No James was NOT jealous, he even decided to go on with the show after the writers said no to his ideas. What a lot of people don't know was James did not leave on his own will, they wrote him out the show and fired him and killed his character. Before the show was aired on t.v. Norman Lear was going to originally just have Florida and the children, Florida was supposed to be a single mother and unmarried. Esther Rolle (Florida Evans) did NOT want that, she wanted her children to have a father and she wanted her character to be married, so they hired John Amos to play James Evans, who was previously on Maude as Henry Evans. In my opinion I believe they were looking for any little reason to get rid of John because they wanted Florida's character to originally be a struggling single mother and they eventually got what they wanted.
I met John Amos in the 70s at Peppermint Lounge in Newark, NJ. He told me they wrote him off the show because he complained about the lines they gave him. They wouldn't listen to his input. He is a very big man and his attitude was even bigger on the set. He was written out to get rid of him. He was very pissed about it.
They made that bafoon JJ the star. John Amos got sick of his ass!! Every cast member had a respectable role. But Norman Lear insisted on shining a light on JJ..as if he represented black men. Now they have Jimmie Walker in this Medicare commercial still being a clown.
I’m glad you said it. Good times has always rubbed me the wrong way, even if they aren’t well off they didn’t have to be dirt poor, it was the 70s. And when I found out that white people were the ones writing it it felt like a minstrel show. It has always rubbed me the wrong way that they penned black people to be emotionally immature, poor and uneducated. I’m glad to know others saw the problem too!
Yes exactly 💯 and I noted in my comment that when they Finally were about to become successful, the show ended on that note so we never saw them living the good life....we had to use our imaginations......agreed!! 💯💯
I use to work in law enforcement and in my city this show was very real .The only thing ,is that there usually wasn't a father around , most of the fathers were hit and run men .
I love James because he wasn’t jealous at all he was just worried about the character that JJ was portraying and so was Esther Rolle! James will always be my favorite TV dad because he reminds me of my dad!!❤️😍🥰
I think they was insecure of JJ and some jealousy Because we all know JJ was the star and the show all they had too do was work and go home this shows that black people have a hard time getting along if the issues are not solved Why was she worried about JJ character just do your part we as fans was not worried what people might think about there roll and character I think they got themselves a short career
John amos is the best Tv dad , he was Never jealous he wanted the family to thrive the producers wanted JJ to continue to shuck & jive while not spotlighting Michael or Thelma they both were going to school . Thats why they killed him off.
I understand where John Amos was coming from. It wasn't jealousy, in my opinion. He just wanted the show to be at a certain standard, instead of going with the stereotypical content that people expected, aka "shuckin and jivin"
I remember Ja'Net saying that there were so many instances of offensive writing they had to remove from the show because she, Esther, and John were so vocal about it. I hate to see what this show would have been had none of these actors said a thing.
Loved this one!! I loved Good Times, but now looking back, they struggled so hard and then when they all were about to have a better life and money, they ended the show so we never got to see them in their new successful lives. I wish they had done a lot differently, but it still is an iconic show to this day. Great work, Sean!!! 💯🔥🔥🔥💙💎
I feel it was successful because it was relatable. The show was very stereotypical and controversial within the black community but it also blurred the lines of the “ghetto blacks” realizing that there are still black families with the father around and that’s what some of us black men needed to see because James was tough… none of us knew what was up behind the scenes
It's sad that a lot of black shows go through this. These writers will create black sitcoms and build up a black audience and once they establish a following they want to add unnecessary things to the show to become more "inclusive" like adding a white cast member, dumbing down the characters and even depict negative stereotypes of black people.
Yes it is sad but nothing new. I fault a lot of these black actors in Hollywood for that. Why didnt black actors band together and do something about it? Its slowly changing now. Way overdue. There's strength in numbers! If I'm going to be a part of something--- I'm going to make damn sure I got a nice piece of the pie! Or. I won't be a part of it at all! I'd rather be blackballed from Hollywood than continue to be a buffoon for those ppl! Florida was college educated she never did play any really significant roles. Maids & minor roles. Things like that.
I'm just barely into the video, but I gotta tell you, SDW, I am so excited to see you're doing the 70s era!! I enjoy your videos so much! Very thorough and engaging from start to finish! So glad I subbed, I'm binging your earlier videos too! *hair flip* Thank you!😁🥰🤸🏽♀️💯👍🏽💕🙌🏽
After James died on the show, I was good on watching it then after. Who wants to feel sadden by just the mere thought of death on a family show that's made for laughs & 'Good Times'?! Real life can sometimes be sad enough as is. The writers decision on killing off James tragically was a no go👎🏾 I still till this day would love to have that painting. It's iconic🎨🖌️
Met John Amos in the 70s at the Peppermint Lounge...in Newark, NJ.. He is a BIG man . He told me they were threatened by his complaining about his lines n killed him off.. He said he'd tell them they didn't know how to write lines that a black man would say.Worse they wouldn't accept his input.....he was quite angry just talking about it.
Overall, a great piece! I grew up with Good Times and it's one of my ATF shows (own the series on VHS and DVD). There was some light at the end of tunnel that was not mentioned here. On the last season, JJ did start his own business; "Dynomite Greeting Card Company" and although it failed, he ended up becoming an Art Director for a company. For the character of JJ, it was like he grew from a immature kid to somewhat a mature adult with this. Keith went to rehab for his knee injury and ending up playing football again. Also, when it was encouraged for Florida to go school, James was against it, but at the end of that episode he came back with two book bags saying he was going to school also, but that direction was not continued by the writers (probably because they knew James would be written off). They all ended up moving out of the projects to an apartment with Wilona moving next to them as well at the end. I saw Good Times as the ghetto/poor black family that could not catch a break where the Jeffersons were upscale and Sanford and Son poor, but not rock bottom like Good Times. There was a "class" mix on TV IMHO. Right after you had What's Happening which was like more lower middle class and Family Matters was like blue collar working middle class and Fresh Prince and Cosby wealthy. This progressed to black shows in the 90s showcasing successful college educated blacks; starting with a Different World, to shows like Living Single and Martin. BUT, it all started with shows like Good Times. Good Times did pave the way for more shows that portrayed blacks in better light and in non-stereotypical roles.
Once again Sean, I have to let you know how much I look forward to your documentaries. The good Lord has truly blessed you with such a creative talent. Thank you for sharing it with us all. 😊💕
I used to watch good time when I was a child and then as I got older watching it I started calling IT,BAD TIMES. I couldn't wait for it to come on I l would be happy then as I would watch it I would become depressed.😭
Sean, I will NEVER understand how you consistently release these kinds of videos. You’re the best channel on UA-cam! You’re going far, thanks for your efforts in teaching and entertaining us
John Amos left good times because he didn't like the fact that his character played a broke out of work husband and father but like everybody told him that's what the whole show was about is making a way,out of nothing, temporary layoffs standing in chow lines, he said that's the biggest regret of his life was leaving the show Good times ⁉️ 🙏🏾💫⭐❤️👍👍
Personally, I was never a huge fan of the show because of how they portrayed the black family. I’ve seen some episodes, it was entertaining for a while then it’s like can’t they just do better? Like you said. They never caught a break
Learning that John was fired for standing up For hisself and then me experiencing being fired for advocating for myself makes him that much more of a boss
One thing about the show is that they did things as a family, such as talent shows which were hilarious to watch. That was something today's families know nothing about. Shute, today's families rarely eat dinner together.
So, John Amos and Esther Rolle NEVER spoke a single word to JJ off screen ? Never ? 🤔 That sounds more like jealousy than fighting for the how their characters were being written ! If they had a problem with how the show was being written THEY should've quit ! Not made JJ an outcast. Pretty damn cruel if you ask me. They both needed to be reminded that this was a SITCOM NOT SHAKESPEARE !!
🌳🌳👙💋⚔️⚔️ Love this Series Sean!! I Salute Florida & James for standing up on their Integrity!!! Grew up watching this show, funny how you get older & look back at the way our people were portrayed back then
Yesssss exactly!! I never thought of it then, but today I realize they truly made the characters buffoons in their own way....funny how time let's us see the truth of the matter 💯💯
Sean I am so glad I saw this a scrolling through UA-cam. They did not notify me. I do rem one episode in which James and Florida both went to school. Florida was going to drop out because it displeased James. However he brought two back packs to go to school with her. I also seen the scene where Thelma talked to Henrietta about pregnancy. JJ was thinking bout marrying her. However Thelma was happy she was not pregnant and Henrietta said she couldn't marry JJ. I also rem one scene in which JJ couldn't date a girl because he didn't have money. The girl family came from the same area but work their way out and the dad didn't want to have that for her. James stood up and told the man he forget where he came from n kicked him out his house. This film you did explains why Thelma always scream out JJ only think about himself. I love how Florida and James voice held weight to allow the show to be a success it was as well as taught morales and values. God bless you all. 💖🙏🏾I never knew that why James was off the show. Too many chiefs not enough Indians I guess . I am glad James and the director made up and he has a say in the upcoming work on the show.
This is an excellent documentary. I like the way you mix the facts with your own critical thoughts and views. It’s like listening to a trusted friend give a history lesson. Excellent work😍
Great commentary. I watched it as a kid and have seen reruns fairly recently. I thought at the end, they all made it after the struggles and hardship. Michael is in college and moves on campus. Willona becomes head buyer at the boutique. Florida had been a bus driver and went back to school and at the end decides to live with Thelma to help raise her grandchild. JJ gets a job at a comic book company. Thelma's husband gets a NFL contract and they all move out together even as neighbors.
On the sitcom Maude, John Amos went by the name Henry Evans, but on Good Times they changed his name to James Evans but the name Henry Evans would be giving to James long lost father who was played by actor Richard Ward.
Hey Sean, I'm a new subscriber, love your content, your articulation is amazingly incredible and hypnotic, keep injecting us with the knowledge, My brother 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💖
Thank you for doing this series#Surviving. My mother refuse to watch Good Times to this day and she is in her 60's. She has always said this is White America's version of a black family. While I truly enjoy James Amos acting he clearly didnt care for black women all of his wives or wife was white so what did he stand for? Rest In Power Black Queen. Also surviving Norman Lear
@SeanDavieWay you are legendary Already cause this is the best television I have watched in a long time.. You are on your way up..Glad I got in at the jump😁
Great Job #SeanDavieWay 👍🏾. There was an old PBS documentary about black TV ( it should be showing now , since it's Black history month). Esther Rolle said EVERYTHING you said about the show. You are spot on 👏🏾👏🏾
Comparing good times and family matters Florida’s the spin-off character from Maude and Harriet was the spin-off character from perfect strangers. Things decreased after them because they were the whole reason
In the video, you mentioned twice that Esther Rolle died at 72 in 1998. She was actually 78 when she died 9 days after her birthday. November 2, 1920------ November 17, 1998
I just thought about it when you got to talking about JJ and Family Matters did the exact same thing Good Times did. They both spun off a black female character from another show that started out trying to show real representation of black families and then they both changed to be more silly with the more comedic character of both shows taking over with the storylines. Just like Estelle leaving for a season that's why the original actress of Harriet left Family Matters for the exact same reasons
I agree with the majority of the commentary about the show. I grew up exactly 12 mi from Cabrini Green homes and times were like that. The grocery stores had aisle where food was in all while packages with black letters with the product name like rice, chips, beans etc etc and we all were on government cheese, butter & milk. People were out of work then men had to get work any way they could. There was an episode where Florida forbid James to got shoot pool for money to pay the rent that was reality my father shot pool for money & I would go buy cigarettes for the hustlers in the pool hall from the cigarette machine (The Color of Money movie). The goons Sweet Daddy had with him that was going on then and the episode when JJ moved out and living with drug dealers and the cops bust the place that was happening as well in Da Chi. I know we all get in our feelings about the way they depicted the characters but the first three seasons was kinda spot on. I lived that life & we all in Da Chi was happy when it came on tv we saw our lives for better or worse but in the end they were GOOD TIMES.
SEAN Boo look When you come in Please bring it ALL. We know that when you come on you have to get into character to bring us the FLIP. Don’t let ANYONE make you feel some type of way because of their opinion. You have come through a struggle and now someone has something to say. Get Yours BooBoo and continue to EVOLVE. MUCH LOVE & MANY BLESSINGS
When they took James out of the show was to emphasis The single black mother agenda......Despite he never had a good job or made alot of money he still had the respect of his family and held them together...which was looked at as maintaining respect and power in the community and went directly against the division between the black man and the black woman.....ohhh no u can't have that! That would have caused YT to lose control of that community...keep in mind the put out the Cosby show but the majority of blacks couldn't really relate or identity with that show because it was based on professional parents ....but when two people can love each other but hardly having anything THAT IS WHERE THE REAL MAJOR POWER IN OUR COMMUNITY LIES!!!!! And to keep it real , you have more love and entertainment that come from households that are not as fortunate as others!
It is such a problem when people do not deliver their issues the right way. I go through that. Being so angry people don't hear what I am saying. People need to listen to people especially when their upset and understand why.
She really was. I had the pleasure of meeting her and she was just as pretty as she was on the screen, and so very nice!! I also had the pleasure of meeting Michael before that and before his surgeries, and he was sooooi handsome and down to earth!! Rip Michael, continue to rest 💔😢💯🕊🕊🕊
I remember seeing somewhere, that Norman Lear stole the idea for the show, from a black man. It’s interesting how we condemn stereotypical shows, today, but praise shows like this, from decades ago. Outside of this and interviews with the cast, I’ve never heard ANYBODY say that they don’t like Good Times. And how good tv was, back then. I could imagine the show having an episode, where Thelma walks in, looks at her mom, eyes full of tears, and tells her that she’s pregnant. Followed by the gasp from the audience, cut to the canned applause, while the credits from over the paining. No music!
One thing that always gave me goosebumps was the intro to good times. “Easy credit rip offs” GOODTIMESSSS “hanging in the chow line” GOODTIMESSS like what? Those were not good times… but they knew how black people always make the best of their situation so they knew they would pull heart strings with this show.
My favorite character was Micheal in the earlier seasons. Michael was known for standing up for what he believes and is activation. I still like it character but not as much because in the later seasons he was known as a kid who was good in school and can sing
Great documentary. I think every show has a breakout star, and I think actors who have been acting for a long time should know this when they sighn on to do these programs.
13:26 John Amos was fine in that video clip!! I don't think he was jealous of Jimmy Walker. I still enjoy Good Times because of what it was to our culture, however; it should've had black writers. How'd they figure they know more about being black & black life more than black people? Norman Lear was a piece of work. 🙄
John Amos in my opinion still end up more successful because he stood up. JJ not so. Where was the movies or TV spin offs. Typed cast. He couldn't see the bigger picture just about that check the then and now. Thank you mother Ester and Baba Amos.
Janet’s age was in question. It was said that she was 29/30 when Good Times debuted. However, she was most likely 42 years old. The actress according to sources was married in 1950 and she would have been 6 years old upon marrying. The 1932 birth year would make more sense as she would have been 18 upon marrying. No disrespect to Ms. DuBois but she looked too mature to be 29/30 at the time. She birthed a child in 1951. That child died in 1987. I strongly believe that Janet made an adjustment to her age to keep herself more desirable when it comes to booking roles.
It was just roles ppl! Good Times was a good show. It told the story of a lot of black white, mexican& other families too. The Evans family just happened to be black. They always came out on top. Thats what mattered💞. Loved the show💞
Yes, this was A LOT of us back in the day. That's why we all loved it so much. We related to it ! But, after John Amos left the show I just couldn't watch it anymore. In my eyes, he made the show. He was the Ying to JJ's Yang ! And, he made Esther Rolle's character somewhat "likeable", I guess ? She wasn't a good actress and her trying to make her voice sound all soft & sweet, (like Michael Jackson did) just topped it all off ! 😬 And, James Amos genuinely cared about how the characters were being written. Esther Rolle was simply jealous of JJ's character overshadowing hers and him being the break out star.. And, no doubt,, was extremely jealous of John Amos's popularity with the fans.. ESPECIALLY when they fired him and their ratings plummeted !! 😅 She learned just WHO the people were tuning in to see and it dang sure wasn't her. Yes, it was initially HER SHOW. But, just like he said JJ couldn't 'carry a show'. Neither could Esther ! That show wouldn't have been picked up for more than 1 season if John Amos hadn't been in the cast. Point, blank, period ! Truth is, they all had their roll to play and it wouldn't have been Good Times without each and every one of them. As much as I love and respect Mr. John Amos, I do agree with Jimmy Walker when he said that "they ( John & Esther) had a gift horse and looked it in the mouth." Gotta pick and choose your battles. Good Times was a SITCOM. NOT SHAKESPEARE !
Maude was a good sitcom and so was All In The Family. Donny Hathaway sang the Maude theme song. TV shows in the 70's were 🔥, unfiltered and so not politically correct. They said everything very loosely and no one batted an eye and neither was anyone cancelled.
No James was NOT jealous, he even decided to go on with the show after the writers said no to his ideas. What a lot of people don't know was James did not leave on his own will, they wrote him out the show and fired him and killed his character. Before the show was aired on t.v. Norman Lear was going to originally just have Florida and the children, Florida was supposed to be a single mother and unmarried. Esther Rolle (Florida Evans) did NOT want that, she wanted her children to have a father and she wanted her character to be married, so they hired John Amos to play James Evans, who was previously on Maude as Henry Evans. In my opinion I believe they were looking for any little reason to get rid of John because they wanted Florida's character to originally be a struggling single mother and they eventually got what they wanted.
You're exactly right!! They wanted Florida to be husband-less all along. Very well said!
I met John Amos in the 70s at Peppermint Lounge in Newark, NJ. He told me they wrote him off the show because he complained about the lines they gave him. They wouldn't listen to his input. He is a very big man and his attitude was even bigger on the set. He was written out to get rid of him. He was very pissed about it.
They made that bafoon JJ the star. John Amos got sick of his ass!! Every cast member had a respectable role. But Norman Lear insisted on shining a light on JJ..as if he represented black men. Now they have Jimmie Walker in this Medicare commercial still being a clown.
@@banjo7776 🤣🤣🤣 you're spot on!! I died when you said the medicaid commercials because I see him in those and crack up 💯🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Please say it again 🗣💯💯❤‼️‼️
Salute to Mr. Amos for standing up for black folks especially in those time a real man 💯💯🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯
I’m glad you said it. Good times has always rubbed me the wrong way, even if they aren’t well off they didn’t have to be dirt poor, it was the 70s. And when I found out that white people were the ones writing it it felt like a minstrel show. It has always rubbed me the wrong way that they penned black people to be emotionally immature, poor and uneducated. I’m glad to know others saw the problem too!
Yes exactly 💯 and I noted in my comment that when they Finally were about to become successful, the show ended on that note so we never saw them living the good life....we had to use our imaginations......agreed!! 💯💯
Michale and Thelma was college students and JJ was a marketing executive. Problem is with all that that never made it out the ghetto.
@@andreamahogany4252 Yes they did. They moved out. And so did Willona. You all missed a lot of episodes.
@@robynmoore7847 The last episode they did.
I use to work in law enforcement and in my city this show was very real .The only thing ,is that there usually wasn't a father around , most of the fathers were hit and run men .
I love James because he wasn’t jealous at all he was just worried about the character that JJ was portraying and so was Esther Rolle! James will always be my favorite TV dad because he reminds me of my dad!!❤️😍🥰
Yessss❤️❤️❤️
He reminds me of my dad as well
I think they was insecure of JJ and some jealousy
Because we all know JJ was the star and the show all they had too do was work and go home this shows that black people have a hard time getting along if the issues are not solved
Why was she worried about JJ character just do your part we as fans was not worried what people might think about there roll and character
I think they got themselves a short career
John amos is the best Tv dad , he was Never jealous he wanted the family to thrive the producers wanted JJ to continue to shuck & jive while not spotlighting Michael or Thelma they both were going to school . Thats why they killed him off.
@Megan Branscomb Exactly.
THIIIIIIISSSSS!!!
I understand where John Amos was coming from. It wasn't jealousy, in my opinion. He just wanted the show to be at a certain standard, instead of going with the stereotypical content that people expected, aka "shuckin and jivin"
@@lynettepatrice2600 I agree
I remember Ja'Net saying that there were so many instances of offensive writing they had to remove from the show because she, Esther, and John were so vocal about it. I hate to see what this show would have been had none of these actors said a thing.
Loved this one!! I loved Good Times, but now looking back, they struggled so hard and then when they all were about to have a better life and money, they ended the show so we never got to see them in their new successful lives. I wish they had done a lot differently, but it still is an iconic show to this day. Great work, Sean!!! 💯🔥🔥🔥💙💎
I feel it was successful because it was relatable. The show was very stereotypical and controversial within the black community but it also blurred the lines of the “ghetto blacks” realizing that there are still black families with the father around and that’s what some of us black men needed to see because James was tough… none of us knew what was up behind the scenes
It's sad that a lot of black shows go through this. These writers will create black sitcoms and build up a black audience and once they establish a following they want to add unnecessary things to the show to become more "inclusive" like adding a white cast member, dumbing down the characters and even depict negative stereotypes of black people.
I agree, it's very sad smh.😩
Right!
💯💯💯💯
Yes it is sad but nothing new. I fault a lot of these black actors in Hollywood for that. Why didnt black actors band together and do something about it? Its slowly changing now. Way overdue. There's strength in numbers! If I'm going to be a part of something--- I'm going to make damn sure I got a nice piece of the pie!
Or. I won't be a part of it at all! I'd rather be blackballed from Hollywood than continue to be a buffoon for those ppl! Florida was college educated she never did play any really significant roles. Maids & minor roles. Things like that.
I'm just barely into the video, but I gotta tell you, SDW, I am so excited to see you're doing the 70s era!! I enjoy your videos so much! Very thorough and engaging from start to finish! So glad I subbed, I'm binging your earlier videos too! *hair flip* Thank you!😁🥰🤸🏽♀️💯👍🏽💕🙌🏽
Lynette, Completely agree with you miss lady. Sean is awesome.
Now I feel more validated in HATING that "Dynamite" insurance commercial!!!!🙄
Should have been called HARD TIMES!! INSTEAD OF GOOD TIMES....😆 🤣 😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💯
Right! Didn't see any!
Lmao 🤣🤣🤣
Ooh shiiiiit💀🤣🤣🤣🤣👏👏💯💯
UA-cam better stop playing me. I didn't get a notification I was just scrolling and seen Sean posted 😐
Rest In Peace ester roll such an beautiful soul 💝😍😍😍🕊 🕊🕊🕊🕊 🕊🕊🕊
After James died on the show, I was good on watching it then after. Who wants to feel sadden by just the mere thought of death on a family show that's made for laughs & 'Good Times'?! Real life can sometimes be sad enough as is. The writers decision on killing off James tragically was a no go👎🏾 I still till this day would love to have that painting. It's iconic🎨🖌️
Everytime me and my daughter be turning up to the intro I can't wait until u be like "unh hanhhhhh" that is my favorite part lollllll
Met John Amos in the 70s at the Peppermint Lounge...in Newark, NJ.. He is a BIG man . He told me they were threatened by his complaining about his lines n killed him off.. He said he'd tell them they didn't know how to write lines that a black man would say.Worse they wouldn't accept his input.....he was quite angry just talking about it.
Very Personable Man..He also frequented the Peppermint in Orange..Always made time to talk to his Fans
Overall, a great piece! I grew up with Good Times and it's one of my ATF shows (own the series on VHS and DVD). There was some light at the end of tunnel that was not mentioned here. On the last season, JJ did start his own business; "Dynomite Greeting Card Company" and although it failed, he ended up becoming an Art Director for a company. For the character of JJ, it was like he grew from a immature kid to somewhat a mature adult with this. Keith went to rehab for his knee injury and ending up playing football again. Also, when it was encouraged for Florida to go school, James was against it, but at the end of that episode he came back with two book bags saying he was going to school also, but that direction was not continued by the writers (probably because they knew James would be written off). They all ended up moving out of the projects to an apartment with Wilona moving next to them as well at the end. I saw Good Times as the ghetto/poor black family that could not catch a break where the Jeffersons were upscale and Sanford and Son poor, but not rock bottom like Good Times. There was a "class" mix on TV IMHO. Right after you had What's Happening which was like more lower middle class and Family Matters was like blue collar working middle class and Fresh Prince and Cosby wealthy. This progressed to black shows in the 90s showcasing successful college educated blacks; starting with a Different World, to shows like Living Single and Martin. BUT, it all started with shows like Good Times. Good Times did pave the way for more shows that portrayed blacks in better light and in non-stereotypical roles.
41:38 did anybody else notice in the picture that JJ was behind James sticking out his tongue! 😂
Esther Rolled was so beautiful and talented
LIE!
@@deh7712 Nope, It's The Truth
I was waiting for you to spotlight Good Times. I’ve always loved it.
Once again Sean, I have to let you know how much I look forward to your documentaries. The good Lord has truly blessed you with such a creative talent. Thank you for sharing it with us all. 😊💕
Yes come through with the 70’s shows!!!! And Good times too?? I never clicked so fast!
JJ knew when to be serious and can be a serious actor. Although he was a comedian he had character wisdom and talent.
I used to watch good time when I was a child and then as I got older watching it I started calling IT,BAD TIMES. I couldn't wait for it to come on I l would be happy then as I would watch it I would become depressed.😭
Me too. When I get older I got offending and started yelling at the tv. Just can't watch anymore.
Sean, I will NEVER understand how you consistently release these kinds of videos. You’re the best channel on UA-cam! You’re going far, thanks for your efforts in teaching and entertaining us
I love the #Siurviving series, Sean! Keep 'em coming, boo! ❤❤❤
John Amos left good times because he didn't like the fact that his character played a broke out of work husband and father but like everybody told him that's what the whole show was about is making a way,out of nothing, temporary layoffs standing in chow lines, he said that's the biggest regret of his life was leaving the show Good times ⁉️ 🙏🏾💫⭐❤️👍👍
This was stellar! Applause!!
Personally, I was never a huge fan of the show because of how they portrayed the black family. I’ve seen some episodes, it was entertaining for a while then it’s like can’t they just do better? Like you said. They never caught a break
Let’s not forget the episode where they had one of Willona‘s exes SAed Thelma and then the next episode was after if he didn’t even exist
Oh yes!! I had forgotten that episode but you're right, he just disappeared, they never followed up on that! 💯
Ya I was like 🙄
They followed up on it willona dumped Ray.
@@andreamahogany4252 Ohhhhh ok thanks cause I was wondering lol
@@andreamahogany4252 that was the same episode
Love You Sean !!!!!!Great Content once again you never disappoint
I love Good Times. I was born in ‘03 but I grew up on it along with me and sisters
Learning that John was fired for standing up
For hisself and then me experiencing being fired for advocating for myself makes him that much more of a boss
I LOVE THIS! I learned so much especially about their off stage dynamics.. Thank You Sean!
One thing about the show is that they did things as a family, such as talent shows which were hilarious to watch. That was something today's families know nothing about. Shute, today's families rarely eat dinner together.
So, John Amos and Esther Rolle NEVER spoke a single word to JJ off screen ? Never ? 🤔
That sounds more like jealousy than fighting for the how their characters were being written !
If they had a problem with how the show was being written THEY should've quit ! Not made JJ an outcast. Pretty damn cruel if you ask me. They both needed to be reminded that this was a SITCOM
NOT SHAKESPEARE !!
Well said!
Amen, this is the truth!
This first time seeing your videos you are doing a Great Job my Brotha I support your content 💯💯💯🔥🔥👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
These are so cool, i learn so much about black entertainment and history watching these SDW these are excellent and well DONE 😍😘👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Burn Adette 🤣 Great video. U do good research and are very articulate
🌳🌳👙💋⚔️⚔️ Love this Series Sean!! I Salute Florida & James for standing up on their Integrity!!! Grew up watching this show, funny how you get older & look back at the way our people were portrayed back then
Yesssss exactly!! I never thought of it then, but today I realize they truly made the characters buffoons in their own way....funny how time let's us see the truth of the matter 💯💯
@@pambeforethestorm9784 Right, had'em screaming every time they would enter the house, just crazy how you look back and see what was up.
@@a.christian9647 Exactly 💯 smh...it's embarrassing looking back now to say the least....
Sean I am so glad I saw this a scrolling through UA-cam. They did not notify me. I do rem one episode in which James and Florida both went to school. Florida was going to drop out because it displeased James. However he brought two back packs to go to school with her. I also seen the scene where Thelma talked to Henrietta about pregnancy. JJ was thinking bout marrying her. However Thelma was happy she was not pregnant and Henrietta said she couldn't marry JJ. I also rem one scene in which JJ couldn't date a girl because he didn't have money. The girl family came from the same area but work their way out and the dad didn't want to have that for her. James stood up and told the man he forget where he came from n kicked him out his house. This film you did explains why Thelma always scream out JJ only think about himself. I love how Florida and James voice held weight to allow the show to be a success it was as well as taught morales and values. God bless you all. 💖🙏🏾I never knew that why James was off the show. Too many chiefs not enough Indians I guess . I am glad James and the director made up and he has a say in the upcoming work on the show.
This is an excellent documentary. I like the way you mix the facts with your own critical thoughts and views. It’s like listening to a trusted friend give a history lesson. Excellent work😍
Great commentary I love it🖤👑💎☝🏽
Great commentary. I watched it as a kid and have seen reruns fairly recently. I thought at the end, they all made it after the struggles and hardship. Michael is in college and moves on campus. Willona becomes head buyer at the boutique. Florida had been a bus driver and went back to school and at the end decides to live with Thelma to help raise her grandchild. JJ gets a job at a comic book company. Thelma's husband gets a NFL contract and they all move out together even as neighbors.
On the sitcom Maude, John Amos went by the name Henry Evans, but on Good Times they changed his name to James Evans but the name Henry Evans would be giving to James long lost father who was played by actor Richard Ward.
John need a movie Abt his life and journey in acting for good times and so on forreal I'd def watch
Me too.
Hey Sean, I'm a new subscriber, love your content, your articulation is amazingly incredible and hypnotic, keep injecting us with the knowledge,
My brother 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💖
Thank you for doing this series#Surviving. My mother refuse to watch Good Times to this day and she is in her 60's. She has always said this is White America's version of a black family. While I truly enjoy James Amos acting he clearly didnt care for black women all of his wives or wife was white so what did he stand for? Rest In Power Black Queen. Also surviving Norman Lear
Crazy, ain't it. Same thing with the guy that played kunta, Apollo creed, forgot his real name, etc. Crazy about all these dark skinned men.
@SeanDavieWay you are legendary Already cause this is the best television I have watched in a long time.. You are on your way up..Glad I got in at the jump😁
Great Job #SeanDavieWay 👍🏾. There was an old PBS documentary about black TV ( it should be showing now , since it's Black history month). Esther Rolle said EVERYTHING you said about the show. You are spot on 👏🏾👏🏾
Great video as always Sean 😊
This was great !! ♥️♥️
BRAVO 👏 I ENJOYED I TOTALLY CONCURR WITH YOU ABOUT EVERYTHING
Comparing good times and family matters Florida’s the spin-off character from Maude and Harriet was the spin-off character from perfect strangers. Things decreased after them because they were the whole reason
I thoroughly enjoyed this review
In the video, you mentioned twice that Esther Rolle died at 72 in 1998. She was actually 78 when she died 9 days after her birthday. November 2, 1920------ November 17, 1998
Very interesting and I really enjoyed it!
The only people that didn't complain was the bernetta and Michael and JJ
I always thought JJ was extremely Uglee tho. Sorry😳.This was a good one. Thanks.
This should (will) be pretty interesting. 🕵🏾♀️
I just thought about it when you got to talking about JJ and Family Matters did the exact same thing Good Times did. They both spun off a black female character from another show that started out trying to show real representation of black families and then they both changed to be more silly with the more comedic character of both shows taking over with the storylines. Just like Estelle leaving for a season that's why the original actress of Harriet left Family Matters for the exact same reasons
I agree with the majority of the commentary about the show. I grew up exactly 12 mi from Cabrini Green homes and times were like that. The grocery stores had aisle where food was in all while packages with black letters with the product name like rice, chips, beans etc etc and we all were on government cheese, butter & milk. People were out of work then men had to get work any way they could. There was an episode where Florida forbid James to got shoot pool for money to pay the rent that was reality my father shot pool for money & I would go buy cigarettes for the hustlers in the pool hall from the cigarette machine (The Color of Money movie). The goons Sweet Daddy had with him that was going on then and the episode when JJ moved out and living with drug dealers and the cops bust the place that was happening as well in Da Chi. I know we all get in our feelings about the way they depicted the characters but the first three seasons was kinda spot on. I lived that life & we all in Da Chi was happy when it came on tv we saw our lives for better or worse but in the end they were GOOD TIMES.
Thelma was so fine it was ridiculous
GOOD TIMES WAS REALLY HARD TIMES IN REALITY
SEAN Boo look When you come in Please bring it ALL. We know that when you come on you have to get into character to bring us the FLIP. Don’t let ANYONE make you feel some type of way because of their opinion. You have come through a struggle and now someone has something to say. Get Yours BooBoo and continue to EVOLVE. MUCH LOVE & MANY BLESSINGS
Esther Rolle wasn't 25 years older than Ja'nette Dubois. Dubois was born in 1932 and had a grown daughter back in the 70s.
Sean between you and Ti said what ti said, and one other one are the top 1,2,3 when it comes to these old histories. Your the best though!!!!!!
I don’t think he was jealous I just dint think he agreed with the was the writing was going…. Great video as always
That show should have been called hard times. They never had any good fortune for the entire life of the show
Wow, am just like WOW
Thank John for standing up, JJ really
Great story line
Jimmy JJ was typecast.
When they took James out of the show was to emphasis The single black mother agenda......Despite he never had a good job or made alot of money he still had the respect of his family and held them together...which was looked at as maintaining respect and power in the community and went directly against the division between the black man and the black woman.....ohhh no u can't have that! That would have caused YT to lose control of that community...keep in mind the put out the Cosby show but the majority of blacks couldn't really relate or identity with that show because it was based on professional parents ....but when two people can love each other but hardly having anything THAT IS WHERE THE REAL MAJOR POWER IN OUR COMMUNITY LIES!!!!! And to keep it real , you have more love and entertainment that come from households that are not as fortunate as others!
💯
Eric Monte left ``Good Times'' at the end of the second season to work on ``Cooley High.''
It is such a problem when people do not deliver their issues the right way. I go through that. Being so angry people don't hear what I am saying. People need to listen to people especially when their upset and understand why.
Janet Jackson was so beautiful
She really was. I had the pleasure of meeting her and she was just as pretty as she was on the screen, and so very nice!! I also had the pleasure of meeting Michael before that and before his surgeries, and he was sooooi handsome and down to earth!! Rip Michael, continue to rest 💔😢💯🕊🕊🕊
Liar!@@pambeforethestorm9784
JOHN AMOS JUST HAD AN EGO!!!!
I remember seeing somewhere, that Norman Lear stole the idea for the show, from a black man. It’s interesting how we condemn stereotypical shows, today, but praise shows like this, from decades ago. Outside of this and interviews with the cast, I’ve never heard ANYBODY say that they don’t like Good Times. And how good tv was, back then.
I could imagine the show having an episode, where Thelma walks in, looks at her mom, eyes full of tears, and tells her that she’s pregnant. Followed by the gasp from the audience, cut to the canned applause, while the credits from over the paining. No music!
One thing that always gave me goosebumps was the intro to good times. “Easy credit rip offs” GOODTIMESSSS “hanging in the chow line” GOODTIMESSS like what? Those were not good times… but they knew how black people always make the best of their situation so they knew they would pull heart strings with this show.
There was no chow line! It's hangin' and a jivin'.
Ive always wondered if John and Esther refuse to do the "VD" episode .. that was one of the only episodes they weren't in
That episode literally made me sick to my stomach. It hit below the belt. I hated that episode.
Bootny Farnsworth
I used to enjoy watching this show.🙂❤️
Good review and comments
My favorite character was Micheal in the earlier seasons. Michael was known for standing up for what he believes and is activation. I still like it character but not as much because in the later seasons he was known as a kid who was good in school and can sing
I know this will be good. I'm sitting here in absolute pain (stomach issues) so thank you for this. It will take my mind off of it for a little while.
Praying that you feel better soon, and I mean that sincerely.....I can't imagine your pain but I pray it gets better 🙏🏾❤🙏🏾❤🙏🏾❤👑
🙏🏽
Great documentary. I think every show has a breakout star, and I think actors who have been acting for a long time should know this when they sighn on to do these programs.
Can you Different Strokes and facts of life Sean ?
Most projects won't give a 2bedroom to a family withv4 kids
13:26 John Amos was fine in that video clip!! I don't think he was jealous of Jimmy Walker. I still enjoy Good Times because of what it was to our culture, however; it should've had black writers. How'd they figure they know more about being black & black life more than black people? Norman Lear was a piece of work. 🙄
Remember he created All in the Family, with that racist Archie Bunker as well.
Ikr 🙄🤡🤡🤡
Jimmie helped write it from his life growing up in the ghetto.
Jimmie walker everybody's lines on good times at the time. Could tell that he is a writer also.
He was.
John Amos in my opinion still end up more successful because he stood up. JJ not so. Where was the movies or TV spin offs. Typed cast. He couldn't see the bigger picture just about that check the then and now. Thank you mother Ester and Baba Amos.
Ohhhh Sean I loved this my bf and I was amazed great job Keep them coming
Janet’s age was in question. It was said that she was 29/30 when Good Times debuted. However, she was most likely 42 years old. The actress according to sources was married in 1950 and she would have been 6 years old upon marrying. The 1932 birth year would make more sense as she would have been 18 upon marrying. No disrespect to Ms. DuBois but she looked too mature to be 29/30 at the time. She birthed a child in 1951. That child died in 1987. I strongly believe that Janet made an adjustment to her age to keep herself more desirable when it comes to booking roles.
Do All in the family sometime & cheers. I would watch that if it comes out.
they always going to feel a certain way about black ppl so why not get paid for it im with JJ.
Esther rolles wasn't fired like John Amos rolles walker away.
Rolle, not rolles.
I Love Theodore Wilson That Played Sweet Daddy Williams
John Amos was very handsome and aged gracefully.... Jj always looked old for his age🥴🥴🥴
It was just roles ppl! Good Times was a good show. It told the story of a lot of black white, mexican& other families too. The Evans family just happened to be black. They always came out on top. Thats what mattered💞. Loved the show💞
Yes, this was A LOT of us back in the day. That's why we all loved it so much. We related to it ! But, after John Amos left the show I just couldn't watch it anymore. In my eyes, he made the show. He was the Ying to JJ's Yang !
And, he made Esther Rolle's character somewhat "likeable", I guess ?
She wasn't a good actress and her trying to make her voice sound all soft & sweet, (like Michael Jackson did) just topped it all off ! 😬
And, James Amos genuinely cared about how the characters were being written. Esther Rolle was simply jealous of JJ's character overshadowing hers and him being the break out star.. And, no doubt,, was extremely jealous of John Amos's popularity with the fans.. ESPECIALLY when they fired him and their ratings plummeted !! 😅
She learned just WHO the people were tuning in to see and it dang sure wasn't her. Yes, it was initially HER SHOW. But, just like he said JJ couldn't 'carry a show'. Neither could Esther ! That show wouldn't have been picked up for more than 1 season if John Amos hadn't been in the cast. Point, blank, period ! Truth is, they all had their roll to play and it wouldn't have been Good Times without each and every one of them. As much as I love and respect Mr. John Amos, I do agree with Jimmy Walker when he said that "they ( John & Esther) had a gift horse and looked it in the mouth."
Gotta pick and choose your battles. Good Times was a SITCOM.
NOT SHAKESPEARE !
I love your videos
Maude was a good sitcom and so was All In The Family. Donny Hathaway sang the Maude theme song. TV shows in the 70's were 🔥, unfiltered and so not politically correct. They said everything very loosely and no one batted an eye and neither was anyone cancelled.
This sounds better than other video telling this story
Great work bro