Good Times was a classic TV show from a time long past when there was no internet and a new show meant new information. I was a young white person in a small town of 98% white people and this was my first exposure to another culture. That is what Norman Lear did. Expose people to things they hadn't seen or were hard to discuss. From tackling abortion and homosexuality in "Maude," racism with "All in the Family" and most importantly humanizing black life for stubborn white people with "The Jeffersons" and "Good Times." It would behoove anyone reading this to go watch any of these shows instead of this series. As I write this I'm realizing that this series isn't worth mentioning really and that 3 is to high a score. 1.7.
24 Reviews
Horribly stereotyped
onpointmag15 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Here we have another so called comedy that's not funny at all. Seriously, what's funny about babies shooting at another baby? Or a father standing balls naked in didn't of his young daughter? What I gather is "supposed" to be funny, is not. The story paints a sordid picture of every stereotype the Black community has worked to get away from. Drug dealing, hoes, white Jesus, father & son issues... Whatever made you go this route with this reboot is beyond me. This was so disrespectful. And what was the point of the daughter having hygiene issues with flies & bad breath?? This just set Florida & James Evans family back 50 years. No wonder BernNadette Stanis hated it.
Not needed in 2024
brwnchick15 April 2024
I couldn't get past the Dad talking to a roach. The Dad coming out naked in front of his daughter. The baby being a drug dealer. This show is not needed...so many stereotypes in this series . It is a slap in the face of the Orginal show ...Ester Rolle wouldn't have any part of this show...this is the reason she left during the taping of the next to last season...I'm hoping they pull this or rename the series at least. I'm not watching it I hope they pull it off of Netflix or I just might unplug Netflix for even thinking that this show would be ok. We are the only race a people in this country that they want to keep down.
This good times reboot flounders above water.
emerilescaladefan12 April 2024
In 1974, lear, Monte and others, created one of the greatest tv shows of all time, good times, it had humor, laughs and great performances throughout, even, The catchphrase dynomite was cool as well, as for this new one and it is total garbage, there is only some chuckle or two, the performances are horrible, the animation is worthless, the teleplay is pathetic and the writing is just b.s. Throughout, let's just say that I hated every inch of this reboot, even more offensive than the grotesque splatter is the use of a baby as a drug dealer, now I found that to be completely cynical and truly dreadful, this is yet another reason why I turned the TV off, the first in 12 years, this new good times is just truly pathetic and it's heading on my list of the worst television of 2024 and it deserves to be
I gave good times a big fat f.
I gave good times a big fat f.
WOW
desiraesy25 April 2024
I understand the reboot and the concept but the stereotypes are killing me I couldn't get pass the first episode its actually embarrassing. I can't believe the actors went along with a 1 year old selling drugs, then they say he's a mirror to stewie from family guy naww. I honestly believe they felt the show was funny and they would get the best response from it. Being from Chicago we try to stay away from stereotypes but as a whole this set us back like 50 years. This is not why we work hard to be portrayed like this on TV I didnt find this show funny at all, it actually looked like a good a watch but i couldnt continue.
Being ghetto doesn't = satire
Parker-10012420 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This isn't funny at all. They think they can just be ghetto and call it satire. It's dated topics and unfunny writing just proves they had the wrong writers in the room. The satirical classics like Boondocks and Black Dynamite didn't just have a bunch of ghetto characters for us to laugh at. They both had layers of truths but at the same time making you look at humor from a different perspective. What was the message of the mom being project president, The baby doing drugs Or Jesus playing video games? It seems like they just put shocking ignorant images in the show with no merit or message thinking it would be funny, but it was insulting. I'm from Chicago my parents grew up in Cabrini greens and ain't no one in our family like any of these characters. Just horrible and disappointing.
It's not THAT bad!
sheast13 April 2024
No, it is not the original 'Good Times', and obviously it is not suppose to be. But, it has great humor & the look is vintage (e.g. Fat Albert Show). I laughed out loud a few times and the characters featured (Elon Musk, Maya Angelou) added to the funny. And for those making a big deal about a baby drug dealer, this is not a new concept of the adult situation baby in the Seth MacFarlane universe (see Family Guy). So, I doubt race (ism) has anything to do with it. This also reminds me of The PJ's of the early 2000's. Some people on their high horse about a series that is not to be taken that seriously. The original 'Good Times' was a cultural phenomenon realized many years after it ended (along with other Norman Lear produced sitcoms). However, at the time it premiered, it's premise was not revered by many Black Americans who did not want to see "the struggle" on T. V., along with a little clown-nery.
Fits into the stereotypical genre of black exploitation
preyn-3066913 April 2024
The original "Good Times" series was the first black family series before many others made their debut. It was relatable to many within the black community because it depicted the daily struggles families faced while trying to survive living in the projects. I can't define sensibly what this new generation of Good Times is trying to depict. It was extremely difficult to follow each episode. The scenes were too busy, the characters movements were lacking fluidity, the language and subject matter was obscene. It's really a shame. I expected more to pay homage to the original Good Times. No good.
Couldn't Stop Laughing
tommypezmaster12 April 2024
While not a faithful adaptation of the original show, it still have a lot of thing I love about past Netflix shows. Likable character w/ heart, Unique episode premises and original humor w/ 100% laughs. The animation feels like something new and give the show a unique. Episode 3 made me laugh so hard, it ended being my favorite of the series. I hope season 2 will happen regardless of what people think. Besides they're are shows people will defend endlessly that still rerun on cable that look a WHOLE lot worst than this. Obviously I'm look at you Baby Looney Tunes, Be Cool Scooby-Doo and Scaredy Squirrel.
Entertaining but also perpetuates a lot of stereotypes
dianaayodele15 April 2024
I watched this whole series and while I found some of the scenarios interesting and overall would say I enjoyed watching it, I couldn't shake the feeling of the characters archetypes being lazily written. As someone who enjoys adult cartoons, it would be nice to see newer ones explore developing characters that don't feed into the same tired old stereotypes about Black American family structures: the extremist activist, the overworked and broke father, the drug dealer/gangster, etc... I think if they put more effort into developing the characters outside of this bubble, the show would be even more interesting and funny.
So for my overall opinion...
Positives: The art style of the cartoon is very engaging. Some of the scenarios are interesting and funny, and there are definitely parts that are very relatable. I enjoyed the fact that there was regular involvement from characters outside of the direct family unit in the main storyline, as opposed to having them only contribute to occasional side stories like how cartoons such as American Dad, The Cleveland Show, and Family Guy create their extra characters.
Negatives: The character archetypes feel lazy and not well thought out, all of the characters are based on some type of stereotype about African Americans, Black Caribbean's, and Black Africans. If the cartoon's target audience is intended to be Black people, I think they need to do better at creating characters that feel more reflective of the diversity of the Black community, without pandering to expected stereotypical portrayals for entertainment value. There is definitely room for improvement.
So for my overall opinion...
Positives: The art style of the cartoon is very engaging. Some of the scenarios are interesting and funny, and there are definitely parts that are very relatable. I enjoyed the fact that there was regular involvement from characters outside of the direct family unit in the main storyline, as opposed to having them only contribute to occasional side stories like how cartoons such as American Dad, The Cleveland Show, and Family Guy create their extra characters.
Negatives: The character archetypes feel lazy and not well thought out, all of the characters are based on some type of stereotype about African Americans, Black Caribbean's, and Black Africans. If the cartoon's target audience is intended to be Black people, I think they need to do better at creating characters that feel more reflective of the diversity of the Black community, without pandering to expected stereotypical portrayals for entertainment value. There is definitely room for improvement.
They did the same to Shirley
JustinJKanter15 April 2024
In the past year, Netflix has shifted gears, abandoning the pursuit of quality in favor of becoming a mere content aggregator. Nowhere is this more evident than in their treatment of Black Stories-shallow, tokenistic offerings that scream, "Here's something we think the community will tolerate," devoid of any genuine effort to deliver quality entertainment.
Take, for instance, their recent Shirley Chisholm Movie debacle. It looked as though they threw spare change at it and managed to get everything about Chisholm wrong.
Now Good Times. This insulting portrayal, steeped in old stereotypes, is just the tip of the iceberg. And I highly doubt this poorly executed, offensive mess will win them any new audience.
Netflix originals have become increasingly unbearable. From the disaster that was the Zack Snyder debacle to the mishandling of "3 Body Problem," it's evident that Netflix's enthusiasm for new creators and bold ideas has waned, replaced by tired clichés and a race to the bottom.
We may be witnessing the twilight of the streaming golden age, but I never imagined quality would plummet to such depths in a business model reliant on subscriber retention.
Take, for instance, their recent Shirley Chisholm Movie debacle. It looked as though they threw spare change at it and managed to get everything about Chisholm wrong.
Now Good Times. This insulting portrayal, steeped in old stereotypes, is just the tip of the iceberg. And I highly doubt this poorly executed, offensive mess will win them any new audience.
Netflix originals have become increasingly unbearable. From the disaster that was the Zack Snyder debacle to the mishandling of "3 Body Problem," it's evident that Netflix's enthusiasm for new creators and bold ideas has waned, replaced by tired clichés and a race to the bottom.
We may be witnessing the twilight of the streaming golden age, but I never imagined quality would plummet to such depths in a business model reliant on subscriber retention.
Insult
clg198317 April 2024
This is an insult in all shapes and sizes. How dare they desecrate my youthful television favorite with this racist characterizations. The people of color who signed up for and are behind this atrocity should be deeply ashamed to have their name associated with this crap. Talk about two steps back. J. B should know better but I guess the money was good. WTH Curry got to do with movies, stay in your lane dude. I am sure his dad watched the original as I did in Staunton but obviously he never shared the it with Stephan. Wonder what Dale thinks of this. Netflix should remove this as soon as possible. Absolutely nothing to see here! 👎🏿
Set Us Back About 30 Years!
digitalmediatyrant18 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is not what we needed in 2024! A friend chicken hero, crack selling baby's? Joining a gang to have s3x??? Grey Anatomy!
There was a couple times the show had a chance to actually say or do something impactful only to then take it all back with some type of degrating situation or stero-type.
Who I'm disappointed in is the cast and all the black folks that signed off on this c'mon Ranada, Steph. It truly is all about the money it has to be because there was a script?
I watched the whole thing and that was 4-5 hours I can't get back... WOW no season 2 movie OVA no more please. Please no more.
There was a couple times the show had a chance to actually say or do something impactful only to then take it all back with some type of degrating situation or stero-type.
Who I'm disappointed in is the cast and all the black folks that signed off on this c'mon Ranada, Steph. It truly is all about the money it has to be because there was a script?
I watched the whole thing and that was 4-5 hours I can't get back... WOW no season 2 movie OVA no more please. Please no more.
There's no "good times" to be had with this show
jediforce1024 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Before I begin this review, I must admit, I've never seen an episode of the original Good Times show. Having said that, if the original one was anything like this version it would've been canceled after one episode and wouldn't be remembered fondly at all. Even though I haven't seen an episode, I know this revival has nothing to do with the original at all. It was greatly remembered for being the first sitcom to have a black family about the struggles of life while living in the projects. While the premise may seem similar in this reboot, it completely misses the point.
The best way I can describe this show would be like The PJ's show from the 90s without any of the wit, charm, or the appeal of what made it good. While some people complained about the stereotypes in that show, the Good Times reboot goes overboard on every stereotype of the black community from the ghetto to drug dealing and so on.
This all applies to every character. Not one of them is good and they're all just stereotyped to the max. I hate everyone in this show and you will too once you see how terrible they are from the drug dealing baby to the dad just standing naked in front of his daughter and not caring about it.
Seth MacFarline was part of the revival and his involvement is clear in this show. It's like he was trying to do another version of The Cleveland Show, a show that was really bad and had stereotypes too. In fact, the baby and Ralo are almost similar in a way. Even the daughters feel similar from each show.
The "jokes", and I call them jokes very loosely, pretty much are on brand for his style of humor. Many of them either drag out or just flat out confusing and have no point or delivery.
The writing is just as bad. The show wants to try and aim for some satire, but it misses the mark with all the stereotypes. When you look at something like The Boondocks, you can tell what the writers wanted to aim for with the characters and mix a different look from an event while it can also make you laugh. Here, there's none of that. Even in moments where the show should take a moment and try to have some good meaning behind it they quickly toss it out for more stereotypes. Why?
The animation in general is cheap looking. Mouth movements look weird, characters moving look stilted, and it feels so stiff. The backgrounds and character designs feel uninspired and lack anything that's interesting.
The voice work is alright I guess, but I generally have to wonder how desperate these people were to sign for this. Did they need the paycheck that badly? Were they being blackmailed into this? I can't imagine any of them signing for this with a straight face and not having a gun pointed at them to sign a contract to this.
There's no reason for you to watch this. There are plenty of shows out there like The Jeffersons, All in the Family, and the original Good Times that do a far better job than this show. The PJs and Boondocks do a better satire than this show. It takes every stereotype of black people, cranks it up to 11, and parades it around like we're supposed to be entertained. Instead, it's dated, tiresome, annoying, and downright insulting towards a classic show that, while I never saw, made a major impact on TV. Honestly, with all the problems this show has, a question needs to be asked to the creators.
Did any of them bother to do even the slightest research on what made the original Good Times so beloved?
The best way I can describe this show would be like The PJ's show from the 90s without any of the wit, charm, or the appeal of what made it good. While some people complained about the stereotypes in that show, the Good Times reboot goes overboard on every stereotype of the black community from the ghetto to drug dealing and so on.
This all applies to every character. Not one of them is good and they're all just stereotyped to the max. I hate everyone in this show and you will too once you see how terrible they are from the drug dealing baby to the dad just standing naked in front of his daughter and not caring about it.
Seth MacFarline was part of the revival and his involvement is clear in this show. It's like he was trying to do another version of The Cleveland Show, a show that was really bad and had stereotypes too. In fact, the baby and Ralo are almost similar in a way. Even the daughters feel similar from each show.
The "jokes", and I call them jokes very loosely, pretty much are on brand for his style of humor. Many of them either drag out or just flat out confusing and have no point or delivery.
The writing is just as bad. The show wants to try and aim for some satire, but it misses the mark with all the stereotypes. When you look at something like The Boondocks, you can tell what the writers wanted to aim for with the characters and mix a different look from an event while it can also make you laugh. Here, there's none of that. Even in moments where the show should take a moment and try to have some good meaning behind it they quickly toss it out for more stereotypes. Why?
The animation in general is cheap looking. Mouth movements look weird, characters moving look stilted, and it feels so stiff. The backgrounds and character designs feel uninspired and lack anything that's interesting.
The voice work is alright I guess, but I generally have to wonder how desperate these people were to sign for this. Did they need the paycheck that badly? Were they being blackmailed into this? I can't imagine any of them signing for this with a straight face and not having a gun pointed at them to sign a contract to this.
There's no reason for you to watch this. There are plenty of shows out there like The Jeffersons, All in the Family, and the original Good Times that do a far better job than this show. The PJs and Boondocks do a better satire than this show. It takes every stereotype of black people, cranks it up to 11, and parades it around like we're supposed to be entertained. Instead, it's dated, tiresome, annoying, and downright insulting towards a classic show that, while I never saw, made a major impact on TV. Honestly, with all the problems this show has, a question needs to be asked to the creators.
Did any of them bother to do even the slightest research on what made the original Good Times so beloved?
Esther is Rolle-ing in her grave
tnghbadn17 April 2024
I can't believe what I just watched. Saw someone post a screenshot of this and thought I'd give it a shot. Wow. Thinks actually embarrassing. Why as black people do we want to perpetuate stereotypes that have harmed our communities and our own well-being. We've come so far and now this????? Whatever intelligent comedy there may be here is lost because we have to sit through gun violence by children (literal babies!), roaches in the apartment, glorifying "hoes"...when it first started and they referenced the "white Jesus" episode of the original show I though we were going somewhere empowering, but no. Just another act of self-hatred billed as art. We have to do better.
What does this have to do with GoodTimes?
studman-1343229 April 2024
Other than the characters names this show has absolutely nothing to do with the message that the original tv show was trying to get across, and what idiot thought a baby selling Crack was going to be funny? Black people have come to far for this BS and need to let Netflix know it, don't know why in the year 2024 anyone would make such garbage, it is embarrassing and an insult to all black people, except Tim Scott and Byron Donald's who think we act this way in real life, I really wonder what audience was this actually made for, was it made for an African American family or was it made to further the racism being brought about in politics.
It's a lot better than what others think in my opinion.
mastuhoscg29 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I decided that this evening, I would give this show a try & see if it was as bad as what other people said. & If I was a judge, I'd say I've reached a verdict & that it is good. I especially like how funny some of the things the characters said really is & I especially liked in one scene of the show, Dalvin Evans told off some people who were supposed to witness his baptism but for some reason, his mother's best friend couldn't baptise him & I like how he was able to let them know he doesn't think he's better than anybody else & that they should worry about their own problems instead of sticking their noses in his. The animation style of this show looked nice & I loved how much in the first episode, they paid tribute to the original show in a number of ways: Reggie singing the theme song whilst showering, Junior painting Black Jesus, Reggie playing pool, a brief appearance of James Evans Senior & I even like that it also paid tribute to the episode of the episode which involved James, Florida, J. J., Thelma & Michael winning an award for their apartment despite Ned The Wino staying there although he was cleaned up. The girl Grey reminded me a bit of Michael during the early seasons as she stood up for what she believes in & The father Reggie reminded me of James when he took off his belt & spanked some bad kids whom captured his son just like how James once whooped Eddie in the final episode of "Good Times" season 2. This show also reminds me a bit like the old show alongside The PJs & a bit like the Boondocks in its own way plus it was funny as heck. I really hope it gets picked up for a new season because I really loved it but if NOT, at least I can say that it was fun whilst it lasted. I know people are going to get mad at me because I enjoy this show & they don't but since when am I required to like the same things as everybody else? I'm my own person who can think for himself.
100% trash
darryl-johnson27 April 2024
I'm not sure what Seth McFarlane was thinking when he decided to be an executive producer on this animated series named 'Good Times'. Nor what showrunner Ranada Shepard was thinking. However I think I know what original showrunner Carl Jones was thinking when left - no way he wanted to be associated with this fetid trash.
The title 'Good Time' misleads viewers into thinking this trash is an homage to the original series - it isn't. The family names, public housing and being poor are the only relationship to the iconic show. A drug dealing baby, numerous shootouts, frequent use of the N word, singing cockroaches and a male character walking around with his testicles barely covered up after taking a shower will quickly convince you this garbage has nothing sensible in common with the historic show (celebrating its 50th anniversary this year).
All aforementioned happened in the first episode of which I found so offensive and unfunny I turned it off without finishing it. Ms Shepard has stated viewers should watch all ten episodes before passing judgement- that's not going to happen. Apparently most viewers aren't impressed- released on April 12th it ranked as a lower rated Top Ten Netflix show a week later but fell from the rankings the second week. Viewer reviews have been mostly scathing and damning.
The title 'Good Time' misleads viewers into thinking this trash is an homage to the original series - it isn't. The family names, public housing and being poor are the only relationship to the iconic show. A drug dealing baby, numerous shootouts, frequent use of the N word, singing cockroaches and a male character walking around with his testicles barely covered up after taking a shower will quickly convince you this garbage has nothing sensible in common with the historic show (celebrating its 50th anniversary this year).
All aforementioned happened in the first episode of which I found so offensive and unfunny I turned it off without finishing it. Ms Shepard has stated viewers should watch all ten episodes before passing judgement- that's not going to happen. Apparently most viewers aren't impressed- released on April 12th it ranked as a lower rated Top Ten Netflix show a week later but fell from the rankings the second week. Viewer reviews have been mostly scathing and damning.
a really fun show fr
babapanduri14 April 2024
I don't usually write reviews for the shows, but for this i have to write it down. These light hearted people who cant take a joke are making this show worst rated. The thing is show is not for everyone, specially for those who are sensitive. The show is humorous, funny and the characters are on point. It is fun to watch like every other Seth Macfarlane series. Seth Macfarlane usually gets this type of hate everytime and every single time his shows gets superhit. This is going to be a huge success please continue this series. IGNORE THESE SO CALLED SENSITIVE GENERATION WHO GETS TRAUMATISED BY THEIR BREAKFAST.
I watched every one in one sitting ...
jthirdpower-8960229 April 2024
And ... I felt the same way I felt when I watched the original as a child, week after week, embarrassed. However. It's art and it's what entertainment does. I applaud their brave attempt to modernize these ideas. Again, however, current society is too politically correct to have fun anymore. All things are pulled apart for cultural accuracy then soaked in the blood of sadness cause no one wants to relax and have fun at the expense of the unknown like it was done in the 70's. If you watched "Big Mouth" and enjoyed it, you can watch this without too many gasps. Laugh people its just a joke. We know what is real. Each of us need to care about one another before and after entertainment. We are human beings needing love, shelter, food, and rest. Calm down and enjoy someone's hard work.
What did I just (try) to watch?
mg_legend29 April 2024
Like 5 minutes in the Dad is standing naked in the living room in front of... his entire family? The show sets the bar that low right from the start and never really improves.
The baby i think is supposed to be some sort of Ghetto Stewie?
Everyone involved, the writers and most importantly (personally), the cast who agreed to be part of this should be ashamed of the part they played in this ever reaching Netflix. Do they have no personal pride or at the very least in where they come from?
This was bad and you should all feel bad.
Need more characters to be able to post this, here they are!
The baby i think is supposed to be some sort of Ghetto Stewie?
Everyone involved, the writers and most importantly (personally), the cast who agreed to be part of this should be ashamed of the part they played in this ever reaching Netflix. Do they have no personal pride or at the very least in where they come from?
This was bad and you should all feel bad.
Need more characters to be able to post this, here they are!
Best adult black family sitcom on tv
finmacmillan27 April 2024
This show is exceptionally funny and masterfully balances creativity with technical execution. It stands out as the premier animation featuring a Black family, offering a unique blend of African American and cartoon culture that's both culturally accurate and relatably portrayed. Its forward-thinking approach is perfectly mixed with a touch of nostalgia, capturing the essence of contemporary society with precision and grace. The show's artistic and technical brilliance truly sets it apart, making it unparalleled in its genre. Its ability to resonate with both current and nostalgic elements ensures it appeals to a wide audience, solidifying its position as a leader in animation.
No Hate Here
kandibloodworth17 April 2024
I FREAKIN LOVE IT! It's like Family Guy and Boondocks if they had a baby together. The storyline is absolutely funny, I'm laughing almost every 10 minutes. The cast brings so much energy to the characters and it's never a dull episode. The first episode was in reference from the original GOOD TIMES, which I love how they played it out in a revamped version. Since it came out, I rewatched at least 3X. I hope they renew it for a second and third season because I can see it becoming a hit. I can't speak on too many of the episodes to spoil it for the next person but I definitely recommend this to be watched.
The first time I saw this I was in deep.
nicholecaters27 April 2024
I really thought it had a life of its own and I was just so happy to experience it in its own right. I think it was a brave move and kudos to Tyree for taking that leap forward in making it his way. Or to whoever was brave enough to make this decision for the twist of the story. You have to take chance, can't please them all... it still had its good points/messages. I love that Talented Tryee dude. I believe that the show will have more success than any other series and it will continue as long as they continue to grow in popularity with their audience in this new generation and in this new era in which they will become more popular then. You'll see.
See also
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