Good Times

This article is about the American TV sitcom. For other uses, see Good Times (disambiguation).

Good Times
Genre	Sitcom
Created by	Eric Monte Mike Evans
Developed by	Norman Lear
Directed by	Herbert Kenwith (seasons 1–3) Various (season 1) Garren Keith (seasons 4–6)
Starring	Esther Rolle John Amos Ja'Net DuBois Ralph Carter Bern Nadette Stanis Jimmie Walker Johnny Brown Janet Jackson Ben Powers
Theme music composer	Dave Grusin Alan and Marilyn Bergman
Opening theme	"Good Times" performed by Jim Gilstrap and Blinky Williams
Composer(s)	Dave Grusin Alan and Marilyn Bergman
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	6
No. of episodes	133 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Norman Lear (1974-75) Allan Manings (1975-77) Austin and Irma Kalish (1977-78) Norman Paul (1978-79)
Producer(s)	Allan Manings (1974-75) Jack Elinson (1975-76) Norman Paul (1975-76) Austin and Irma Kalish (1976–77) Lloyd Turner (1977-78) Gordon Mitchell (1977-78) Sid Dorfman (1978-79)
Production location(s)	CBS Television City, Hollywood, California (1974-75) Metromedia Square, Hollywood, California (1975-79)
Camera setup	Multi-camera
Running time	22–24 minutes
Production company(s)	Tandem Productions
Release
Original network	CBS
Original release	February 8, 1974 (1974-02-08) – August 1, 1979 (1979-08-01)
Chronology
Related shows	All in the Family Maude Checking In The Jeffersons Archie Bunker's Place Gloria 704 Hauser
External links
[{{#property:P856}} Website]

Good Times is an American television sitcom that aired for six seasons on CBS, from February 8, 1974, to August 1, 1979. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by executive producer Norman Lear, it was television's first African American two-parent family sitcom. Good Times is a spin-off of Maude, which itself is a spin-off of All in the Family.

Synopsis

John Amos and Esther Rolle, 1974

Florida and James (renamed from Henry) Evans and their three children live at 721 North Gilbert Avenue, apartment 17C, in a public housing project in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago. The project is unnamed on the show but is implicitly the infamous Cabrini–Green Homes, shown in the opening and closing credits. Florida and James have three children: James Jr., also known as "J.J.", a budding artist and illustrator who thinks of himself as a "Casanova" type and achieves both success and rejection on his path to monetize his talent into a career; Thelma, a very bright girl who takes education very seriously as she sees it as a way to help her family and is shown attending high school and community college over the course of the series; and Michael, whose passionate activism and support for the Black community and Black issues causes his father to call him "the militant midget."

When the series begins, J.J. is 17 (portrayed by 26-year-old Jimmie Walker, who was just eight years younger than co-star John Amos), Thelma 16 and Michael 11. Their exuberant neighbor and Florida's best friend is Willona Woods, a recent divorcée who works at a boutique. Their building superintendent is Nathan Bookman (seasons 2–6), who James, Willona and later J.J. refer to as "Buffalo Butt" or, even more derisively, "Booger."

Jimmie Walker and Esther Rolle, 1974

The characters originated on the sitcom Maude as Florida and Henry Evans, with Florida employed as Maude Findlay's housekeeper in Tuckahoe, New York, and Henry employed as a New York City firefighter. When producers decided to feature the Florida character in her own show, they changed the characters' history to fit a new series that was well into development rather than start from scratch to create a consistent starring vehicle, even though to do so meant changing their Black middle-class family into to a poverty-stricken lower class family. Henry's name became James, he worked various odd jobs due to only being able to attain a sixth-grade education, there was no mention of Maude but it was mentioned that Florida was a maid once before in the episode 'The Checkup' and the couple lived in Chicago.

Episodes of Good Times deal with the characters' attempts to overcome poverty, living in high-rise public housing in Chicago. James Evans often works at least two jobs, mostly manual labor such as dishwasher, construction laborer, etc. Though he is often unemployed, he is a proud man who will not accept charity. He sometimes hustles money playing pool, although Florida disapproves of this.

Episodes

Main article: List of Good Times episodes

The sitcom series Good Times, which originally aired on CBS from February 8, 1974 to August 1, 1979, has 133 episodes, three of which were not shown during the original network run but turned up in the syndication package.

Episodes

Season 1 (1974)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Tape date
1	1	"Too Old Blues"	Bob LaHendro and Donald McKayle	Bob Peete	February 8, 1974	January 21, 1974
James (John Amos) is excited because he is sure that he is going to get a high paying job. However, at the interview, he learns that he is too old to join the company's union. Meanwhile, Florida (Esther Rolle) and the children (BernNadette Stanis and Ralph Carter) get ahead of themselves and throw a celebration party for James unaware that he was rejected. Note: This episode was taped after the pilot to add additional characters and to provide background for those in the pilot episode.
2	2	"Black Jesus"	Bob LaHendro and John Rich	Kurt Taylor and John Donley	February 15, 1974	January 14, 1974
J.J.'s painting of a Black Jesus, becomes the family's good luck charm after a string of success for each family member. However, Florida refuses to entertain the notion that the painting had anything to do with the recent string of "good times". Creator Eric Monte appears as Numbers Runner. Note: This episode was taped after the pilot to add additional characters and to provide background for those in the pilot episode.
3	3	"Getting Up the Rent (The Pilot)"	Donald McKayle and Perry Rosemond	Eric Monte	February 22, 1974	January 7, 1974
With an eviction notice over their heads, the Evans family scrambles to come up with $74 needed for their rent. Despite Florida's opinion, James goes down to the pool hall to try to hustle some money; J.J. comes up with a scheme of his own and Florida and Willona go down to the welfare office. Guest star: Matthew "Stymie" Beard (former Our Gang child actor) as Monty and Hal Williams as one of the movers
4	4	"God's Business Is Good Business"	Bob LaHendro and Donald McKayle	Roland Wolpert	March 1, 1974	January 28, 1974
An old friend of James, who is now a shady televangelist (Roscoe Lee Browne), stops by the Evans apartment and offers James a job that would pay $100 a day. James is set to take it, but Florida is against James accepting the job, believing it goes against his morals and values.
5	5	"Michael Gets Suspended" "The Midget Strikes Back"	Herbert Kenwith	Eric Monte	March 8, 1974	February 12, 1974
Michael comes home from school early one day with the announcement that he has been suspended as a result of telling his teacher that George Washington was a racist because he owned slaves. James and Florida become determined to prove to Michael that he is wrong.
6	6	"Sex and the Evans Family"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Donald L. Stewart Teleplay: Norman Paul and Jack Elinson	March 15, 1974	February 26, 1974
Florida finds what she believes to be a dirty story called, "Sexual Behavior in the Ghetto". Assuming it to be J.J.'s, Florida confronts him, but she is in for a surprise when Thelma claims it and has an even bigger surprise when she learns it belongs to Thelma's latest boyfriend (Philip Michael Thomas).
7	7	"Junior Gets a Patron"	Herbert Kenwith	Larry Siegel	March 22, 1974	February 19, 1974
J.J. is sure he is bound to make it big when he finds a patron in Leroy Jackson (Ed Cambridge), who begins providing him with all the supplies he needs. However, when James discovers who the patron is, he forbids J.J. to be associated with him and J.J. responds by moving out. This leads to a confrontation at J.J.'s new apartment between James and Leroy.
8	8	"Junior the Senior"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Ken Hecht & Lloyd Garver Teleplay: Ken Hecht & Lloyd Garver and Lou Derman & Bill Davenport	March 29, 1974	March 6, 1974
Florida and James are worried that J.J. will not pass into the 12th grade but when he gets his report card he did indeed pass but the grades seem to be a far cry from what they should be. This leads James and Florida to do a little investigating.
9	9	"The Visitor"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Bob Wolterstorf, Allessandro R. Veith and Thad Mumford Teleplay: Norman Paul and Jack Elinson	April 5, 1974	March 20, 1974
Michael submits an angry letter about the conditions in the Evans' apartment to a newspaper and gets an immediate response from a housing commission official who quickly finds himself stranded in the ghetto and experiences the conditions first hand.
10	10	"Springtime in the Ghetto"	Herbert Kenwith	Norman Paul and Jack Elinson	April 19, 1974	March 27, 1974
Florida is running in a cleanest apartment competition and is sure she will win. However, her chances are dashed when Michael tries to help someone in need and brings home Ned the Wino.
11	11	"The TV Commercial"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Simon Muntner, Lou Derman and Bill Davenport Teleplay: Lou Derman and Bill Davenport	April 26, 1974	April 3, 1974
Florida comes home from the supermarket with great news – she has been offered a role in a TV commercial. What is even better is the pay she will get – $5,000. However, once she reads the script and tests the product, Florida has second thoughts.
12	12	"The Checkup" "James Goes Down"	Herbert Kenwith	Kurt Taylor and John Donley	May 3, 1974	April 10, 1974
Florida and the children become concerned about James' health after reading an article in a magazine about hypertension. When he learns about their concerns, he goes through the roof and refuses to go for a check up.
13	13	"My Son, The Lover" "I Love Marcy"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Lou Derman & Bill Davenport Teleplay: Lou Derman & Bill Davenport and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	May 10, 1974	April 17, 1974
A popular girl wants J.J. to paint her portrait and J.J. mistakenly assumes that they will become more serious when he makes plans to ask her to go steady. However, Florida and Thelma smell a rat.

Season 2 (1974–75)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Tape date
14	1	"Florida Flips"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Jack Elinson & Norman Paul and John Donley & Kurt Taylor Teleplay: Jack Elinson & Norman Paul	September 10, 1974	July 18, 1974
Florida's strange behavior has the family and Willona wondering what is wrong with her. Michael thinks that she is beginning menopause, while Willona believes that she is fed up with the boredom that comes with being a housewife.
15	2	"J.J. Becomes a Man: Part 1" "J.J. Is Arrested: Part 1"	Herbert Kenwith	Jack Elinson & Norman Paul	September 17, 1974	August 1, 1974
After his birthday party, J.J. is arrested on suspicion of robbing a liquor store.
16	3	"J.J. Becomes a Man: Part 2" "J.J. Is Arrested: Part 2"	Herbert Kenwith	Jack Elinson & Norman Paul	September 24, 1974	August 15, 1974
Desperate to raise bail to free J.J., the family considers taking money from a loan shark.
17	4	"Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah"	Herbert Kenwith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	October 1, 1974	July 25, 1974
To avoid being bused to a white neighborhood, Michael forges his parents' names on a questionnaire. His principal (Ron Glass) arrives to question Florida and James about their responses
18	5	"The Man I Most Admire"	Herbert Kenwith	Michael Morris	October 8, 1974	August 8, 1974
Michael must write an essay on the person he most admires. He first picks Florida for her strength and effort in keeping the family together. However, Florida points out that James may be the best person. However, James' recent actions in applying for a new job leave little to be admired.
19	6	"Thelma's Young Man"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Roland Wolpert Teleplay: Roger Shulman & John Baskin	October 15, 1974	September 12, 1974
Thelma has been seeing the same man (Louis Gossett Jr.) for two months and has not introduced him to the family yet. However, when she comes home with an engagement ring, Florida and James demand that they meet him and they are in for a surprise when they finally do.
20	7	"The I.Q. Test"	Herbert Kenwith	Jay Moriarty & Mike Milligan	October 22, 1974	September 5, 1974
Michael, one of the brightest boys in his class, comes home with the news that he scored the lowest out of his whole class on an I.Q. test. Infuriated at first, Florida and James hear Michael out and realize that I.Q. tests are designed for certain demographics and in this case exclude white people. Meanwhile, J.J. prepares for a wild date with his latest girl, Henrietta. Guest star: Austin Pendleton as the I.Q. test creator
21	8	"The Encyclopedia Hustle"	Herbert Kenwith	Bob Shayne & Eric Cohen	October 29, 1974	August 29, 1974
An encyclopedia salesman (Ron Glass) is the last person James wants to see when he comes home from work. However, he softens when he learns the man is blind. This leads James to sign a contract and he reads the fine print only after the man leaves.
22	9	"The Gang: Part 1" "J.J. and the Gang: Part 1"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Eric Monte Teleplay: Eric Monte & Allan Manings and Jack Elinson & Norman Paul	November 12, 1974	October 17, 1974
J.J. has secretly become a member of the Satan's Knights, a gang who are in the midst of a gang war with the Warlords. Two members and the leader of the Satan's Knights arrive at the Evans' home to escort a scared J.J. to a meeting place where the two gangs are to meet. However, on the way there they run into James and Florida and an altercation leaves J.J. shot.
23	10	"The Gang: Part 2" "J.J. and the Gang: Part 2"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Eric Monte Teleplay: Eric Monte and Jack Elinson & Norman Paul	November 19, 1974	October 31, 1974
J.J. is recovering after being shot by Mad Dog, which turned out to be only a flesh wound. Meanwhile, a vengeful James presses charges against Mad Dog but a worried Florida is afraid that James's anger will take over before the law does.
24	11	"Florida, the Matchmaker"	Herbert Kenwith	Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	November 26, 1974	October 3, 1974
A wedding has Florida realizing that Willona is the only friend of hers left who is not married. This leads Florida to try her hand at matchmaking, and she matches Willona with Duane, a friend of James'. However, Florida is a little crestfallen, when Duane leaves the wedding early, claiming he does not feel well and she thinks her matchmaking plans have failed, until they arrive the next day at the Evans door, together.
25	12	"The Windfall" "James Goes to Far..."	Herbert Kenwith	Allan Manings	December 3, 1974	October 10, 1974
James finds a bag of robbery loot adding up to $27,000. After some coaxing from Florida, James decides to turn it in. However, what Florida does not know is that there was $29,000 in the bag and James kept the other $2,000. James has no regrets especially after the only reward he was given was a $50 gift certificate for the supermarket.
26	13	"Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle"	Herbert Kenwith	Larry Markes & Norm Liebmann	December 10, 1974	November 7, 1974
Cousin Naomi is visiting the Evans' for the Christmas season and the whole time she has been there, has been time spent in the bathroom. However, her visit is not a happy one for Thelma, who discovers that Naomi is hiding a serious drinking problem. Meanwhile, the rest of the Evans family prepares for holiday festivities.
27	14	"Florida's Big Gig"	Herbert Kenwith	Bob Peete	December 31, 1974	November 21, 1974
James is sure that he is going to get a sales position at a department store but when he brings Florida along to the interview he is in for a big surprise – the supervisor would rather hire Florida than him. It seems the supervisor would "kill two birds with one stone" hiring an African American woman. Guest star: Dick O'Neill and Charlotte Rae
28	15	"Florida Goes to School"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Michael E. Coleman Teleplay: Roger Shulman & John Baskin	January 7, 1975	December 5, 1974
Florida comes home excited that she is going to night school hoping to achieve a High School Equivalency diploma, but working in the daytime and going to school at night puts a strain on her relationship with James, who is against her entertaining the notion of school.
29	16	"The Nude" "Painting Naked Woman"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Barry E. Blitzer Teleplay: Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant	January 14, 1975	December 12, 1974
A woman, known in the projects as the "Wiggler", asks J.J. to paint a nude portrait of her as a birthday gift for her husband (Carl Weathers). However, Florida has a hard time understanding why a woman would pose in the nude and why she has to pose in the Evans' apartment. Meanwhile, Florida is also not too happy that James is taking such a liking to "the Wiggler".
30	17	"The Family Business"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Alex Barris Teleplay: Allan Manings and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	January 21, 1975	December 19, 1974
Realizing his mechanical skills, Florida suggests that James open a fix-it shop but when they go to the bank, they are turned down for a loan. This leads James to set up shop right in the apartment, despite a clause in the lease, and soon Bookman (which is his first appearance on the show) begins nosing around trying to put an end to the family business.
31	18	"The Debutante Ball"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Patricia Edwards Teleplay: Jack Elinson & Norman Paul	February 4, 1975	January 16, 1975
J.J. is enchanted with his new girlfriend, Clarissa, and is all set to take her to a ritzy debutante ball. However, Clarissa has come to the Evans' apartment with some bad news – her parents will not let her go with J.J., saying that they think she is too good for him.
32	19	"The Dinner Party" "Dog Food Lover"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Robert Fisher & Phil Naples Teleplay: Robert Fisher & Phil Naples and Allan Manings	February 11, 1975	January 23, 1975
An elderly resident of the projects appears to be living on pet food after Michael takes out her garbage. The Evans family's attempt to do something for her is complicated when she brings a meat loaf to dinner and the kids suspect it is made from dog food.
33	20	"The Houseguest"	Herbert Kenwith	Elon Packard & John Fenton Murray and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	February 18, 1975	January 30, 1975
A childhood friend (Thalmus Rasulala) of James' arrives for a visit and quickly his gambling problem becomes an Evans family problem when two criminals show up looking for him to pay off a $5,000 debt. Meanwhile, with a house guest, J.J., Michael and James must learn to share the pull-out couch in the living room.
34	21	"My Girl Henrietta"	Herbert Kenwith	Bob Peete	February 25, 1975	February 13, 1975
Florida thinks it is strange that she has never met the often talked about Henrietta, J.J.'s girlfriend (Tina Andrews). So when she calls the Evans home, Florida invites her over for dinner. Meanwhile, J.J. announces that he has been thinking of asking Henrietta to marry him. This sends shock waves through the Evans household, but things really get touchy when Henrietta shows up at the door, pregnant.
35	22	"The Enlistment"	Herbert Kenwith	Ben Joelson & Art Baer	March 4, 1975	February 20, 1975
While Florida is away in Cleveland for a family funeral, the Evans' family is hit with a double dose of unemployment after both James and J.J. lose their jobs. James' boss at Brady's puts him on a temporary lay-off and the movie theater where J.J. works is closing down. Wanting to support his family, J.J. decides to join the U.S. Army. Guest star: William Christopher (Father Mulcahey on M*A*S*H)
36	23	"Thelma's Scholarship"	Herbert Kenwith	Perry Grant & Dick Bensfield	March 11, 1975	February 27, 1975
Thelma has a chance of winning a scholarship to an exclusive boarding school in Michigan. However, even before she knows she has won, a snobby girl from a sorority comes around wanting Thelma to join and quickly discovers they just want her because she is black.
37	24	"The Lunch Money Ripoff"	Herbert Kenwith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	March 18, 1975	March 6, 1975
A small-fry extortionist bullies Michael into handing over his lunch and milk money on a daily basis. When the rest of the family finds out, turmoil erupts as they argue about how Michael should deal with his bully of a classmate.

Season 3 (1975–76)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Tape date
38	1	"A Real Cool Job"	Herbert Kenwith	Bob Peete	September 9, 1975	July 24, 1975
After taking some courses at a trade school, James has graduated and now has a chance at getting better paying jobs. However, James soon finds that he is still in the same old situation of having a hard time finding work. So, when he is finally offered a job, he accepts it despite the fact that there is one catch – it is in Alaska.
39	2	"The Family Gun" "James Goes Overboard"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Hubert Geiger Teleplay: Roger Shulman & John Baskin and Hubert Geiger	September 16, 1975	July 17, 1975
It seems crime has been at an all-time high in the neighborhood, causing the Evans family to take extra precautions, such as installing extra locks on their doors. However, James has taken a step that Florida and the children are not ready for – he has bought a gun. Later, when the gun disappears, all hell breaks loose, as James tears the apartment apart, looking for it.
40	3	"Operation Florida"	Herbert Kenwith	Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant	September 23, 1975	July 31, 1975
Florida has had a pain in her side for the last two weeks but does not want to see a doctor out of fear of the cost. However, when James learns of her dilemma he decides to pay any cost for Florida's treatment, even after he learns she has to have a gallbladder operation.
41	4	"Love in the Ghetto"	Herbert Kenwith	Perry Grant & Dick Bensfield	September 30, 1975	August 28, 1975
Thelma has great news – she is engaged to her latest boyfriend, but she is nervous about breaking the news to James and Florida. Later, her opinion of great news differs greatly with her parents who hit the roof after learning this, and in a surprise move, J.J. is on Thelma's side.
42	5	"Florida's Rich Cousin" "Cousin Edgar"	Herbert Kenwith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	October 7, 1975	August 14, 1975
Florida plans on borrowing money from her cousin to help pay some unexpected bills. James's pride stands in the way causing him to storm out to a bar, leaving Florida to learn about the shocking news about her seemingly wealthy cousin by herself.
43	6	"The Weekend" "Happy Twentieth"	Herbert Kenwith	Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	October 14, 1975	September 4, 1975
A friend of James' gives him permission to use his cabin to celebrate his and Florida's 20th wedding anniversary. However, the trick is trying to get Florida to stop worrying about the children. While James and Florida are away, J.J. takes over the household by force and acts like a dictator.
44	7	"The Baby" "Bye-Bye, Baby"	Herbert Kenwith	Bruce Howard	October 21, 1975	September 18, 1975
While James is out of town, Florida and the children throw a baby shower for a friend, Loretta (Mary Alice). However, the joyous occasion is dampened when Loretta announces her plans of giving the baby up for adoption. Meanwhile, while Florida, Thelma and Willona go out shopping, Loretta goes into labor, leaving J.J. and Michael panicking.
45	8	"Michael's Big Fall"	Herbert Kenwith	Bob Peete	October 28, 1975	September 25, 1975
When James is out of town, Florida and her brother Wilbert are left to deal with a troubled Michael. Cutting classes, getting into fights at school, and low grades are all warning signs that lead Florida to make an appointment to see Michael's teacher. Guest star: Louis Gossett Jr.
46	9	"The Politicians" "Young Verses Old"	Herbert Kenwith	Jack Elinson & Norman Paul	November 4, 1975	August 21, 1975
A feud erupts in the Evans' household when James and J.J. take the side of Alderman Fred Davis during his attempt at re-election while Florida, Thelma and Willona take the side of his young opponent. It seems Davis is a shyster who gets nothing done in the neighborhood, which is why she cannot believe James would back such a loser.
47	10	"Willona's Dilemma"	Herbert Kenwith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	November 11, 1975	October 2, 1975
When J.J. brings home Walter, a man from his art class, he hits it off with Willona. Despite the fact that he is deaf, he and Willona begin a relationship one that Willona thinks is headed for the altar and she is unsure of how to tell him that she is not interested in marrying him without making him think that him being deaf is the reason.
48	11	"Florida's Protest"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Patricia Edwards Teleplay: Allan Manings	November 25, 1975	October 9, 1975
Florida and James become outraged when the kids get a touch of food poisoning after eating meat from the local supermarket. She organizes a group of concerned citizens and they boycott the market. The protest brings effective results, but not before Florida experiences her first trip to jail.
49	12	"The Mural"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Thad Mumford and Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant Teleplay: Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant	December 2, 1975	October 30, 1975
Thelma comes home with news that she has won a college scholarship, but is short of funds by $200. Meanwhile, J.J. is commissioned by a bank to paint a mural and in return will receive $250 and agrees to give her the money she needs. However, the bank is reluctant to pay after seeing the finished product.
50	13	"A Loss of Confidence"	Herbert Kenwith	Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	December 9, 1975	November 6, 1975
Thelma brings home a friend who she is tutoring in French and instantly J.J. is smitten. J.J. goes all out trying to impress her. However, when she rejects him he quickly loses all of his confidence and slips into a depression.
51	14	"Cousin Cleatus" "Florida's Nephew Goes Bad..."	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Ron Allen Thompson Teleplay: Ron Allen Thompson and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	December 16, 1975	November 13, 1975
A bank robbery in Atlanta has the FBI showing up at the Evans' apartment to question Florida since her nephew, Cleatus is the prime suspect. Things get tense, when Cleatus arrives at the apartment with a briefcase full of money and wanting a place to stay. Meanwhile, a new stereo that Florida has won causes a power outage whenever the family uses it.
52	15	"The Family Tree"	Herbert Kenwith	Bob Peete	December 23, 1975	November 20, 1975
Thelma researches her family tree for a school project and discovers that James's father is alive and living in the Chicago area. However, when James learns that Thelma has invited him as a surprise for his birthday, he refuses to see him. This leads Florida to discover why James lied about his father still being alive.
53	16	"A Place to Die"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Norman Paul & Jack Elinson Teleplay: Norman Paul & Jack Elinson and Roger Shulman & John Baskin	December 30, 1975	December 4, 1975
An elderly man who Michael befriended stops by the Evans' apartment just prior to the New Year's celebration and knowing that he only has a little time left, decides that this would be the best place to die, surrounded by a loving family and friends. Meanwhile, James is out of town while taking a temporary job and becomes snowbound, causing him to miss the New Years festivities.
54	17	"J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 1" "I Pronounce You...: Part 1"	Herbert Kenwith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	January 6, 1976	December 11, 1975
J.J. and his girlfriend, Diana (Debbie Allen), are getting serious and the topic of marriage comes up, something which J.J. and Diana both want. However, both of their parents are totally against the notion. Meanwhile, Diana has been acting strange, she steals money from her mother and a ring from a jewelry store, but it turns out that this is just a means to support a hidden drug problem.
55	18	"J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 2" "I Pronounce You...: Part 2"	Herbert Kenwith	Story: Roger Shulman & John Baskin Teleplay: Roger Shulman & John Baskin and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson	January 13, 1976	December 18, 1975
After their parents sternly refuse the notion of J.J. and Diana marrying, Diana decides to run off to Indiana and elope with J.J. Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Thelma makes two shocking discoveries. First, while at the prom she realizes that J.J. and Diana never showed up and, second, she somehow switched purses with Diana and discovers that she has a drug problem and number for the supplier. Guest star: Philip Baker Hall as the motel owner
56	19	"Sweet Daddy Williams"	Herbert Kenwith	James Ritz	January 20, 1976	January 8, 1976
J.J. has been commissioned by a numbers runner, Sweet Daddy Williams, to paint the portrait of his girlfriend, Savannah. In return, J.J. will get his own "one man show". However, Sweet Daddy's influence soon becomes too much for Florida and James to take and try to encourage J.J. to turn Sweet Daddy's offers down. But things take a turn, when Savannah sees J.J.'s painting of her.
57	20	"The Investigation"	Herbert Kenwith	Bruce Howard	January 27, 1976	January 15, 1976
The family is being investigated by the FBI because they are suspected to be security risks due to Michael doing research about and communicating with a Communist country for a term paper. However, the investigation leads to James losing his job and J.J. suspects this is also the reason why he got fired from his job at the Chicken Shack.
58	21	"J.J. In Trouble"	Herbert Kenwith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	February 3, 1976	January 22, 1976
When James and Florida go out of town for a family wedding, the children are left at home alone and J.J. soon begins acting like a dictator. And Thelma and Michael argue at J.J and Wilona stop them for argue. However, J.J. is in for a shock when he receives bad news that he has given VD to an ex-girlfriend. This leads an embarrassed J.J. to debate whether or not to visit a free clinic for treatment. Guest star: Jay Leno as a clinic patron
59	22	"Florida the Woman"	Herbert Kenwith	Jay Sommers	February 17, 1976	February 5, 1976
After a morning of being taken granted for by her children and her husband, Florida decides to take her boss (Thalmus Rasulala) up on a lunch invitation. This eventually leads to a confrontation with a jealous James.
60	23	"The Breakup"	Herbert Kenwith	Bob Peete	February 24, 1976	February 12, 1976
Thelma's fiance's idea of romance is taking her to a basketball game but that is the least of her worries after he gets a big break in California leaving her with two options, stay with her family in Chicago or move to California with her fiancé. Florida tries to calm a furious James and insists that it is time to let Thelma make her own decisions. Guest star: Debbi Morgan as Samantha
61	24	"The Rent Party"	Herbert Kenwith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	March 2, 1976	February 19, 1976
While J.J. is in St. Louis at an art show, the Evans family decides to hold a rent party to help out Wanda (Helen Martin), a neighbor in the building, whose electricity has just been turned off. However, the party may come to a quick halt when the heartless building superintendent, Nathan Bookman, catches wind of it. Meanwhile, Michael, Thelma, Willona and Florida all prepare to provide entertainment during the party. Note: This is the last appearance of John Amos as James Evans, Sr.

Season 4 (1976–77)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Tape date
62	1	"The Big Move: Part 1"	Gerren Keith	Austin & Irma Kalish	September 22, 1976	July 15, 1976
The family is getting ready to move to Mississippi where James has a promising new job. However, the family is waiting for the right time to tell Bookman the news. Later, Willona throws a going-away party, but the happiness is interrupted when a devastating phone call comes--James had been killed in a car accident.
63	2	"The Big Move: Part 2"	Gerren Keith	Lou Derman & Bill Davenport	September 29, 1976	July 22, 1976
The death of James has J.J., Thelma, and Michael not only overcome with grief, but also wondering what is wrong with Florida, who has not cried once since she heard news of James' death. The kids become even more concerned during a get-together at the apartment after James' funeral, where Florida appears to be laughing and having a great time, acting as if it was an ordinary party. After everyone leaves, the kids confront Florida as she cleans up the kitchen, but Florida keeps assuring the kids that she is fine. Finally, when she gets the punch bowl to put away, Florida smashes it to the floor and shouts, "Damn, damn, DAMN!", breaking down in tears over the loss of her husband. Note: The "Damn, damn, damn!" scene has been regarded as the most touching scene in TV sitcom history.
64	3	"J.J. and the Older Woman"	Gerren Keith	Story: Bruce Howard Teleplay: Bruce Howard and Sid Dorfman	October 6, 1976	July 29, 1976
Thelma is trying to impress her new ballet teacher, Miss Jessica Bishop (Rosalind Cash), with guacamole. She seems to be more interested in J.J.'s paintings...and J.J. This relationship annoys Florida because she is 15 years older than him. Things really become serious when Jessica asks J.J. to move in with her.
65	4	"Michael the Warlord"	Gerren Keith	Bob Peete	October 13, 1976	August 5, 1976
Widespread violence has been running rampant in the neighborhood and a large part of it is due to the street gang, the Warlords. While Florida and some concerned citizens discuss the problem, Michael does his best to conceal from his mother that he is a member of the gang.
66	5	"Michael's Great Romance"	Gerren Keith	Kim Weiskopf & Michael Baser	October 20, 1976	September 9, 1976
Michael is in love with Yvonne but every time he is around her he freezes. When Yvonne meets J.J. she instantly falls for him thus creating a sibling rivalry between Michael and J.J. Meanwhile, Florida must cope with the two fighting siblings and tries to explain to Michael what he is doing wrong.
67	6	"Evans Versus Davis"	Gerren Keith	Story: Coslough Johnson Teleplay: Coslough Johnson and Sid Dorfman	October 27, 1976	October 14, 1976
Alderman Davis makes a visit to the Evans' household wanting J.J. to speak at his re-election campaign. However, when J.J. refuses, an eviction notice is immediately handed to Florida. Soon, the Evans family is caught between a rock and a hard place when they must decide whether or not to stand up for their principles and be evicted or support a political shyster.
68	7	"J.J.'s New Career: Part 1"	Gerren Keith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	November 10, 1976	August 19, 1976
After losing his job, J.J. tries his best to find another. However, when Bookman serves the Evans' family with an eviction notice due to late rent, J.J. decides to take a job offer from a couple of his shady friends. Meanwhile, Thelma contemplates dropping out of college to get a full-time job and help the family out.
69	8	"J.J.'s New Career: Part 2"	Gerren Keith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	November 17, 1976	August 26, 1976
J.J. is in the money, now that he has a new job working with two friends in a gambling operation. However, little does he know, the gambling business also includes prostitution and drugs. Meanwhile, Florida demands some answers from J.J. and kicks him out when she learns what line of work he is now in.
70	9	"Grandpa's Visit" "Thanksgiving in Paradise?"	Gerren Keith	Story: Kurt Taylor & Booker Bradshaw Teleplay: Roger Shulman & John Baskin	November 24, 1976	November 4, 1976
The family is looking forward to Grandpa Evans visiting for Thanksgiving dinner, but he has a surprise for them: he has a woman! And to make matters worse, she is staying with Grandpa! When Florida discovers this, she hits the roof and it soon becomes a battle over morals and this leads Grandpa to decide that the best thing to do is leave.
71	10	"Rich Is Better Than Poor...Maybe?"	Gerren Keith	Allan Manings & Norman Paul	December 8, 1976	September 2, 1976
Florida, Willona, J.J., Thelma and Michael are all excited, having each purchased lottery tickets for the state lottery. Good luck strikes the family when J.J. wins the lottery, a total of $2500. However, the luck does not last long, as Thelma's friend Edna shows up with her sister, Rozzie, both wielding pistols and demanding the winning money.
72	11	"Florida's Night Out"	Gerren Keith	Norman & Harriet Belkin	December 15, 1976	September 23, 1976
The kids feel Florida has been spending too much time alone and they decide to cancel their plans and spend an evening with her. But Florida surprises them all and goes out with Willona. Willona takes her to a local night spot where they have an exciting evening.
73	12	"The Judy Cohen Story"	Gerren Keith	Nance McCormick & John Donley	December 22, 1976	October 14, 1976
J.J. is managing Michael's singing group and gets them a gig at a local tavern. When Florida learns that Michael may be performing in a tavern, she hits the roof and storms down there to put a stop to it, thus breaking up the act. While there, J.J. comes across Judith Cohen, an act whom he knows will hit it big, given the right exposure. Note: Judith Cohen was the only celebrity ever to appear on Good Times as themselves.
74	13	"The Comedian and the Loan Sharks"	Gerren Keith	Hugh Wedlock, Jr. & Jack Matcha	January 5, 1977	November 18, 1976
J.J. borrows money from a loan shark to back his talented new comedian, Tyrone. However, within days, two thugs come to collect their money, money that J.J. does not have. Time is running out as the pressure comes down on Tyrone, J.J. will get his money if Tyrone is good. However, at the last minute, Tyrone bails, leaving J.J. to do the show.
75	14	"The Hustle"	Gerren Keith	Levi Taylor	January 12, 1977	December 23, 1976
Florida is in a terrible mood, and takes it out on the kids, yelling at them to get the chores done. A cheerful Willona stops in and makes the announcement that she is off for a relaxing weekend in Lake Geneva. After hearing this, the kids go into the underwear selling business in order to raise enough money to send Florida on a much needed vacation to Lake Geneva.
76	15	"Thelma's African Romance: Part 1"	Gerren Keith	Bob Peete Story Idea: John Ashley Hamilton	January 19, 1977	December 9, 1976
Thelma and her college friends are having a meeting to decide what to do about the school cafeteria, but things come to a head when the African exchange student, Ibe, starts making sexist remarks about "woman's work". They finally agree to have a picket, but on the day of the picket, the assistant dean ends up then suspending Thelma. Meanwhile, Thelma and Ibe begin seeing each other, resulting in Ibe asking her to move in with him. Guest Star: Vernee Watson-Johnson as Valerie
77	16	"Thelma's African Romance: Part 2"	Gerren Keith	Bob Peete Story Idea: John Ashley Hamilton	January 19, 1977	December 16, 1976
Florida hits the roof when Thelma announces her plans of moving in with Ibe. However, things begin moving a little bit too fast when Ibe asks her to marry him and move to Nigeria. At first Thelma is all for it, despite Florida insisting that she take time and go slow, but when Thelma discovers she may become part of a harem, she has second thoughts.
78	17	"Willona's Surprise" "Dinner with My Ex"	Gerren Keith	Austin & Irma Kalish	January 26, 1977	December 2, 1976
Willona gets a surprise for her birthday, a visit from her womanizing former husband, Ray. Ray does his best at convincing Willona that he has changed and she decides to try to start over with him. However, quickly his old ways surface and he begins making passes at Thelma.
79	18	"A Friend In Need"	Gerren Keith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	February 2, 1977	January 13, 1977
When Florida's away for the weekend, J.J., Thelma and Michael throw a wild party and try to keep it from Willona, who is keeping an eye on them while their mother is away. However, the party gets even wilder than they had dreamed of when one of the guests takes an overdose of sleeping pills and J.J. has to keep him from falling asleep to save his life.
80	19	"A Stormy Relationship"	Gerren Keith	Bruce Kalish & Ron Sellz	February 9, 1977	January 20, 1977
Michael has gotten a part-time job working for Carl Dixon at his repair shop. However, Florida is horrified to learn that Michael is harboring atheist attitudes planted by his boss. This leads Florida to confront Michael's boss and get to the bottom of the situation.
81	20	"Florida and Carl"	Gerren Keith	John Baskin & Roger Shulman	February 23, 1977	January 27, 1977
J.J., Thelma, Michael and Willona are all excited with the prospects of Florida beginning to date. However, Florida is reluctant to dive into the dating pool but agrees to go on a date with Carl Dixon. Once at the restaurant, she gets into an argument with him when they receive terrible service leading to him walking out.
82	21	"My Son, The Father"	Gerren Keith	Sid Dorfman	March 2, 1977	February 10, 1977
A father son dinner is being planned at Michael's school and J.J. is all excited about taking Michael to the dinner but when Michael breaks the news that he invited Carl to take him, J.J. storms out. Feeling as if the family no longer needs him, J.J. begins considering moving out on his own.
83	22	"J.J. in Business"	Gerren Keith	Bob Peete	March 9, 1977	February 17, 1977
J.J., with the help of Carl, opens a greeting card business and has the entire family help with creating thoughtful greeting card sayings. However, when an accountant comes into look over the books, J.J. is in for a rude awakening, for he only has $68 in the bank. He finds this out just as he gets a huge order, which will cost him $2000. J.J. soon discovers that getting a loan is not going to be an easy task. Guest star: Alice Ghostley as Ms. Austin
84	23	"Love Has a Spot On Its Lung: Part 1"	Gerren Keith	Austin & Irma Kalish and Allan Manings	March 23, 1977	February 24, 1977
Florida and Carl's relationship has gotten quite serious and Carl breaks the news to J.J., Thelma and Michael that he is planning on proposing marriage to Florida. However, after a visit to his doctor, Carl decides to break off the relationship, since he has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
85	24	"Love Has a Spot On Its Lung: Part 2"	Gerren Keith	Roger Shulman & John Baskin	March 30, 1977	March 3, 1977
After Carl calls off his relationship with Florida, a furious J.J. confronts Carl, who makes up an excuse that a war injury in the groin is the reason why he is breaking up with Florida. Later, a drunken J.J. stays out all night with a drunken Carl, worrying Florida to death. Later, Carl reveals the truth to Florida and he proposes marriage and she readily accepts. Meanwhile, Bookman tries his best to get the Evans apartment re-painted, with the not-so helpful assistance of two lazy painters.

Season 5 (1977–78)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Tape date
86	1	"The Evans Get Involved: Part 1" "Meet Penny: Part 1"	Gerren Keith	Austin & Irma Kalish	September 21, 1977	August 11, 1977
When young Penny Gordon follows J.J. home, she tells the Evanses tall tales about her life without mentioning her abusive mother (Chip Fields). But when Penny changes into a dress, a stunned Willona and Thelma discover the girl's badly bruised back. Note: This is the first appearance of Penny, played by Janet Jackson.
87	2	"The Evans Get Involved: Part 2" "Meet Penny: Part 2"	Gerren Keith	Sid Dorfman	September 21, 1977	August 11, 1977
Willona and the Evans children are convinced that Penny is being abused and discover that she has an injured arm, caused by her abusive mother, but the doctor who treats Penny refuses to believe that she is a victim of child abuse.
88	3	"The Evans Get Involved: Part 3" "The Solution"	Gerren Keith	Lloyd Turner & Gordon Mitchell	September 28, 1977	August 18, 1977
Willona and the Evanses are stunned to discover that Penny and her mother have moved, but soon find the girl hiding in the Evans apartment. Later, Penny's abusive mother abandons her, leaving Willona to ponder adopting the battered youth.
89	4	"The Evans Get Involved: Part 4" "The Final Final"	Gerren Keith	Austin & Irma Kalish	October 5, 1977	August 25, 1977
While Willona worries about the adoption, Bookman tries to help by telling the social worker (Alice Ghostley) that he is Willona's husband.
90	5	"Thelma Moves Out"	Gerren Keith	Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf	October 12, 1977	September 8, 1977
Fed up with her brothers and her lack of privacy, Thelma moves in with three roommates.
91	6	"Willona, The Fuzz"	Gerren Keith	Story: Richard Freiman Teleplay: Richard Freiman and Sid Dorfman	October 19, 1977	September 15, 1977
Willona's new job in department-store security requires that she spy on changing rooms through a one-way mirror. Guest stars: Conchata Ferrell and Gordon Jump
92	7	"Wheels" "J.J. and the Car"	Gerren Keith	Story: Bill Freedman & Al Schwartz Teleplay: Bill Freedman & Al Schwartz and Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf	November 2, 1977	September 29, 1977
J.J. and his friends buy Bookman's beat-up old car and argue over who gets to drive it.
93	8	"Breaker, Breaker"	Gerren Keith	Elroy Schwartz	November 9, 1977	July 28, 1977
While using a CB radio, Michael makes a connection with a teenage paraplegic girl.
94	9	"Bye-Bye Bookman"	Gerren Keith	Robert Wolterstorff & Paul Belous	November 16, 1977	October 6, 1977
Fed up with Bookman's incompetence, Willona, Penny and the Evans kids start a petition that gets him fired.
95	10	"Thelma's Brief Encounter"	Gerren Keith	Bruce Kalish & Phillip Wickham Taylor	December 7, 1977	October 13, 1977
J.J., Willona and Michael suspect that Thelma's new boyfriend is married, but find that he is a former bigamist doing time in a halfway house.
96	11	"Requiem for a Wino"	Gerren Keith	Lloyd Turner & Gordon Mitchell	December 14, 1977	October 20, 1977
When local wino Fishbone (Robert Guillaume) is mistakenly believed to have been killed, he attends his own wake dressed in drag as a mourner.
97	12	"Penny's Christmas"	Gerren Keith	Robert & Rosalind Stevenson	December 21, 1977	December 1, 1977
When Penny steals a necklace from a department store, Willona faces the possibility of losing custody of the girl. Guest star: Alice Ghostley
98	13	"No More Mr. Nice Guy"	Gerren Keith	Tom Dunsmuir & Dan Wilcox	January 4, 1978	November 17, 1977
J.J. assumes the role of father figure when Michael starts to slack off, prohibiting his brother from attending an awards dinner.
99	14	"Willona's Mr. Right"	Gerren Keith	Laura Levine	January 11, 1978	November 10, 1977
When Willona rejects an old boyfriend's proposal, Penny thinks she's holding Willona back and tries to run away.
100	15	"J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"	Gerren Keith	Story: Kevin Hopps & Bob Baublitz Teleplay: Kevin Hopps & Bob Baublitz and Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf	January 18, 1978	December 8, 1977
J.J. dates his sexy new assistant, who is also the boss's daughter.
101	16	"Where There's Smoke"	Gerren Keith	Bruce Kalish & Phillip Wickham Taylor	January 25, 1978	December 15, 1977
With a hole burned into a couch cushion, the Evans kids each flash back to their versions of how it happened.
102	17	"I Had a Dream"	Gerren Keith	Jim Rogers	January 30, 1978	November 3, 1977
Afraid he will be passed over for a promotion in favor of a white man, J.J. has a crazy dream in which he experiences being white. Guest star: Sorrell Booke
103	18	"The Boarder"	Gerren Keith	Don Segall	February 6, 1978	December 22, 1977
The Evans fear that their new boarder may become the target of a hitman.
104	19	"J.J.'s Condition"	Gerren Keith	Dusty Kay & Bill Nuss	February 13, 1978	January 19, 1978
J.J.'s relationship with a married woman gives him an ulcer.
105	20	"Willona, The Other Woman"	Gerren Keith	Michael G. Moye	February 27, 1978	January 26, 1978
Already suspected of infidelity by his wife, Bookman is caught with Willona in a compromising situation.
106	21	"Something Old, Something New"	Gerren Keith	Sid Dorfman	March 13, 1978	January 12, 1978
James' father visits and proposes marriage to his neglected girlfriend.
107	22	"Willona's New Job"	Gerren Keith	Michael G. Moye	March 20, 1978	February 16, 1978
Willona reconsiders her marriage plans when she hears her boyfriend's old-fashioned views on marriage and women in the workplace.
108	23	"Write On Thelma"	Gerren Keith	Judi Ann Mason	March 27, 1978	February 9, 1978
Thelma's play is selected as a local theater's latest production, but not without a flurry of changes demanded by the theater's owner (Jane Connell).
109	24	"That's Entertainment, Evans Style"	Gerren Keith	Kim Weiskopf & Michael S. Baser	April 3, 1978	February 23, 1978
With J.J. out of town, the Evanses put on a talent show to save a local daycare center. Guest star: Gary Coleman

Season 6 (1978–79)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Tape date
110	1	"Florida's Homecoming: Part 1"	Gerren Keith	Story: Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf and Norman Paul Teleplay: Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf	September 16, 1978	July 27, 1978
Thelma accepts a marriage proposal from college football star Keith Anderson, who is negotiating a lucrative NFL contract.
111	2	"Florida's Homecoming: Part 2"	Gerren Keith	Story: Joe Bonaduce and Norman Paul Teleplay: Sid Dorfman and Joe Bonaduce	September 16, 1978	July 27, 1978
Florida arrives home after hearing of Thelma's engagement, but J.J. loses his job.
112	3	"Florida's Homecoming: Part 3" "The Wedding"	Gerren Keith	Story: Norman Paul Teleplay: Wayne Kline & Sid Dorfman	September 23, 1978	August 3, 1978
To pay for the wedding, J.J. takes a loan from Sweet Daddy Williams. But while walking down the aisle, Keith injures his knee.
113	4	"Florida's Homecoming: Part 4" "United We Stand"	Gerren Keith	Story: Norman Paul and Bruce Howard & Joe Bonaduce Teleplay: Bruce Howard & Joe Bonaduce	September 30, 1978	August 10, 1978
The day after the wedding tragedy, Florida rallies the family together while Sweet Daddy Williams comes calling for his payment. Guest star: Bubba Smith as Claude
114	5	"Florida Gets a Job"	Gerren Keith	Michael G. Moye	October 7, 1978	August 31, 1978
Florida competes with a relative of Alderman Davis for a job as a school-bus driver. Guest star: Gary Coleman
115	6	"Stomach Mumps" "Penny and the Facts of Life"	Gerren Keith	Michael G. Moye	October 14, 1978	August 24, 1978
When Penny's 13-year-old friend becomes pregnant, Willona tells Penny that the friend has "stomach mumps".
116	7	"J.J. The Teacher" "J.J.'s Favorite Student"	Gerren Keith	Mark Fink	October 21, 1978	September 14, 1978
J.J.'s art student has a violent father (Hal Williams) who refuses to allow his son to take the lessons.
117	8	"Michael's Decision"	Gerren Keith	Story: Norman Paul Teleplay: Gene Farmer	November 8, 1978	September 21, 1978
Michael plans to move in with a white female roommate whose parents' attitudes make him reconsider. Note: In this episode, Florida makes a quick reference to John Amos playing Kunta Kinte on Roots.
118	9	"J.J. and the Plumber's Helper"	Gerren Keith	Michael G. Moye	December 2, 1978	October 12, 1978
Vanessa Blake (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is back in town. She and J.J. used to be an item, and he can't seem to break the news to Vanessa that he lost his job. Meanwhile, Bookman has a new assistant named Teresa a/k/a T.C. (Bever-Leigh Banfield), who he constantly mistreats. She falls for J.J., but he only has Vanessa on his mind.
119	10	"The Witness"	Gerren Keith	Story: Bruce Howard Teleplay: Bruce Howard and Joe Bonaduce	December 9, 1978	September 28, 1978
J.J. is the only witness to a terrible car accident involving a taxi cab and Savannah Morgan, Sweet Daddy Williams' girlfriend. Sweet Daddy shows up and pressures J.J. into saying that the accident was the taxi cab's fault. Things take a very serious turn when he finds out that Keith was the driver of the taxi cab and Savannah hit the cab.
120	11	"The Snow Storm"	Gerren Keith	Bud Slocomb & Len Riley	December 13, 1978	November 16, 1978
A snowstorm hits Chicago and Florida gets stuck in it with her school bus. This leads her and the kids on the bus to take refuge in an abandoned building to keep warm. Guest star: Kim Fields
121	12	"The Traveling Christmas" "Christmas in a Cab"	Gerren Keith	Story: Sid Dorfman Teleplay: Norman Paul and Wayne Kline	December 20, 1978	November 30, 1978
When Keith's Scrooge-like boss at the taxi-cab company will not give him Christmas off, the Evans family brings their Christmas party to Keith and holds at the company. J.J. hosts the festivities and it features Michael singing, Bookman (dressed as Santa) dancing, Keith doing impersonations & the girls (Florida, Penny, Willona & Thelma) portraying "The Pointless Sisters" doing "Steam Heat".
122	13	"House Hunting"	Gerren Keith	Gene Farmer	January 3, 1979	October 19, 1978
The Evans family has found the perfect home to move into and plan on taking out a loan to pay for it. However, they quickly find, as usual, that that's easier said than done, when they run into trouble trying to persuade the banker.
123	14	"Florida's Favorite Passenger: Part 1"	Gerren Keith	Michael G. Moye	May 23, 1979	October 26, 1978
A student whom Florida drives to school on her bus becomes the center of attention when Florida discovers he has a hearing problem and his mother refuses to believe Florida's suspicions.
124	15	"Florida's Favorite Passenger: Part 2"	Gerren Keith	Michael G. Moye	May 30, 1979	November 9, 1978
After a near fatal accident, Larry's mother finally realizes that Larry has a hearing problem. Unable to take him to the doctor because she has to work, Mrs. Baker allows Florida to take him to the doctor, which is where Larry makes the announcement that he plans on running away from home.
125	16	"Blood Will Tell"	Gerren Keith	Anthony and Celia Bonaduce	June 6, 1979	January 18, 1979
Sweet Daddy Williams sends his hoods to snatch J.J. from his home and bring him to the hospital. His reasons: J.J. is the only person they could find that matches Sweet Daddy's blood type and Sweet Daddy is in dire need of a blood transfusion.
126	17	"Where Have All the Doctors Gone?"	Gerren Keith	Story: Carmen Finestra Teleplay: Mark Fink and J. A. Mason	June 13, 1979	February 15, 1979
When Willona goes out of town, she leaves Penny in Florida's care. Shortly after, Penny comes down with a virus and Florida takes her down to the free clinic to be examined. Florida quickly comes face to face with the hard-nosed doctor (Paula Kelly) who is out of touch with the people in the ghetto and also planning to leave, right in the middle of what seems to be an epidemic.
127	18	"J.J. and T.C."	Gerren Keith	Wayne Kline & Mark Fink	June 20, 1979	March 8, 1979
A tomboy who has been helping out Bookman, wants J.J. to ask her to a dance. However, J.J. thinks of her as just one of the guys, that is until he has an encounter with her at a seedy pick-up bar. Guest star:Paul Mooney
128	19	"The Art Contest"	Gerren Keith	Joe Bonaduce	June 27, 1979	December 21, 1978
J.J. is teaching art classes and one of his students, Emily, has great promise and skill with her paintings. It seems that J.J.'s painting is selected for a contest, and J.J. makes this mistake of asking Bookman to take it downtown for him but he takes Emily's painting to the contest by mistake! J.J. wins first prize for the painting and soon must decide whether or not to take credit for something he did not do.
129	20	"The Physical" "Florida's Physical"	Gerren Keith	Bud Slocomb & Len Riley	July 11, 1979	January 25, 1979
Florida discovers she must take and pass a physical examination to keep her bus driving job. However, the night before her physical is utter chaos ending with Michael landing in jail.
130	21	"A Matter of Mothers"	Gerren Keith	Story: Jacqueline Henken Teleplay: Michael G. Moye	July 18, 1979	February 1, 1979
Willona's latest boyfriend, Jeffrey, has been showering her and Penny with extravagant gifts even though they've only been seeing one another for a couple months. Little does Willona know, that he is part of a plan to make Willona look like an unfit mother, a plan engineered by Penny's scheming birth mother. Mrs. Gordon, who had married into a wealthy family, supposedly busts Willona in giving a disorderly party in front of a minor, but she herself gets busted when Penny accidentally records Mrs. Gordon's voice admitting that it was all a set up to take Penny back. However, a tearful Penny outright rejects her birth mother and remains with her real mother, Willona.
131	22	"The End of the Rainbow"	Gerren Keith	Wayne Kline & Mark Fink	August 1, 1979	March 1, 1979
This final episode brings all too good news for the Evans family. J.J. gets an offer from a comic company, Keith's bad knee is miraculously healed and he is offered another football contract. Florida is asked if she wants to move in with Keith and Thelma in the fancy apartment building across town where Willona happens to be moving and she just so happens to be her future next door neighbor. Meanwhile Thelma learns she is pregnant and she reveals it to Keith and the family. (Final episode of the series).
132	23	"The Evans' Dilemma"	Gerren Keith	Story: Cecil M. Brown Teleplay: Cecil M. Brown and Michael G. Moye	September 18, 1979	December 14, 1978
Keith's search for a job results in strange behavior that everyone plainly points out is not just frustration, but rather a bigger problem. Little does anyone know, Keith has developed a serious drinking problem. Note: This episode appeared only in syndication after the show's original run ended.
133	24	"Cousin Raymond"	Gerren Keith	Walter Smith & Bill Duke	January 30, 1980	February 22, 1979
Florida has a surprise visit from her cousin, Raymond (Calvin Lockhart), who has hit it big and gives each member of the family an expensive gift. However, Florida is reluctant to accept her gift of an expensive three room apartment, when she learns just how Raymond makes his money. Note: This episode appeared only in syndication after the show's original run ended.

Cast and characters

Main

Actor	Character	Seasons
		1	2	3	4	5	6
Esther Rolle	Florida Evans	Main				Does not appear	Main
John Amos	James Evans	Main			Does not appear
Ja'Net DuBois	Willona Woods	Main
Ralph Carter	Michael Evans	Main
Bern Nadette Stanis	Thelma Evans Anderson	Main
Jimmie Walker	James "J.J." Evans Jr.	Main
Johnny Brown	Nathan Bookman	Does not appear	Recurring			Main
Janet Jackson	Millicent "Penny" Gordon Woods	Does not appear				Main
Ben Powers	Keith Anderson	Does not appear					Main

Supporting

Johnny Brown as superintendent
Nathan ("Buffalo Butt") Bookman

• Ned the Wino (Raymond Allen) is the local drunk who frequents the neighborhood and the apartment building where the Evans family reside. In the season one episode "Black Jesus," J.J. uses Ned the Wino as the model for a portrait of Jesus. Another episode is centered on Michael's plan to "clean up" Ned and get him off the booze by letting him stay at the Evanses' house.
• Carl Dixon (Moses Gunn) is a shop owner for whom Michael briefly works. Despite their religious differences, Carl and Florida begin dating and become engaged in the final episode of season four. Carl breaks off the engagement after he is diagnosed with lung cancer. After a talk from Bookman, Carl again asks Florida for her hand in marriage. The two marry off-screen and move to Arizona. Florida returns at the beginning of season six, this time without Carl for Thelma's wedding. Carl is referenced briefly in that season's second episode "Florida's Homecoming Part 2," but he is never mentioned again (Florida continues to use the surname Evans instead of Dixon). (Rolle decided to come back to the show on the condition the character of Carl Dixon was written out.) Florida then revealed to Willona he died from his battle of lung cancer.
• Marion "Sweet Daddy" Williams (Theodore Wilson) is a menacing neighborhood numbers runner and pimp, who has a reputation for wearing flashy clothing and jewelry. He is usually accompanied by bodyguards (one portrayed by Bubba Smith, the other by series painter Ernie Barnes) and comes across as cool and threatening, but has shown a soft heart on occasion, particularly when he decided not to take an antique locket (to settle a debt) that Florida had given to Thelma because it had reminded him of his late mother. (Wilson also plays a club owner named Stanley in the season four episode, "The Comedian and the Loan Sharks").
• Alderman Fred C. Davis (Albert Reed Jr.) is a local politician with a slightly shady disposition whom the Evans generally despise. Spoofing President Richard M. Nixon, he would state in a speech, "I am not a crook." He frequently relies on the support of the Evans family (his "favorite project family") for re-election or support and resorts to threats of eviction to secure their support. In a running joke, Alderman Davis frequently antagonizes Willona by "forgetting" her name, and calling her another similar-sounding name that began with a "W" (such as Wilhemina, Winnifrieda, Winsomnium, Wyomia and even Waldorf-Astoria), thus earning him her everlasting ire as well as the nickname "Baldy." (In the 2019 ABC special, Live in Front of a Studio Audience, Amos portrayed the role of Davis, the only cast member from the original series to appear.)
• Lenny (Dap 'Sugar' Willie) (also known as "Lootin" Lenny), is a neighborhood hustler and peddler who tries to sell presumably stolen items that are usually attached to the lining of his fur coat. He usually approaches people with a laid-back rap and a rhyme ("my name is Len-nay, if I ain't got it, there ain't an-nay"). He is typically rebuffed by the people he approaches and responds by saying "that's cold" or uses a small brush to "brush off" the negativity.
• "Grandpa" Henry Evans (Richard Ward) is James's long-lost father. He abandoned the family years before because he was ashamed that he could not do more to provide for them. This deeply hurt James, who disregarded his father's existence, telling everyone that he was dead. Thelma learns about her grandfather while doing some family research. She meets him and invites him to the Evanses' home to surprise James for his birthday, not knowing that James was well aware of his whereabouts but chose to stay out of his life. After Henry arrives at the Evans home and meets the rest of the family, he realizes that James would not welcome him in the home and decides to leave. Florida convinces him to stay and talk to James and explains that there may never be another chance to do so. Henry and James have a heart-to-heart talk, with Henry being remorseful and apologetic. James ultimately forgives his father. After James's death, the Evans family embraces Henry into the family, alongside his common law (and eventually legal) wife Lena (Paulene Myers) in later episodes.
• Wanda Williams (Helen Martin) is another resident in the apartment building where the Evans reside. Earlier episodes show her at a women's support group, and the tenants rallying around her by giving her a rent party. Later episodes show her appearing and crying at several funerals, whether she knew the person or not, thus earning her the nickname "Weeping Wanda" from J.J. and Willona.
• Lynnetta Gordon (Chip Fields) is Penny's abusive biological mother whose first appearance is in the four-part fifth season opening episode, "The Evans Get Involved." Penny's father abandoned her mom when Lynnetta became pregnant at 16. As a result, she takes her anger and frustrations out on Penny, including burning her with a hot iron. After the abuse is finally brought to light, she tells the Evans family that she herself was abused as a child. She gets into a fighting match with Willona and Thelma and they plead for her to seek therapy. Just before she disappears, she expresses regret for hurting her child, telling Willona that Penny deserves better than her. This clears the way for Willona to adopt Penny. She reappears more than a year later, in the sixth-season episode, "A Matter of Mothers," having gotten married and reveals that her new husband is from a very wealthy family. She uses her husband's wealth to send Penny anonymous gifts and, in an effort to regain custody of Penny, also attempts to frame Willona as an unfit adoptive mother who throws wild parties with less than wholesome attendees. However, her scheme is exposed by being recorded on tape admitting that the scheme was a set up to get Penny back. After Lynnetta tries to get the tape from Penny and threatens to hurt her again, which is stopped by Willona, Penny tells Lynnetta that no matter what anyone says, she will always consider Willona her real mother. Devastated, Lynnetta decides to drop the charges against Willona and leaves Penny with her, never to be seen again.
• Cleatus (John Bailey) is a cousin of J.J. Evans, Thelma Evans Anderson and Michael Evans and nephew of Florida Evans and James Evans. He made one appearance in the episode "Cousin Cleatus."
• Violet Bookman (Marilyn Coleman) is the wife of Bookman (episodes: "Bye, Bye Bookman" and "Willona, the Other Woman" in season 5).

Notable guest stars

Louis Gossett Jr. as Florida's brother, Wilbert

J. A. Preston as Walter Ingles, friend of Willona Woods
(Ja'Net DuBois) (1976)

• Mary Alice as Loretta Simpson in the episode The Baby (season 3, episode 7).
• Debbie Allen as J.J.'s drug-addicted fiancée, Diana Buchanan in "J.J.'s Fiancee (Parts 1 & 2)" (season 3)
• Matthew "Stymie" Beard (former Our Gang child actor) in five episodes, including four appearances as James' friend Monty
• Taurean Blacque as Chopper in the episode “Breaker, Breaker (season 5, episode 8) and as John Dunbar Jr. in the episode “The Boarder” (season 5, episode 18)
• Sorrell Booke as Mr. Galbraith, J.J.'s boss at the ad agency (season 5, episode 17)
• Kathleen Bradley as the nurse in the episode “Blood Will Tell”. (season 6, episode 16)
• Roscoe Lee Browne as a shady televangelist Reverend Sam "the Happiness Man", who befriended James in the military (season 1, episode 4)
• Tony Burton as Aide in the Episode: "Evans Versus Davis" (Season 4, Episode 6)
• T. K. Carter as J.J.'s friend "Head" (part of the "Awesome Foursome", later the "Gleesome Threesome", the "Gruesome Twosome" and the "Lonesome Onesome," as stated in the episode "The New Car")
• Rosalind Cash as Thelma's teacher, Jessica Bishop, who becomes romantically involved with a much younger J.J. (season 4, episode 3)
• Alvin Childress as Reverend Gordon in the episode “The Windfall. (season 2, episode 12)
• William Christopher as The Army Doctor in the episode "The Enlistment" (season 2, episode 22)
• Bill Cobbs as George Gillard in the episode "Evans Versus Davis" (Season 4, episode 6)
• Judith Cohen as herself in the episode "The Judy Cohen Story" (season 4, episode 12)
• Gary Coleman as Gary, a sharp-tongued classmate of Penny's (season 5, episode 24 and season 6, episode 5)
• Conchata Ferrell as Miss Johnson, Willona's supervisor at her short-lived second job as security in a department store (season 5, episode 6)
• Kim Fields (real-life daughter of Chip Fields) as Penny's friend, Kim, who has a tendency to add the suffix "-ness" to emphasize her anxiety such as "hopelessnessness" (2 season 6 episodes)
• Carl Franklin as Larry, Thelma's fiancé', ultimately breaking up when Larry is offered a job on the West Coast and Thelma is not ready to accompany him (2 episodes)
• Alice Ghostley as Ms. Dobbs, a social worker who is working on Penny being adopted by Willona (3 episodes)
• Ron Glass as Michael's elementary school principal (2.4); also made an appearance as a blind encyclopedia salesman who tries to swindle the Evans family (2.8)
• Louis Gossett Jr., in season two as Thelma's older boyfriend (Florida and James object to their relationship because of the age difference) (2.6); also appears as Uncle Wilbert (Florida's brother), who comes from Detroit to look in on the family while James is away (3.8)
• Robert Guillaume as Fishbone the wino in the episode "Requiem for a Wino" (season 5, episode 11)
• Phillip Baker Hall as Motel Owner in the episode "J.J.'s Fiancee (Part 2)" (season 3, episode 18)
• Lynn Hamilton as Mrs. Edwards, mother of Mad Dog , who shot J.J. (season 2, episode 10)
• Shirley Hemphill as "Roz", the dimwitted sister of Edna, who was being tutored by Thelma (season 4, episode 10)
• Gordon Jump as Mr. Rogers, the head of security at Willona's short-lived second job as security in a department store (season 5, episode 6)
• Paula Kelly as Dr. Kelly in the episode "Where Have All The Doctors Gone" (season 6, episode 17)
• Richard Lawson as Raymond, J.J.’s friend and co-worker (season 5, episode 17)
• Jay Leno as "Young Man" in the season three's "J.J. in Trouble", which was one of the first times that the subject of "VD" (STD) was addressed on a primetime series
• Richard Libertini as Painter #1 in the episode "Love Has A Spot On His Lung: Part 2" (season 4, episode 24).
• Calvin Lockhart as Florida's cousin Raymond, who earned his riches by betting on horses (season 6, episode 23)
• Don Marshall as FBI Agent Lloyd in the episode "The Investigation" (season 3, episode 20).
• Paul Mooney as "The Second Guy" in the episode "J.J. and T.C." (season 6).
• Debbi Morgan as Samantha, a date of J.J.'s (3.23); and as Ellen (4.18)
• Nancy Morgan as Cindy Crebbins in the episode "Michael’s Decision" (season 6, episode8)
• Judy Pace as Gloria Jackson in the episode “The Weekend” (season 3, episode 6)
• J. A. Preston as Walter Ingles in the episode "Wilona's Dilemma" (season 3, episode 10)
• Charlotte Rae as a hiring manager for a sales job that Florida stole from James (season 2, episode 14)
• Sheryl Lee Ralph as Vanessa in the episode "J.J. and The Plumber's Helper" (season 6, episode 9)
• Thalmus Rasulala as Ernie Harris, in the episode "The Houseguest" (season 2, episode 20)
• Albert Reed Jr. as Alderman Fred C. Davis also played cousin Oscar in Season 2 episode Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle
• Percy Rodriguez as Florida’s cousin Edgar.(season 3, episode 5)
• Timmie Rogers as Donald the Wino in the episode “The Snow Storm”. (season 6, episode 11)
• Bubba Smith as Claude, a bodyguard/thug working for Marion "Sweet Daddy" Williams (4 season 6 episodes)
• Richard Stahl as Judge Daniels in the episode “The Gang:Part 2” (season 2, episode 10)
• Philip Michael Thomas as Eddie, Thelma's college-age boyfriend (season 1, episode 6)
• Adam Wade as successful businessman Frank Mason, Willona's boyfriend (Season 5, 2 episodes)
• Vernee Watson-Johnson as Thelma's friend and college mate Valerie, in the episode "Thelma's African Romance (Part 1)" (season 4)
• Carl Weathers as Calvin Brooks, husband of the 'nude' model for J.J.'s painting (season 2, episode 16)
• Lee Weaver as the second man in season 4 episode "The Big Move: Part 2".
• Hal Williams as one of the movers in a season one episode; James' friend, Willie Washington (season 2); and Mr. Mitchell, the father of Earl Mitchell, who is an art student of J.J.'s (season 6)
• John Witherspoon as Officer Lawson in the episode "A Matter of Mothers" (season 6, episode 20)

Production

Good Times was created by Eric Monte and actor Mike Evans. The series also features a character named "Michael Evans" after Evans, who portrayed Lionel Jefferson on the Lear-produced series All in the Family and The Jeffersons.

Theme song and opening sequence

Good Times theme
Sample [0:13] via

The gospel-styled theme song was composed by Dave Grusin with lyrics written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. It was sung by Jim Gilstrap and Motown singer Blinky Williams with a gospel choir providing background vocals. Because of the singing style of the song, and the audio mix, the lyrics to the theme song are notorious for being hard to discern, notably the line "Hangin' in a chow line"/"Hangin' in and jivin'" (depending on the source used). Dave Chappelle used this part of the lyrics as a quiz in his "I Know Black People" skit on Chappelle's Show in which the former was claimed as the answer. The insert for the Season One DVD box set has the lyric as "Hangin' in a chow line." However, the Bergmans, along with Bern Nadette Stanis, confirmed that the lyric is actually "Hangin' in and jivin'." Slightly different lyrics were used for the closing credits, with the song beginning on a verse instead of the chorus.

Casting

Chip Fields was one of the finalists for the role of Thelma, but Bernadette Stanis was selected. Haywood Nelson screen tested and was hired for the role of the youngest Evans child, Michael, but was replaced by Ralph Carter who, at the time, had more experience in front of a live audience. Carter was a cast member in the Broadway musical Raisin and the producers of Raisin were initially reluctant to accept Tandem Productions' buyout offer. While Carter's contract was being negotiated, another young actor, Larry Fishburne (later Laurence) filled the role of Michael during initial rehearsals for Good Times. Early episodes of Good Times contain a notice in the credits: "Ralph Carter appears courtesy of the Broadway musical Raisin."

Cast conflicts

Co-creator Mike Evans (1975)

Good Times was intended to be a timely show in the All in the Family vein focused on Rolle and Amos. Both expected the show to deal with serious topics in a comedic way while providing positive characters for viewers to identify with. However, it was Walker's character of J.J. that was an immediate hit with audiences and became the breakout character of the series. J.J.'s frequent use of the expression "Dy-no-mite!" (often in the phrase "Kid Dy-no-mite!"), credited to director John Rich (first delivered by Walker at the end of the Season 1, Episode 2, "Black Jesus"), became a popular catchphrase (later included in TV Land's The 100 Greatest TV Quotes and Catch Phrases special).

Rich insisted Walker say it in every episode. Walker and executive producer Norman Lear were skeptical of the idea, but the phrase and the J.J. Evans character caught on with the audience. As a result of the character's popularity, the writers focused more on J.J.'s comedic antics instead of serious issues. Throughout seasons two and three, Rolle and Amos grew increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the show and especially with J.J.'s tomfoolery and stereotypically buffoonish behavior. Rolle was vocal about her hate of his character. In a 1975 interview with Ebony magazine she stated:

He's 18 and he doesn't work. He can't read or write. He doesn't think. The show didn't start out to be that...Little by little—with the help of the artist, I suppose, because they couldn't do that to me—they have made J.J. more stupid and enlarged the role. Negative images have been slipped in on us through the character of the oldest child.

Despite doing so less publicly than Rolle, Amos also was outspoken about his dissatisfaction with the J.J. character, stating:

The writers would prefer to put a chicken hat on J.J. and have him prance around saying "DY-NO-MITE", and that way they could waste a few minutes and not have to write meaningful dialogue.

While Amos was less public with his dissatisfaction than Rolle, he was fired after season three due to disagreements with Lear and the writing staff, which, according to Amos, were often confrontational and heated. Amos' departure was initially attributed to his desire to focus on a film career, but he admitted in a 1976 interview that Lear called him and told him that his contract option with the show was not being renewed. Amos stated, "That's the same thing as being fired." The producers decided not to recast the character of James Evans, instead opting to kill off the character in the two-part season four premiere, "The Big Move," with Florida finding out that James died in an automobile accident while in Mississippi setting up a new business opportunity at an auto repair shop, which would have allowed the family to move from the ghetto.

Final seasons

By the end of season four, Rolle had also become dissatisfied with the show's direction and decided to leave the series. In the two-part season finale, "Love Has a Spot On His Lung," Florida gets engaged to Carl Dixon (Moses Gunn), a man she began dating toward the end of season four. In the season five premiere episode, "The Evans Get Involved Part 1," it is revealed that Florida and Carl married off screen and moved to Arizona for the sake of Carl's health. With Amos and Rolle gone, DuBois took over as lead actor, as Willona checked in on the Evans children since they were now living alone.

In season five, Janet Jackson joined the cast, playing Penny Gordon, an abused girl, abandoned by her mother, and eventually adopted by Willona. During that season, Johnny Brown's character of Nathan Bookman, the Evans' superintendent, became more prominent. At the beginning of the fifth season, Brown became a series regular and was included in the opening credits. Ratings began to decline. It was clear to the producers as well as viewers that Rolle's absence had left the series without a much-needed unifying center of attention.

Before the taping of season six began, CBS and the show's producers decided that they had to do "something drastic" to increase viewership. According to then-vice president of CBS programming Steve Mills, "We had lost the essence of the show. Without parental guidance, the show slipped. Everything told us that: our mail, our phone calls, our research. We felt we had to go back to basics."

Producers approached Rolle with an offer to appear in a guest role on the series. Rolle was initially hesitant, but when producers agreed to a number of her demands (including an increased salary and higher quality scripts), she agreed to return to the series on a full-time basis. Rolle also wanted producers to make the character of J.J. more responsible, as she felt the character was a poor role model for African-American youths. She also requested that producers write out the character of Carl Dixon; Rolle reportedly disliked the storyline surrounding the Carl Dixon character, as she believed Florida would not have moved on so quickly after James's death or left her children. Rolle also thought the writers had disregarded Florida's devout Christian beliefs by having her fall for and marry Carl, who was an atheist.

In the season six premiere episode "Florida's Homecoming: Part 1," Florida returns from Arizona without Carl to attend Thelma's upcoming wedding to professional football player Keith Anderson (Ben Powers, who joined the cast for the final season). In a rare uncut version of "Florida's Homecoming: Part 2," after Florida arrives home from Arizona, Willona briefly pulls her aside and mentions Carl, to which Florida sadly smiles and shakes her head, implying that Carl had died from cancer. Florida later mentions Carl one last time when she tells Michael about a book they'd both bought him.

Despite changes in the series at Rolle's request and her return, plus the addition of Powers to the cast, ratings continued to fall and CBS canceled the series during the 1978–79 season. In the series finale episode "The End of the Rainbow," each character finally gets a "happy ending." J.J. gets his big break as a nationally syndicated artist for a comic book company with his newly created character, DynoWoman, which is based on Thelma (much to her surprise and delight) and is moving into an apartment with some lady friends.

Michael attends college and moves into an on-campus dorm. Keith's bad knee heals due to his exercise and own physical therapy, leading to the Chicago Bears offering him a contract to play football. Keith announces that he and Thelma are moving into a luxury apartment in the city's upscale Gold Coast district. Thelma also announces that she is pregnant with the couple's first child.

Keith offers Florida the chance to move in with them so she can help Thelma with the new baby; Florida accepts the offer. Willona becomes the head buyer of the boutique, she walks in and announces that she and Penny are also moving out of the projects. Willona then reveals that her new apartment is in the same apartment building to which Keith, Thelma and Florida are also moving; she and Penny become the Evanses' downstairs neighbors.

Broadcast and syndication

Cable network TV One aired reruns of the show since its launch on January 19, 2004. Good Times had also aired at various times on TV Land and on the Canadian specialty cable channel DejaView. Minisodes of the show are available for free on Crackle. Additionally, digital multicast network Antenna TV also aired episodes of the show until January 1, 2018, when GetTV, operated by Sony (which distributes the show), began airing the program. Good Times airs on GetTV with a TV-PG rating.

Most episodes run on TV One with a TV-G rating, with the lone exception being the season three episode "J.J. in Trouble," in which J.J. fears he may have contracted an STD. That episode airs with a TV-14 rating, as well as the "parental guidance is suggested" slide that preceded the episode when it was originally broadcast on CBS. In the past, it aired on TV Land with a TV-PG rating.

As of March 27, 2023, episodes have been airing nightly on the Catchy Comedy (formerly Decades) digital retro TV network.

Home media

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment released the entire series on DVD in Region 1 between February 2003 and August 2006, with a complete box set following the separate seasons on October 28, 2008. Season 1 was released on DVD in Region 4 on December 27, 2006. On August 27, 2013, it was announced that Mill Creek Entertainment had acquired the rights to various television series from the Sony Pictures library, including Good Times. They have subsequently re-released the first four seasons on DVD. On September 1, 2015, Mill Creek Entertainment re-released Good Times: The Complete Series on DVD in Region 1.

All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.

DVD name	Ep #	Release date
The Complete First Season	13	February 4, 2003 January 21, 2014 (re-release)
The Complete Second Season	24	February 3, 2004 January 21, 2014 (re-release)
The Complete Third Season	24	August 10, 2004 May 20, 2014 (re-release)
The Complete Fourth Season	24	February 15, 2005 May 20, 2014 (re-release)
The Complete Fifth Season	24	August 23, 2005
The Complete Sixth and Final Season	24	August 1, 2006
The Complete Series	133	October 28, 2008 September 1, 2015 (re-release)

Reception

Ratings

L–R: Ralph Carter, Bern Nadette Stanis, Jimmie Walker, Esther Rolle and John Amos

The program premiered in February 1974; high ratings led CBS to renew the program for the 1974–75 season, as it was the seventeenth-highest-rated program that year. During its first full season on the air, the show was the seventh-highest-rated program in the Nielsen ratings, with more than 25% of all American households tuning into an episode each week. Three of the top ten highest-rated programs on American TV that season centered on the lives of African-Americans: Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons and Good Times. The Nielsen ratings for the series declined over time, partly because of its many time slot changes and the departure of John Amos. The ratings went down considerably when the show entered its final two seasons:

Season	TV Season	No. of Episodes	Time slot (ET)	Nielsen ratings
				Rank	Rating
1	1973–1974	13	Friday at 8:30 pm	17	21.4 (Tied with Barnaby Jones)
2	1974–1975	24	Tuesday at 8:00 pm	7	25.8
3	1975–1976	24		24	21.0
4	1976–1977	24	Wednesday at 8:00 pm (Episodes 1-15, 17–24) Wednesday at 8:30 pm (Episode 16)	26	20.5
5	1977–1978	24	Wednesday at 8:00 pm (Episodes 1, 3-16) Wednesday at 8:30 pm (Episode 2) Monday at 8:00 pm (Episodes 17–24)	55	17.4
6	1978–1979	22	Saturday at 8:00 pm (Episode 1) Saturday at 8:30 pm (Episodes 2-10) Wednesday at 8:30 pm (Episodes 11–22)	91	13.0

Awards and nominations

Year	Association	Category	Recipient(s)	Result
1974	Golden Globe Awards	Best Supporting Actor – Television	Jimmie Walker	Nominated
1975	Golden Globe Awards	Best TV Actress – Musical/Comedy	Esther Rolle	Nominated
		Best Supporting Actor – Television	Jimmie Walker	Nominated
	Humanitas Prize	30 Minute Category	John Baskin and Roger Shulman / episode: "The Lunch Money Ripoff"	Nominated
		30 Minute Category	Bob Peete / episode: "My Girl Henrietta"	Nominated
2006	TV Land Awards	Impact Award	John Amos, Ralph Carter, Ja'net DuBois, Esther Rolle (posthumously), BernNadette Stanis, and Jimmie Walker	Won

Revival

In September 2020, it was announced that the series would receive an animated sitcom revival with Carl Jones originally attached as showrunner and produced and Norman Lear originally executive producing alongside Seth MacFarlane and Stephen Curry for Netflix. In December 2023, it was announced Ranada Shepard replaced Carl Jones as showrunner for the series. It centers on the current generation of the Evans family, and stars Jay Pharoah, Marsai Martin, Yvette Nicole Brown, Slink Johnson, and J. B. Smoove. The series was released on April 12, 2024.

It received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences with criticism aimed at the animation style, the crass presentation, racist and offensive humor, and general lack of connection to the original series aside from occasional mentions of the James Evans character.

External links

• Good Times at IMDb
• Good Times at TVLand.com
• Good Times-related interview videos at the Archive of American TelevisionTemplate:Maude