Netflix has reportedly canceled its animated Good Times sequel after just one season. The news, first reported by What’s On Netflix, follows a year and a half of mixed reception, cultural backlash, and limited viewer engagement for the rebooted series.
Announced as a modern reimagining of the classic ’70s sitcom, the animated version struggled to find its footing with critics and longtime fans. While the show briefly landed in Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 during its premiere window, viewership ultimately didn’t reach renewal thresholds, earning 3.3 million views in the first half of 2024 and an additional 2.1 million views through mid-2025, per the outlet.
The voice cast included J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jay Pharoah, Tisha Campbell, Wanda Sykes and more.
Reception to the reboot was polarized. Many viewers noted the show’s reliance on exaggerated portrayals of Black life, a major shift from the legacy of the original series, which was celebrated for its mix of humor, humanity, and social commentary.
In our review we noted that while the animated series attempted to update the original concept, it ultimately leaned into “negative stereotypes and outdated tropes,” falling short of capturing the depth and heart of its predecessor.
Members of the original cast also responded. The late John Amos expressed doubt that an animated reboot could match the emotional resonance of the Norman Lear classic, saying the bar was “set pretty high.” BernNadette Stanis noted that using the Good Times name without the original characters or tone would lead audiences to expect something the reboot never intended to deliver.
Writer-producer Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite) also revealed that he left the project early due to creative differences.
Other Netflix Animated Cancellations
Good Times is one of three adult animated series Netflix recently chose not to renew:
- Exploding Kittens, based on the hit card game and featuring voices from Tom Ellis, Lucy Liu, Sasheer Zamata, Ally Maki, and others. Early development for season two began but was stopped.
- Twilight of the Gods, from Zack Snyder, Jay Oliva, and Eric Carrasco, inspired by Norse mythology. Despite international daily Top 10 placement, the series did not secure the global traction Netflix hoped for.
What’s Next for Netflix Animation
Despite these cancellations, Netflix continues to expand its animation slate. Upcoming titles include: Alley Cats, Living the Dream, Strip Law, Ghostbusters, Minecraft, Magic: The Gathering, Midnight Sun, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, Mating Season, and The One Piece
Netflix also has returning seasons of Tomb Raider, Devil May Cry, Long Story Short, Haunted Hotel, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, Blue Eye Samurai, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Netflix declined to comment on the cancellations.