Key Takeaways:
– Netflix’s animated reboot of the iconic ’70s sitcom Good Times has received mixed reactions.
– The original cast is reserving judgement until they can view full episodes.
– Stars from the original series include John Amos & BernNadette Stanis who think the new version may struggle to reach the original’s high standard.
– The reboot will star big names like J.B Smoove, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jay Pharoah, Marsai Martin, and Gerald “Slink” Johnson.
– The show will premiere on Netflix on April 12th.
Fans of the beloved ’70s sitcom “Good Times” are giving Netflix’s animated reboot mixed reviews. Last week, the streaming giant released the first trailer, which prompted a wide range of feedback from the show’s fan base.
The Original Series’ Impact
The sitcom’s original run lasted six seasons, from 1974 to 1979. Norman Lear’s production earned high praise for its compelling representation of a Black, working-class family. The revived version follows the same family, the Evans, as they navigate life in a Chicago housing project.
However, the unconventional tone employed in the trailer, featuring even a drug-dealing baby, has somewhat puzzled old fans of the series.
The Original Cast’s Take
The original stars of Good Times, John Amos (James Evans), and BernNadette Stanis (Thelma), have shared their views on the reboot trailer. Both actors expressed their reservations and avowed that they are holding final judgment until they have watched entire episodes.
“I really can’t form an opinion, as I’ve not seen any of the episodes yet,” said Amos, “I wish them the best. I see people aspiring to that, but I don’t see anybody reaching that goal, especially in an animated version.“
Stanis speculated that fans might be assuming that the original cast was involved in the reboot, stating, “Probably a lot of people don’t know how Hollywood works.” She added that using the Good Times name could be a strategy to assure initial interest in the new show.
The New Cast and Defense
The animated version of Good Times will be helmed by big names such as J.B Smoove, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jay Pharoah, Marsai Martin, and Gerald “Slink” Johnson.
In defense of the show, Brown has stated the show is “edgier and more irreverent” than the original but remains a story about family and striving for betterment.
Excitement and Anticipation
Despite mixed feedback for the trailer, there’s palpable anticipation for the reboot’s premiere. The trailer has ignited conversations about the changes in television programming and the evolution of storytelling.
Fans will get the chance to decide for themselves when Good Times premieres on Netflix on April 12th. The series is expected to maintain the original’s spirit of tackling socio-economic issues while providing laughs, albeit with a modern twist and style.
In conclusion, though the Good Times reboot trailer has stirred controversy, it has most certainly also cultivated interest in the upcoming series. Whether it will achieve the same success as the original series remains to be seen.
