An animated reboot of Norman Lear’s Good Times is coming to Netflix

Hi, y'all out there in TV land! This is Steve Seigh – podcast host, audiophile, and film lover – here to tell you that Netflix has given a series order to an animated version of Norman Lear's TV sitcom GOOD TIMES. Based on his iconic 70’s series, Lear is developing the project from his Act III Productions, with NBA star Steph Curry and his Unanimous Media, Seth MacFarlane and Fuzzy Door, and Sony Pictures TV.

The animated series will place a new spin on Lear's beloved Good Times characters by dropping the Evans family into a contemporary setting complete with all of its social issues and ordeals. This being the case, Good Times will continue its tradition of focusing on family and instilling messages of power and unity to those who watch.

“We can’t think of anything better, at this time in our culture, than a reimagining of Good Times animated," said Lear and Miller. “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.”

“It’s a dream come true to be working with the legendary talents of Norman Lear, Seth MacFarlane and Stephen Curry, added Jones. 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.”

Carl Jones will act as the animated show's creator, showrunner, and executive producer. Meanwhile, Lear and Brent Miller will executive produce via Act III Productions, alongside Steph Curry, Erick Peyton and Jeron Smith for Unanimous, with Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins courtesy of Fuzzy Door.

“We are so excited about this project! Unanimous is all about authentic partnerships and this team felt genuine from the beginning,” said Curry and Peyton. “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.”

“It’s a thrill to be partnering with Norman Lear and to help bring new life to his groundbreaking show Good Times, through the talent and personal stories of Carl Jones and the team at Unanimous," MacFarlane and Huggins said in a joint statement. “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.”

Created by Mike Evans, Eric Monte, and developed and executive produced by Lear, the original Good Times introduced the masses to television's first African American two-parent family. The show itself was a spin-off of Maude, which in turn was a spin-off of All in the Family. The show entertained viewers for six seasons on CBS, from 1974-1979. It revolved around Florida and James Evans and their three children. Together, the group represent a poor family making the best of things in the Chicago housing projects. The show starred John Amos and Esther Rolle as James Evans Sr. and Florida Evans, respectively, with Ja’net Dubois, Ralph Carter, Jimmie Walker, and Janet Jackson all being a part of the cast.

When it was on the air, Good Times served as a bit of comfort food for those looking to connect with a family much like their own. Uproariously funny and built atop a foundation of love and togetherness, Good Times taught audience members a number of lessons related to family, faith, and keeping one's head above water.

We'll be sure to bring you more details as this project develops.