Netflix Reportedly Cancels The Controversial ‘Good Times’ Animated Series After Only Season 1

 

Netflix has decided to cancel its animated revival of a classic sitcom after only season one, following significant backlash from viewers and critics alike. The series, titled “Good Times: Black Again,” aimed to revive the beloved 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” but it faced immediate criticism upon its release.

While the show briefly landed in Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 during its premiere window, viewership ultimately didn’t reach renewal thresholds, earning 3.3 million views in the first half of 2024 and an additional 2.1 million views through mid-2025, per the outlet.

The voice cast included J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jay Pharoah, Tisha Campbell, Wanda Sykes and more.

Reception to the revival was polarized. Many viewers noted the show’s reliance on exaggerated portrayals of Black life, a major shift from the legacy of the original series, which was celebrated for its mix of humor, humanity, and social commentary.

It was gathered that while the animated series attempted to update the original concept, it ultimately leaned into “negative stereotypes and outdated tropes,” falling short of capturing the depth and heart of its predecessor.

Members of the original cast also responded. The late John Amos expressed doubt that an animated revival could match the emotional resonance of the Norman Lear classic, saying the bar was “set pretty high.” BernNadette Stanis noted that using the Good Times name without the original characters or tone would lead audiences to expect something the revival never intended to deliver.

Writer-producer Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite) also revealed that he left the project early due to creative differences.

While the original “Good Times” was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of numerous societal issues, including racism and poverty, the revival was met with accusations of perpetuating lazy stereotypes, particularly regarding Black life. This disconnect led to considerable disappointment among fans of the original show, which had garnered a loyal following and received multiple accolades during its airing.

In response to the problematic representation in the revival, numerous civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and CEMOTAP, publicly condemned the show. Online criticism grew louder, culminating in organized boycotts against Netflix. Critics noted that the revival failed to capture the complexity and depth that defined the original series, struggling instead with superficial storytelling.

The cancellation of “Good Times: Black Again” after just one season highlights the challenges of reviving classic content in contemporary society, particularly when it comes to sensitive cultural narratives. As Netflix shifts its focus, many hope that the heightened scrutiny of this project will redirect viewers’ attention back to the original “Good Times,” encouraging new generations to engage with the show’s rich legacy.

With the end of this revival, fans and stakeholders are left wondering about the future of the “Good Times” brand and what implications this cancellation could have for similar projects on the platform. More updates are anticipated as Netflix continues to navigate its library of original content and respond to audience feedback.