User reviews

Good Times was a classic TV show from a time long past when there was no internet and a new show meant new information. I was a young white person in a small town of 98% white people and this was my first exposure to another culture. That is what Norman Lear did. Expose people to things they hadn't seen or were hard to discuss. From tackling abortion and homosexuality in "Maude," racism with "All in the Family" and most importantly humanizing black life for stubborn white people with "The Jeffersons" and "Good Times." It would behoove anyone reading this to go watch any of these shows instead of this series. As I write this I'm realizing that this series isn't worth mentioning really and that 3 is to high a score. 1.7.

Good Times is an unapologetically bold and irreverent animated series that takes the spirit of "South Park" and infuses it with an unapologetically Afrocentric twist. If you thought nothing was sacred in comedy before, this show proves that point tenfold. From the very first episode, it's clear that the writers are not pulling any punches.

The humor is dark, often obscene and definitely not for the faint of heart. Every minute of every episode is packed with satire that spares no one, poking fun at social issues, cultural norms and yes, a healthy dose of stereotypes and prejudices. The show is self-aware, using its crude humor to make sharp, if not controversial, commentary on society.

But let's be clear: this show is not for everyone. If you're easily offended, it's best to steer clear. Even for those with a tougher skin, the comedy here is a mixed bag - it's not always hitting home runs, but when it does, it elicits a genuine, albeit guilty, laugh.

In essence, "Good Times" isn't the pinnacle of comedic brilliance but it doesn't try to be. It's crass, it's messy and it's often uncomfortable to watch - but if that's your thing, you might just find yourself laughing out loud more than you expected.

I understand the reboot and the concept but the stereotypes are killing me I couldn't get pass the first episode its actually embarrassing. I can't believe the actors went along with a 1 year old selling drugs, then they say he's a mirror to stewie from family guy naww. I honestly believe they felt the show was funny and they would get the best response from it. Being from Chicago we try to stay away from stereotypes but as a whole this set us back like 50 years. This is not why we work hard to be portrayed like this on TV I didnt find this show funny at all, it actually looked like a good a watch but i couldnt continue.

In 1974, lear, Monte and others, created one of the greatest tv shows of all time, good times, it had humor, laughs and great performances throughout, even, The catchphrase dynomite was cool as well, as for this new one and it is total garbage, there is only some chuckle or two, the performances are horrible, the animation is worthless, the teleplay is pathetic and the writing is just b.s. Throughout, let's just say that I hated every inch of this reboot, even more offensive than the grotesque splatter is the use of a baby as a drug dealer, now I found that to be completely cynical and truly dreadful, this is yet another reason why I turned the TV off, the first in 12 years, this new good times is just truly pathetic and it's heading on my list of the worst television of 2024 and it deserves to be

I gave good times a big fat f.

Representation matters and this is not what represents Black people in 2024. Sadly, those defending this show as funny do not realize that these same creators and producers would NEVER make a show with stereotypes like this for non-Black people. Saying this baby is comparable to Stewie is the definition of Playing in our faces. One baby is a drug dealer and the other is a witty genius. This is a 2024 minstrel show and Netflix should be ashamed for airing it. This show is not Boondocks and it's definitely is not a reboot of Good Times. The live show ended with the Evans family getting out of the projects and moving toward creating generational wealth. Seth and Steph's show has the family five generations later in a situation that is absolutely 100 levels worse and no improvement or inspiration to be had. This show Is the definition of Blaxploitation and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired of how Black Americans are represented, even when it is supposed to be satire. This is not satire, it is just sad and tired.

No, it is not the original 'Good Times', and obviously it is not suppose to be. But, it has great humor & the look is vintage (e.g. Fat Albert Show). I laughed out loud a few times and the characters featured (Elon Musk, Maya Angelou) added to the funny. And for those making a big deal about a baby drug dealer, this is not a new concept of the adult situation baby in the Seth MacFarlane universe (see Family Guy). So, I doubt race (ism) has anything to do with it. This also reminds me of The PJ's of the early 2000's. Some people on their high horse about a series that is not to be taken that seriously. The original 'Good Times' was a cultural phenomenon realized many years after it ended (along with other Norman Lear produced sitcoms). However, at the time it premiered, it's premise was not revered by many Black Americans who did not want to see "the struggle" on T. V., along with a little clown-nery.

I watched this whole series and while I found some of the scenarios interesting and overall would say I enjoyed watching it, I couldn't shake the feeling of the characters archetypes being lazily written. As someone who enjoys adult cartoons, it would be nice to see newer ones explore developing characters that don't feed into the same tired old stereotypes about Black American family structures: the extremist activist, the overworked and broke father, the drug dealer/gangster, etc... I think if they put more effort into developing the characters outside of this bubble, the show would be even more interesting and funny.

So for my overall opinion...

Positives: The art style of the cartoon is very engaging. Some of the scenarios are interesting and funny, and there are definitely parts that are very relatable. I enjoyed the fact that there was regular involvement from characters outside of the direct family unit in the main storyline, as opposed to having them only contribute to occasional side stories like how cartoons such as American Dad, The Cleveland Show, and Family Guy create their extra characters.

Negatives: The character archetypes feel lazy and not well thought out, all of the characters are based on some type of stereotype about African Americans, Black Caribbean's, and Black Africans. If the cartoon's target audience is intended to be Black people, I think they need to do better at creating characters that feel more reflective of the diversity of the Black community, without pandering to expected stereotypical portrayals for entertainment value. There is definitely room for improvement.

The original "Good Times" series was the first black family series before many others made their debut. It was relatable to many within the black community because it depicted the daily struggles families faced while trying to survive living in the projects. I can't define sensibly what this new generation of Good Times is trying to depict. It was extremely difficult to follow each episode. The scenes were too busy, the characters movements were lacking fluidity, the language and subject matter was obscene. It's really a shame. I expected more to pay homage to the original Good Times. No good.

Most people are talking about stereotypes, whining about a baby selling drugs, etc. These stereotypes act as symbols. Like a kid that tries to grow up and be the master of his house even with illegal means, poor people struggling in hard situations and rich people exploiting them every time. I ve never seen the first show but this show reminded me of good old Macfarlane shows. Is it triggering? Maybe, for people that have some complex issues. Maybe for americans as I'm not one...I don't know. To the ones that found the show r@cist, the point that the show is trying to make is the socioeconomical struggle and depravity of man in hard times, not offending you or whatever you felt...its sad to be offended by an adult animation show...

The show is disrespectful given that Good Times were not based on ghetto black people. They were mid class/poor with good manners and no illegal activity. If they just made this a show separately without putting Good Times into, I think I'd like it but this ain't Good Times lmaooo it's like Boondocks. The comedy timing is really good and the storyline is entertaining but I can't see anything similar to the Good Times family. I see two of the original Good Times people are apart of it and I don't know why. Not only that but the change of the theme song completely is literally disappointing, like just make this a seperate show.

I couldn't get past the Dad talking to a roach. The Dad coming out naked in front of his daughter. The baby being a drug dealer. This show is not needed...so many stereotypes in this series . It is a slap in the face of the Orginal show ...Ester Rolle wouldn't have any part of this show...this is the reason she left during the taping of the next to last season...I'm hoping they pull this or rename the series at least. I'm not watching it I hope they pull it off of Netflix or I just might unplug Netflix for even thinking that this show would be ok. We are the only race a people in this country that they want to keep down.

Other than the characters names this show has absolutely nothing to do with the message that the original tv show was trying to get across, and what idiot thought a baby selling Crack was going to be funny? Black people have come to far for this BS and need to let Netflix know it, don't know why in the year 2024 anyone would make such garbage, it is embarrassing and an insult to all black people, except Tim Scott and Byron Donald's who think we act this way in real life, I really wonder what audience was this actually made for, was it made for an African American family or was it made to further the racism being brought about in politics.

This is an insult in all shapes and sizes. How dare they desecrate my youthful television favorite with this racist characterizations. The people of color who signed up for and are behind this atrocity should be deeply ashamed to have their name associated with this crap. Talk about two steps back. J. B should know better but I guess the money was good. WTH Curry got to do with movies, stay in your lane dude. I am sure his dad watched the original as I did in Staunton but obviously he never shared the it with Stephan. Wonder what Dale thinks of this. Netflix should remove this as soon as possible. Absolutely nothing to see here! 👎🏿

In the past year, Netflix has shifted gears, abandoning the pursuit of quality in favor of becoming a mere content aggregator. Nowhere is this more evident than in their treatment of Black Stories-shallow, tokenistic offerings that scream, "Here's something we think the community will tolerate," devoid of any genuine effort to deliver quality entertainment.

Take, for instance, their recent Shirley Chisholm Movie debacle. It looked as though they threw spare change at it and managed to get everything about Chisholm wrong.

Now Good Times. This insulting portrayal, steeped in old stereotypes, is just the tip of the iceberg. And I highly doubt this poorly executed, offensive mess will win them any new audience.

Netflix originals have become increasingly unbearable. From the disaster that was the Zack Snyder debacle to the mishandling of "3 Body Problem," it's evident that Netflix's enthusiasm for new creators and bold ideas has waned, replaced by tired clichés and a race to the bottom.

We may be witnessing the twilight of the streaming golden age, but I never imagined quality would plummet to such depths in a business model reliant on subscriber retention.

It's funny, the artistry is beautiful and the script is well written

They make references to Good Times, Indiana Jones, and cultural significant moments

It has deep dynamics and real life scenarios as well as the flexibility to be over the top because it's a cartoon.

It's entertaining from start to finish and a definite binge watch.

The relationship between a mother and her baby Dalvin as well as Beverly's husband Reggie -deep The constant need for Beverly to look and act like more than what they're to people just like them, that leads her down a path that (if you pay attention) her relationship with Jesus is strained

I love how the kids, Jr. And Grey, are still in the hood but not of the hood yet both Grey and Jr.s characters are tested when new elements present themselves

They give a perspective of children who don't fit in and how they navigate that lifestyle

It's funny and deep without being overtly in ya face pro black or black that is digestible to the whitewashed liberal audience that believe black people should be portrayed in a way that isn't reality.

If you've ever seen Bless the Harts it's like that!

Also a star studded cast of voice actors! I love it

The New Boondocks lol.

I can't believe what I just watched. Saw someone post a screenshot of this and thought I'd give it a shot. Wow. Thinks actually embarrassing. Why as black people do we want to perpetuate stereotypes that have harmed our communities and our own well-being. We've come so far and now this????? Whatever intelligent comedy there may be here is lost because we have to sit through gun violence by children (literal babies!), roaches in the apartment, glorifying "hoes"...when it first started and they referenced the "white Jesus" episode of the original show I though we were going somewhere empowering, but no. Just another act of self-hatred billed as art. We have to do better.

I was watching the original series and looked it up on here to see what the cast has been doing. Found this page about the new show. Everyone hates it in the reviews and points out how bad a baby drug dealer is and how the original show would never do that. As I'm reading these, the original series is playing on my tv. The episode where J. J. Almost eloped with a girl that's on drugs. The family catches a little kid selling drugs, and therms says, " he ain't nothing but a baby still". I haven't watched this new show yet. Looks decent, I'll watch it, but I'm not a huge fan of Seth's work. I like American Dad.

And ... I felt the same way I felt when I watched the original as a child, week after week, embarrassed. However. It's art and it's what entertainment does. I applaud their brave attempt to modernize these ideas. Again, however, current society is too politically correct to have fun anymore. All things are pulled apart for cultural accuracy then soaked in the blood of sadness cause no one wants to relax and have fun at the expense of the unknown like it was done in the 70's. If you watched "Big Mouth" and enjoyed it, you can watch this without too many gasps. Laugh people its just a joke. We know what is real. Each of us need to care about one another before and after entertainment. We are human beings needing love, shelter, food, and rest. Calm down and enjoy someone's hard work.

I couldn't bear to watch even a single episode of this cartoon. The new adaptation of "Good Times" on Netflix left me questioning why Seth McFarland and Seth Curry would consider this subpar humor as comedy. It's not funny at all; it's offensive and insulting.

Why couldn't they showcase the characters moving up and out of the hood in future generations? Michael was intelligent, JJ was talented, and Thelma was beautiful, savvy, and intelligent as well! They had caring and protective parents, along with a supportive community, despite living in the projects.

Why include a storyline about a baby involved in drug dealing? What's the purpose? And why are roaches singing the theme song? It's an infestation when roaches have the audacity to serenade in the shower!

I sincerely hope this show gets canceled and buried away forever. Shame on you, J. B. Smoove, Jay Pharoah, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Wanda Sykes! I used to admire your work. I understand that finding quality projects can be challenging in Black Hollywood, but this one was a truly terrible choice.

Am I the only one feeling this way? By the way, giving it one star is being too generous.

Like 5 minutes in the Dad is standing naked in the living room in front of... his entire family? The show sets the bar that low right from the start and never really improves.

The baby i think is supposed to be some sort of Ghetto Stewie?

Everyone involved, the writers and most importantly (personally), the cast who agreed to be part of this should be ashamed of the part they played in this ever reaching Netflix. Do they have no personal pride or at the very least in where they come from?

This was bad and you should all feel bad.

Need more characters to be able to post this, here they are!