An animated series of the hit sitcom “Good Times” is headed to Netflix. The project will involve the show’s original producer, Norman Lear, and his Act III Productions, Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, Seth McFarlane’s Fuzzy Door and Sony Pictures TV.
The original show, which aired for six seasons from 1974 to 1979, tells the story of married couple James and Florida Evans, raising their three children in a poor black neighborhood in Chicago. The audience gets to see the everyday struggles they go through as well as the “good times” they experience as a family.
According to Shadow and Act, the logline for the show states, “Good Times is Norman Lear’s first animated series, following the Evans family as they navigate today’s world and contemporary social issues. Just as the original did years ago, Good Times strives to remind us that with the love of our family, we can keep our heads above water.”
Producers for the series will include Lear and Brent Miller from Act lll Productions, McFarlane and Erica Huggins from Fuzzy Door, and, from Unanimous Media, Curry, Erick Peyton and Jeron Smith.
The creator, showrunner and executive producer of this modern version of “Good Times” will be Carl Jones, whose works include “Boondocks” and “Black Dynamite.”
Representatives from all three productions expressed excitement over being involved with the reboot of the sitcom. Lear and Miller said, “We can’t think of anything better, at this time in our culture, than a reimagining of Good Times animated. In a year filled with darkness, this is one bright light we won’t soon forget. Thank you, Sony. Thank you, Netflix. Bless us all.”
Jones added, “It’s a dream come true to be working with the legendary talents of Norman Lear, Seth McFarlane and Stephen Curry. We are excited to carry on the original legacy of GOOD TIMES — but now animated and a little edgier. Let’s just say the struggle has just gotten strugglier.”
Curry, who plays for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, and Peyton noted how important it is to bring back “Good Times” right now, saying, “Good Times strives to remind us that with the love of our family we can overcome any obstacle. We think, now more than ever, the world needs to see a show with hope and positivity.”
Speaking specifically about the animation, McFarlane and Huggins added, “Animation is the ideal medium with which to reimagine the original show, and through the lens of Carl’s sharp, biting humor, audiences will grow to love these classic characters all over again.”
McFarlane has about 20 years of experience with creating animated series. He is the creator of “Family Guy,” “American Dad,” and “The Cleveland Show.”
“Good Times” original creator Norman Lear has a long history of being involved in TV, creating successful shows such as “The Jeffersons” and “Sanford and Son.”
There’s no word yet on the date for when the animated “Good Times” series will premiere.
