Good Timesis the next classic sitcom to get the reboot treatment, as an animated revival of the comedy series is in the works at Netflix. Norman Lear, who produced the original version of the show in the 1970s, is on board to executive produce the animatedGood TimesalongsideFamily Guycreator Seth MacFarlane and NBA star Steph Curry. Inspired by the original sitcom, the newGood Timesis created by Carl Jones (The Boondocks), who will also serve as the series showrunner.
AMaudespinoff,Good Timesaired on CBS for six seasons between 1974 and 1979. It followed the members of the Evans family - Florida (Esther Rolle), James (John Amos), J. J. (Jimmie Walker), Michael (Ralph Carter), and Thelma (Bern Nadette Stanis). The series also starred Ja’net Dubois as Florida’s best friend with Janet Jackson joining the cast in a lead role in the final two seasons. As of now, there’s no word yet on if any of the original actors will be reprising their roles for the animatedNetflixrevival. Sadly, Dubois passed away earlier this year, preceded in death by her former co-star Rolle.
It’s also looking like the animated reboot will take theEvans familyout of the 70s to see how these classic characters might have dealt with more modern problems along with addressing current events. According to an official logline, the newGood Timesfollows “the Evans family as they navigate today’s world and contemporary social issues. Just as the original did years ago,Good Timesstrives to remind us that with the love of our family, we can keep our heads above water.”
Sony Pictures Television is the studio behind the newGood Timesas part of a first-look deal withNorman Lear, which includes options to reboot the producers classic shows. Also producing the project are Lear’s Act III Productions, MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door Productions, and Curry’s Unanimous Media.
“We can’t think of anything better, at this time in our culture, than a reimagining ofGood Timesanimated,” Lear and Act III partner Brent Miller said in a statement. “In a year filled with darkness, this is one bright light we won’t soon forget. Thank you, Sony. Thank you, Netflix. Bless us all.”
“It’s a dream come true to be working with the legendary talents of Norman Lear,Seth MacFarlaneand Stephen Curry,” Jones is also quoted as saying. “We are excited to carry on the original legacy ofGood Times- but now animated and a little edgier. Let’s just say the struggle has just gotten strugglier.”
Curry and Unanimous Media co-founder Erick Peyton added, “Unanimous is all about authentic partnerships and this team felt genuine from the beginning.Good Timesstrives to remind us that with the love of our family we can overcome any obstacle. We think, now more than ever, the world needs to see a show with hope and positivity.”
Netflix has ordered ten episodes of the animatedGood Timesreboot, which is in line with many of the exclusive shows offered by the streaming service. No word yet on when the reboot is expected to begin streaming. This news comes to us fromVariety.
