fashion du jour

Behold Ted Danson’s Snazziest Bow Ties on The Good Place

Photo: Colleen Hayes/NBC

On NBC’s The Good Place, Ted Danson is doing the Devil’s work — or, depending on who you ask, the Lord’s work — as a beleaguered Bad Place architect on the verge of a philosophical awakening. We could honestly talk about his fantastic comedic performance all day. (In fact, we’ve even talked to him a few times about it.) But we’re not here to convert you into a Dansonhead if you aren’t one already. Instead, we’d like to take a moment to appreciate the fabulous assortment of bow ties that his character, Michael, always and without fail wears on the show.

“We always thought he would be somewhat professorial, someone teaching the ‘good’ people the ropes of their new home in an enthusiastic way,†the show’s costumer designer, Kirston Mann, told Vulture. “In our initial fitting we tried the usual tweedy look, searching for Michael amid racks of clothing. Ted caught a glimpse of peacock feather bow tie we had on a table, put it on, and the rest is history. He immediately felt the character and it all just made sense. When this happens in a fitting, it’s a dream come true.â€

To help you manage The Good Place’s winter hiatus, we decided to look back on Michael’s most memorable bow tie ensembles. Remember: If faced with a trolley problem scenario that exclusively features bow ties, save as many as possible. It’s what Michael would want.

The “Michael’s gambit is officially afoot†look

Photo: NBC

The “convince Tahani to throw a lavish party that sets off a chain of pre-planned disasters†look

Photo: NBC

The “my Neighborhood is a dumpster fire†look

Photo: NBC

The “trick Chidi to throw out his life’s work†look

Photo: NBC

The “wreak havoc on Tahani’s dinner party†look

Photo: NBC

The “stick some undercover Bad Place employees in Eleanor’s house†look

Photo: NBC

The “Bad Place negotiator†look

Photo: NBC

The “I can’t believe Janet has a boyfriend†look

Photo: NBC

The “Michael’s gambit is dead†look

Photo: NBC

The “success is futile†look

Photo: NBC

The “bow ties with sweats are secretly chic†look

Photo: NBC

The “trolley problem shenanigans†look

Photo: NBC
Behold Ted Danson’s Snazziest Bow Ties on The Good Place