TV legend Norman Lear, who passed away at the age of 101 on Tuesday (Dec 5). is set to make a posthumous cameo appearance in the animated reboot of the 1970s sitcom, Good Times.
The upcoming Netflix Original, produced by Carl Jones and executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, Stephen Curry, and Lear himself, takes the beloved Evans family from the 1970s to the contemporary setting of the 2020s. While the series is still in development, according to Deadline, the animated Good Times series will premiere Summer 2024. The show’s aim is to bring the iconic show to a new generation.
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Norman Lear, known for his prolific contributions to television, was not only an executive producer for the original Good Times sitcom but also played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of American TV with series like All in the Family and Maude.
The animated Good Times series, consisting of 10 episodes with a 30-minute runtime, is set to star Venus DeMilo Thomas and Jessica Mikayla, known for their roles in the ’90s. Thomas will take on the character of Tina, while Mikayla will portray Jazz, as the Evans family navigates contemporary social issues, mirroring the challenges faced by the original two-parent African American sitcom.
Joining Lear, MacFarlane, and Curry as executive producers are Erica Huggins, Jenelle Lindsay, Brent Miller, Erick Peyton, and Jeron Smith. Act III Productions is at the helm of the animation, bringing the Evans family’s story to life once again.
Norman Lear, even in his passing, leaves a lasting legacy with several ongoing projects, including the animated Good Times series. As Hollywood reflects on his contributions, the industry eagerly anticipates the animated revival, keeping alive the spirit of a groundbreaking era in television history.
In addition to Good Times, Lear’s influence extends to other projects, such as The Corps, a dramedy series recently greenlit by Netflix, and a potential remake of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. Despite Lear’s absence, his impact continues to resonate through the industry, promising more engaging content for audiences in the future.
(Originally read on Deadine)