Good Times (1974–1979)

A poor Afro-American family make the best of things in the Chicago housing projects.

Creators:

Mike Evans, Eric Monte

Stars:

Ja'net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Ja'net DuBois	...	Willona Woods (133 episodes, 1974-1979)
Ralph Carter	...	Michael Evans (133 episodes, 1974-1979)
BernNadette Stanis	...	Thelma Evans (133 episodes, 1974-1979)
Jimmie Walker	...	James 'J.J.' Evans, Jr. (133 episodes, 1974-1979)
Esther Rolle	...	Florida Evans (109 episodes, 1974-1979)
John Amos	...	James Evans, Sr. (61 episodes, 1974-1976)
Johnny Brown	...	Nathan Bookman (57 episodes, 1975-1979)

Storyline

Life in the Chicago projects is never easy, However, the Evans family never gives up trying to make the best of things. While Florida and James struggle to provide for their family, their sons J.J., an aspiring painter, Micheal, the undying political crusader, causing trouble while their sister, Thelma, stands between them as the voice of reason. Living in the same building were Willona Woods, Florida's best friend from High School who provided support, love and gossip and Nathan Bookman, the overweight janitor who gave them grief and was the butt of alot of fat jokes, especially Willona who often referred to him as Buffalo Butt or Booger. Life, at least, is never boring while they fight to keep their heads above water and one day leave the projects, which they did in the series finale. Sadly, it was without James who was killed off in the 4th season.

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Plot Keywords:

housing project | poor family | inner city | black militant | african american | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 February 1974 (USA)

Filming Locations:

5746 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bud Yorkin Productions, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), Norman Lear/Tandem Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (133 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Esther Rolle is 25 years older than Ja'net DuBois, although they supposed to be the same age on the show.

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Quotes

J.J.: Thelma, I think I got VD!
Thelma: VD! The only way you can get that is by... JJ!... well who is it?
[JJ looks at her]
Thelma: ... Mariaane Thomas? Sweet little Marianne Thomas? ooooooWOOO!
Michael: [Michael comes out of the room with his text book] JJ what you say you got?
J.J.: VD
Michael: [looking up VD] It says here you can only get VD by... ooooooWooo!

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Connections

Referenced in Drawn Together (2004)

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Soundtracks

"Good Times"
Music by Dave Grusin
Lyrics by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
Performed by James Gilstrap and Blinky Williams

User Reviews

Wonderful!!

This is one of my all time favorite shows. This show, to me reflected on the good side of poverty. Although the Evans family was poor and lived in the projects, they had each other. No matter how much the family suffered financially, they never turned to crime or other illegal actions to make ends meet. Throughout those times, many African American families consisted of a single mom with numerous kids. The Evans family had both parents providing stabilty and shelter for them. This show was excellent. However, there was one little pesky problem that always seemed to bother me. It seemed as if every other season, fiesty neighbor and friend Willona, always received the same promotion on her job. Everytime Willona came in with"great news", she would informed them that she was just made the "head buyer" for the boutique. Interesting...