Updated with trailer.
–Previously posted March 20 —
Netflix has provided a first glimpse into its upcoming animated series ‘Good Times,’ along with its confirmed release date. The series, a revival of the classic comedy from the 1970s, is set to debut on April 12th, 2024.
Headed by Carl Jones, known for his work on ‘The Boondocks’, and co-creator Ranada Shepard, the project boasts a stellar lineup of executive producers, including Norman Lear, Seth MacFarlane, and Stephen Curry. The series aims to breathe new life into the iconic characters of the Evans family through the medium of animation, with a fresh perspective on the original show’s humor.
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Featuring a talented voice cast including Yvette Nicole Brown, Jay Pharoah, Marsai Martin, Slink Johnson, and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola, the series follows the trials and triumphs of the Evans family as they navigate life in a Chicago housing project.
Pharoah is the only voice cast member that has taken on any role within the Evans family as he portrayed original Evans family member J.J. Evans, originally played by Jimmie Walker in ABC’s Emmy Award-winning Live in Front of a Studio Audience: All In The Family and Good Times.
Set in the last remaining housing projects of Chicago, the animated ‘Good Times’ series follows the fourth generation of the Evans family residing in apartment 17C. Reflecting on the timeless struggles of resilience and love, the narrative echoes the enduring themes of its predecessor, underlining the significance of featuring a two-parent African American family, a groundbreaking aspect of the original series.
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The animated “Good Times” series, will comprise of 10 episodes with a 30-minute runtime. The narrative weaves through familiar themes of resilience and love, showcasing that, despite the passage of time, some struggles remain unchanged. Additionally, the decision to feature a two-parent African American family in the animated series is a nod to the groundbreaking nature of the original “Good Times,” which was the first of its kind in television history.
The late Norman Lear, a legend in the television industry, is set to make a posthumous cameo appearance in the animated reboot. Lear, who passed away at the age of 101, was not only an executive producer for the original “Good Times” but also a trailblazer with influential series like “All in the Family” and “Maude.”
Check out the first look below.
Check out the photos (Via @Ranadashephard on IG)
