Netflix's
Netflix’s Animated 'Good Times' Reboot Misses the Mark
Introduction Netflix recently released an animated series called "Good Times," which stirred up controversy on social media. The show faced criticism even before it premiered, highlighting the challenges of reviving familiar titles without a clear purpose.
The Cast and Creators
- The series was created by Ranada Shepard and Carl Jones, with Seth MacFarlane ("Ted," "Family Guy") and NBA star Stephen Curry among the producers.
- Despite the involvement of notable figures like Norman Lear, known for successful reboots like "One Day at a Time," "Good Times" struggled to find its footing.
A Distant Connection
- While "Good Times" attempts to leverage the familiarity of its title, the connection to the original show feels weak.
- The shift to animation allows for wilder elements, but this results in excessive content, such as talking roaches and graphic violence, overshadowing any resemblance to the original.
Plot and Characters
- The series centers around Reggie Evans, voiced by JB Smoove, a cab driver raising a family in the projects, reminiscent of the original show.
- However, the addition of bizarre elements like a drug-dealing baby deviates significantly from the original premise.
Missed Opportunities
- Despite the potential for adult animation and exaggerated humor, "Good Times" fails to offer anything fresh or distinctive.
- Episodes featuring Elon Musk and tired superhero spoofs further distance the show from its roots, raising questions about its relevance.
Reflections on the Original
- The original "Good Times" broke ground in the 1970s by portraying a two-parent Black family, reflecting Norman Lear's influence as a producer.
- The TV landscape has evolved since then, but successful reboots must balance nostalgia with innovation, a balance "Good Times" fails to achieve.
Conclusion Netflix's "Good Times" reboot falls short of expectations, lacking both a meaningful connection to the original and fresh ideas to stand on its own. Despite attempts to capture the spirit of the original, the series struggles to make a significant impact.
Source
- "Good Times" is streaming now on Netflix.
