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Mike Schur

Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)

Published: Wed Dec 04 2024

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 Like watching your podcasts? Visit http://youtube.com/teamcoco to see full episodes.

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)"
Episode: Mike Shore
Release Date: December 4, 2024

In this engaging episode of Where Everybody Knows Your Name, Ted Danson reunites with celebrated writer Mike Shore to delve deep into the creative processes behind some of television’s most beloved comedies. The conversation traverses Shore’s illustrious career, his collaboration with Danson, and the intricate dynamics of writing for iconic shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place. Additionally, they touch upon profound topics such as the intersection of ethics and art in the modern world.

1. Introduction to Mike Shore and His Work

[01:16] Mike Shore:
Mike Shore introduces himself as a pivotal figure in modern television comedy, highlighting his contributions as a writer and producer on seminal shows. He proudly mentions his role in creating The Good Place, emphasizing its impact on his life and career.

[01:38] Ted Danson:
Ted warmly welcomes Mike to the podcast, expressing enthusiasm about their collaboration on A Man on the Inside and the anticipation of sharing insights from one of the smartest minds in comedy writing.

2. Dynamics Between Writer and Actor

[02:45] Dialogue on Power Dynamics:
Ted and Mike humorously explore the inherent power dynamics between a writer and an actor. Ted jokes about being the "kid" to Mike's "parent" in their professional relationship, sparking a candid discussion about humility and ego in creative collaborations.

Notable Quote:
Ted Danson [02:48]: "I’m still trying to kiss your ass to make sure that I work with you forever."

Mike Shore [03:26]: "I think you have gotten beyond the point where you have to kiss anyone's ass."

3. Crafting The Good Place: Pitching and Execution

[04:56] Starting from Zero:
Mike Shore discusses the importance of approaching new projects with a blank slate, avoiding the temptation to rely on past successes. This mindset, he believes, allows for genuine creativity and innovation.

[05:40] Ted Danson on Creative Process:
Ted elaborates on how he prefers to experience scripts without preconceived notions, fostering authentic performances based on how the written words resonate with him personally.

[09:59] Collaboration and Idea Development:
The duo delves into the collaborative nature of The Good Place. Mike shares anecdotes about pitching the show to Danson and Kristen Bell, underscoring the complexity and ambitious twist of the series' narrative.

Notable Quote:
Mike Shore [14:10]: "I was blowing it. I don't care. Because that is genuinely how I felt about you."

[18:03] Early Show Development:
Mike explains how strategic storytelling choices, like introducing major plot twists mid-season, kept both the actors and writers creatively engaged, leading to some of the show's most memorable moments.

4. Mike Shore's Journey: From Early Inspirations to Professional Success

[38:13] Early Influences:
Mike reflects on his childhood fascination with Cheers and other comedic influences that shaped his aspiration to become a writer. He credits shows like Saturday Night Live and National Lampoon as foundational to his career path.

[57:13] Career Beginnings at SNL:
Sharing his challenging experience at Saturday Night Live, Mike recounts his initial struggles, the competitive environment, and the pivotal moment when personal introspection led to improved performance and job satisfaction.

Notable Quote:
Mike Shore [66:50]: "No one pays attention to me at all. And I was writing crappy sketches every week because I was just too tightly wound."

5. Ethics and the Artist: Navigating Modern Moral Dilemmas

[45:20] Separating Artist from Art:
Ted raises a thought-provoking question about whether it's possible—or even appropriate—to separate an artist's personal actions from their work. This leads to a deep discussion on applied ethics and the responsibility of both creators and consumers in acknowledging and addressing unethical behavior.

[49:13] Mike Shore on Applied Ethics:
Mike argues that in today's interconnected world, ignoring unethical behavior is neither feasible nor responsible. He emphasizes the necessity of personal accountability in supporting or rejecting art based on the artist's actions.

Notable Quote:
Mike Shore [51:24]: "You have to decide for yourself essentially what is forgivable and what is not forgivable."

6. Reflection on Cheers and Its Enduring Legacy

[38:14] Fond Memories of Cheers:
Mike fondly reminisces about his early love for Cheers, how it inspired him to pursue a career in writing, and the profound impact the show has had on his life and aspirations.

[42:44] Structural Brilliance of Cheers:
Mike marvels at the show's fractal nature, where each episode encapsulates the show's overarching themes and intricate storytelling patterns, making it a timeless classic.

7. Concluding Thoughts and Future Endeavors

[83:04] Applied Philosophy and Its Relevance:
Ted and Mike conclude by reinforcing the importance of applied philosophy and ethics in addressing real-world issues. They advocate for integrating ethical considerations into daily life and creative practices.

[83:12] Final Remarks:
Ted expresses immense gratitude for Mike's insights and contributions, highlighting the mutual respect and admiration that define their ongoing creative partnership.

Key Takeaways

  • Collaborative Creativity: Effective collaboration between writers and actors hinges on mutual respect, humility, and open communication, allowing for authentic performances and innovative storytelling.

  • Embracing Change: Approaching new projects without bias from past successes fosters genuine creativity and the potential for groundbreaking twists and narratives.

  • Ethics in Art: In today's interconnected world, separating an artist's personal actions from their work is complex but necessary. Individuals must navigate their own ethical boundaries when engaging with art and media.

  • Legacy of Cheers: The enduring success of Cheers is attributed to its intricate storytelling, consistent thematic exploration, and the cohesive effort of a talented team, making each episode a microcosm of the show's brilliance.

  • Personal Growth in Creative Careers: Mike Shore's journey underscores the importance of self-awareness, mental well-being, and adaptability in overcoming professional challenges and achieving lasting success in the competitive world of television writing.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

  • Ted Danson [02:48]: "I’m still trying to kiss your ass to make sure that I work with you forever."

  • Mike Shore [03:26]: "I think you have gotten beyond the point where you have to kiss anyone's ass."

  • Mike Shore [14:10]: "I was blowing it. I don't care. Because that is genuinely how I felt about you."

  • Mike Shore [51:24]: "You have to decide for yourself essentially what is forgivable and what is not forgivable."

This episode offers a rich exploration of the creative and ethical dimensions of television writing, enriched by the authentic camaraderie between Ted Danson and Mike Shore. Whether you're a fan of their work or interested in the nuances of collaborative creativity, this conversation provides valuable insights into the art and responsibility of storytelling.

No transcript available.