April 12th 2024.
A former star of the original Good Times series is speaking out against Netflix's new animated reboot of the beloved family show. BernNadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans on the 1970s sitcom, is not happy with the direction the new series is taking.
The new Good Times reboot follows a cartoon version of the original cast as they continue to live in the projects and make light of the daily struggles they face. However, Stanis claims that this is not the show that she and other original cast members had pitched to Netflix. In fact, she recalls actor Jimmie Walker, who played JJ Evans, reaching out to the original show's executive producer, Norman Lear, to pitch a Good Times cartoon that would include everyone except the late Esther Rolle.
Despite initial excitement, Stanis and her manager were disappointed to learn that the new animated series would take place "generations later" and would be more "progressive." However, she does acknowledge that Netflix producer Brent Miller has shown love and offered a small role for her and Walker.
The new Good Times reboot has been described as an "edgy, irreverent reimagining of the TV classic." Showrunner and executive producer Ranada Shepard explains that it follows a fourth generation of the Evans family as they navigate life in a housing project on the South Side of Chicago. Shepard promises a mix of social commentary and comedy, similar to shows like The Simpsons and South Park.
The animated reimagining features an all-star executive producer team including Stephen Curry, Seth MacFarlane, and Norman Lear. The voices of Yvette Nicole Brown, J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, and Jay Pharoah bring the characters to life. However, after watching the trailer, Stanis called out Netflix for not accurately portraying the family's situation.
Despite being advertised as a "progressive" version of the show, the trailer fails to mention that the family still lives in the projects, with Thelma's baby now being a drug dealer. Stanis expresses disappointment in this portrayal, especially after the original show had positive representations of the characters' futures. She remains hopeful that the show will improve and accurately reflect the Good Times legacy.
The animated Good Times reboot premieres on Netflix on Friday, April 12. While some are excited for the updated version, others have expressed concerns and opinions about the direction of the show. Only time will tell if the new series will live up to the expectations of long-time fans.
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