening, hinting at the legacy he's left behind: "Heaven just got a little funnier with #GeorgeWendt. It was a thrill to work beside him on #SabrinatheTeenageWitch for a handful of episodes.", reports the Mirror. "I was a big #Cheers fan and knew I was among one of the best when he was on set. He was warm, professional and kind and our cast and crew were gifted with his presence every time. Rest in peace! #GodBlesstheFunnyPeople (Sorry for the grainy photo)." Article continues below The cast of Cheers were regarded as being like a family by viewers (Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images ) The news follows the passing of George, who endeared himself to audiences as the affable Norm Peterson on the beloved sitcom 'Cheers', at the age of 76. The cherished actor passed away in his sleep at his home on Tuesday. A statement given to the Hollywood Reporter by his representative read: 'George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this difficult period. '. Speaking about the enduring legacy of the NBC show in prior interviews, George once reflected: "I was lucky to be part of something that became such a beloved part of people's lives." Norm's iconic entrance at the show's bar, greeted by a chorus of his name, cemented him as a fan favourite. His arrival would always spark the exuberant call of 'Afternoon/evening everybody! ' followed by the entire bar bellowing 'Norm' in unison. 'Cheers' itself was a critically acclaimed hit, gaining 117 Emmy nominations and claiming 28 Emmies, among which it won Outstanding Comedy Series four times. George personally received six consecutive Emmy nods for his memorable role as Norm. He was a stalwart of the show, featuring in every episode until the series concluded in May 1993. George made an unexpected appearance on stage with his Cheers co-stars at the Emmy Awards in January 2024, with notable attendees including Ted Danson and Kelsey Grammer. Before his time on Cheers, George had guest roles in well-known shows such as Taxi and M*A*S*H. After the phenomenal success of Cheers, George headlined his own CBS sitcom in 1995. However, the show was short-lived, being cancelled after just eight episodes. His acting career also saw him take on various television roles, including appearances in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Columbo. George is survived by his wife, Bernadette Birkett, who provided the voice for his unseen sitcom wife Vera on Cheers. Article continues below The couple shared three children - a daughter and two sons.
