Good Times 2024 Tv Series Review – Netflix

If you’ve ever gazed out the window, perhaps humming along to the old theme song, watching the world go by, you’ve likely encountered the Evans family and their trials in the Chicago projects from the iconic TV show “Good Times.”

You’ll recall Michael’s attempt to convince his parents that Jesus was Black and the moment J.J.’s father stood up against gang recruitment. And who could forget when Florida declined an endorsement deal due to the product’s hidden alcohol content?

“Good Times” served up life lessons amidst its weekly struggles and temptations, often guiding the family towards making the right decisions. However, the latest iteration of the show tarnishes its legacy with outlandish portrayals and stereotypes.

In this revamped version, we’re introduced to the next generation of the Evans family: Reggie, the cab-driving father; Beverly, the money-minded mother; Junior, the aspiring artist son; Grey, the activist daughter; and Dalvin, the unimaginable— a drug-dealing baby.

Yes, you read that correctly. A drug-dealing baby.

To be fair, the original series had its own share of issues. When John Amos, who portrayed the stern father James Evans Sr., voiced concerns about the direction of the show, he was swiftly dismissed, and his character met a tragic end.

Amos revealed, “When the show first started, we had no African American writers. Some of the attitudes they had written caused me to say, ‘Uh uh, we can’t do this, we can’t do that.'”

Esther Rolle, who played the steadfast mother, also departed the show after disagreements. Despite her insistence on maintaining the family unit, the show’s quality suffered, leading to its decline in ratings.

“Good Times” was groundbreaking for featuring a two-parent African American household, providing representation that resonated with viewers of all backgrounds. For producers to now associate their inferior remake with this beloved classic is deeply disrespectful.

Imagine if someone desecrated “Seinfeld” or “Sex and the City.” That’s the sentiment “Good Times” holds for the Black community.

What’s next? “The Jeffersons” abandoning their penthouse for the projects? “Sanford and Son” peddling illegal firearms from their junkyard?

Netflix could have released this new show independently without sullying the “Good Times” legacy. Yet, judging from the trailer, the show’s biggest flaw appears to be its lack of humor.

All ten episodes of this misguided reboot will premiere on Netflix on April 12. But before wasting time on this debacle, I’d rather relive J.J.’s “Dy-No-Mite” catchphrase on a loop.