Fifty years ago, “Good Times” became the first sitcom to depict a two-parent Black American family. Now, Netflix is debuting a present-day animated reboot chronicling the Evanses two generations after the original. Set in Chicago’s Cabrini Green projects in the same apartment from the 1970s dramedy, the series follows Reggie (J.B. Smoove), his wife Beverly (Yvette Nicole Brown) and their children, Junior (Jay Pharoah), Grey (Marsai Martin) and Dalvin (Slink Johnson). Black people aren’t a monolith, and respectability politics certainly aren’t the answer to racism, sexism, bigotry and homophobia. Yet it’s puzzling that this mind-numbing series is how creator Ranada Shepard is paying homage to such a classic show while trying to speak to 21st-century Black people. It’s also very clear why Netflix decided against sending out screeners for review.
In the season opener, “Meet the Evans of New,” we learn about the new occupants of apartment 17C.
In the season opener, “Meet the Evans of New,” we learn about the new occupants of apartment 17C.
- 4/12/2024
- by Aramide Tinubu
- Variety Film + TV
The legacy of Good Times continues 50 years on, as Netflix rolls out an animated reboot of the series on April 12.
The original CBS sitcom, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by Norman Lear, offered a heartfelt focus on a working-class Black family and starred Esther Rolle as Florida Evans and John Amos as husband James, who were raising three kids in a Chicago public housing project. Rolle and Amos originated their characters on Maude, a spinoff of Lear’s seminal comedy All in the Family.
BernNadette Stanis, who was a teen when she landed her first-ever role as middle child Thelma, tells The Hollywood Reporter that Lear let her improvise audition lines with Jimmie Walker, who was already cast as older bro J.J. “I started in on Jimmie just like I would treat my real brothers,” says Stanis, who recalls stunning Walker when she playfully smacked his shoulder.
The original CBS sitcom, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by Norman Lear, offered a heartfelt focus on a working-class Black family and starred Esther Rolle as Florida Evans and John Amos as husband James, who were raising three kids in a Chicago public housing project. Rolle and Amos originated their characters on Maude, a spinoff of Lear’s seminal comedy All in the Family.
BernNadette Stanis, who was a teen when she landed her first-ever role as middle child Thelma, tells The Hollywood Reporter that Lear let her improvise audition lines with Jimmie Walker, who was already cast as older bro J.J. “I started in on Jimmie just like I would treat my real brothers,” says Stanis, who recalls stunning Walker when she playfully smacked his shoulder.
- 4/11/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The first trailer for Netflix’s animated reboot of the iconic ’70s sitcom Good Times was released last week, and the reaction has been… let’s say, mixed.
The original Norman Lear sitcom ran for six seasons from 1974 to 1979 and earned praise for its portrayal of a working-class Black family. The animated reboot follows a new generation of the Evans family as they keep their heads above water in a Chicago housing project, but the tone of the trailer, complete with a drug-dealing baby, didn’t exactly rub fans the right way.
While speaking with THR, original Good Times stars John Amos (James Evans) and BernNadette Stanis (Thelma) shared their thoughts on the trailer. Both actors made it clear that they aren’t ready to pass judgment until they’re able to see full episodes. “I really can’t form an opinion, as I’ve not seen any of the episodes yet,...
The original Norman Lear sitcom ran for six seasons from 1974 to 1979 and earned praise for its portrayal of a working-class Black family. The animated reboot follows a new generation of the Evans family as they keep their heads above water in a Chicago housing project, but the tone of the trailer, complete with a drug-dealing baby, didn’t exactly rub fans the right way.
While speaking with THR, original Good Times stars John Amos (James Evans) and BernNadette Stanis (Thelma) shared their thoughts on the trailer. Both actors made it clear that they aren’t ready to pass judgment until they’re able to see full episodes. “I really can’t form an opinion, as I’ve not seen any of the episodes yet,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Stars of the original Good Times are weighing in after the trailer for Netflix’s forthcoming animated reboot led some fans to question whether the new project will indeed be “dynomite.”
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year after premiering in February 1974, Good Times focused on the Chicago-based Evans family, with the Norman Lear-produced series running for six seasons and earning praise for its realistic portrayal of a working-class Black family. After the first promo debuted last week for Netflix’s animated exploration of the Evans family’s current generation, plenty of social media users expressed surprise that the new series — which appears to double down on stereotypes with such elements as a drug-dealing infant — didn’t highlight the positive themes from the initial show.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke to original Good Times castmembers John Amos, who portrayed patriarch James Evans on the first three seasons, and BernNadette Stanis — known for playing Thelma,...
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year after premiering in February 1974, Good Times focused on the Chicago-based Evans family, with the Norman Lear-produced series running for six seasons and earning praise for its realistic portrayal of a working-class Black family. After the first promo debuted last week for Netflix’s animated exploration of the Evans family’s current generation, plenty of social media users expressed surprise that the new series — which appears to double down on stereotypes with such elements as a drug-dealing infant — didn’t highlight the positive themes from the initial show.
The Hollywood Reporter spoke to original Good Times castmembers John Amos, who portrayed patriarch James Evans on the first three seasons, and BernNadette Stanis — known for playing Thelma,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A remake of the 1991 Christina Applegate cult classic Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (watch it Here) is coming our way as a BET+ Original Film – and Iconic Events Releasing has announced that they will be giving the film a theatrical release on April 12th. We got to see a teaser trailer for the film last month, and now a full trailer has arrived online. You can check it out in the embed above. If you like what you see, head over to DontTellMomFilm.com to purchase tickets to see the movie on the big screen!
Directed by Wade Allain-Marcus (French Dirty) from a script by Emmy-nominated writer Chuck Hayward, whose credits include Ted Lasso and WandaVision, this remake has the following synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Tanya Crandell can’t wait to spend the summer living it up with her friends in Spain before heading to Howard University in the fall. But...
Directed by Wade Allain-Marcus (French Dirty) from a script by Emmy-nominated writer Chuck Hayward, whose credits include Ted Lasso and WandaVision, this remake has the following synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Tanya Crandell can’t wait to spend the summer living it up with her friends in Spain before heading to Howard University in the fall. But...
- 3/26/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Were you as impressed as we were when Clock raised her voice in song for the first time on “The Masked Singer”? She wowed us with her flawless cover of “Piano Man” on the March 20 episode. And she won over the judges with her diction and delivery of this Billy Joel classic.
Overnight, we’ve rewatched that performance by Clock and her clues package. Forget those guesses by the judges that Dandelion is Anita Baker, Evelyn “Champagne” King or Diana Ross We are sure we know Clock’s true identity. Keep reading as we have all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the answer to the question, “Who is Clock?”
We were convinced that Clock is disco diva Thelma Houston. Don’t believe us? Besides the fact that the Clock sounds just like her, consider how so many of the clues fit in with the life of Thelma Houston.
Just like Clock,...
Overnight, we’ve rewatched that performance by Clock and her clues package. Forget those guesses by the judges that Dandelion is Anita Baker, Evelyn “Champagne” King or Diana Ross We are sure we know Clock’s true identity. Keep reading as we have all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the answer to the question, “Who is Clock?”
We were convinced that Clock is disco diva Thelma Houston. Don’t believe us? Besides the fact that the Clock sounds just like her, consider how so many of the clues fit in with the life of Thelma Houston.
Just like Clock,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
In an exclusive uInterview, Fred Hechinger and Clark Gregg discuss working with June Squibb and the late Richard Roundtree in their new film, Thelma.
Thelma follows an aging widow of the same name who spends most of her time tending to her 20-something grandson, Daniel, played by Hechinger. When she receives a call from a scammer pretending to be Daniel, Thelma sends $10,000 in cash to a nearby P.O. box and embarks on an action-packed journey to retrieve her money.
Hechinger said that working with Squibb on the project was “incredible.”
“She’s the best, just the top of the top, not only one of the greatest partners in scene work but also just a great friend,” he told uInterview founder Erik Meers.
“We just came from a screening where we could tell that the audience was really connected with the film,” Gregg said. “I think the reason that’s happening is,...
Thelma follows an aging widow of the same name who spends most of her time tending to her 20-something grandson, Daniel, played by Hechinger. When she receives a call from a scammer pretending to be Daniel, Thelma sends $10,000 in cash to a nearby P.O. box and embarks on an action-packed journey to retrieve her money.
Hechinger said that working with Squibb on the project was “incredible.”
“She’s the best, just the top of the top, not only one of the greatest partners in scene work but also just a great friend,” he told uInterview founder Erik Meers.
“We just came from a screening where we could tell that the audience was really connected with the film,” Gregg said. “I think the reason that’s happening is,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Ava Lombardi
- Uinterview
"This summer - action has a new name." Magnolia Pictures has unveiled a very short teaser trailer for the Sundance 2024 hit film Thelma, from writer / director Josh Margolin. The film didn't win any awards, but it did win over the hearts of many Sundance viewers as one of the best of the fest. Inspired by a real-life experience of Margolin's own grandmother, Thelma puts a clever spin on movies like Mission: Impossible, shining the spotlight on an elderly grandmother as an unlikely action hero. Yes, she kicks some serious ass. With infectious humor, Margolin employs the familiar tropes of the action genre in hilarious, age-appropriate ways to tackle aging with agency. In the first leading film role of her 70-year career, June Squibb portrays the strong-willed Thelma with grit and determination, demonstrating that she is more than capable of taking care of business. In addition to Squibb kicking butt as Thelma,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
There’s a new action hero in Hollywood and her name is June Squibb! At 94 years young, the Oscar-nominated actress (“Nebraska”) stars in “Thelma,” an action comedy about Thelma Post, a 93-year-old woman who gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. Fueled with rage, Thelma sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. Watch the first teaser trailer below.
“Thelma” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024 and was quickly scooped up by Magnolia Pictures. Squibb’s co-stars include Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg and Malcolm McDowell. The feature directorial debut of Josh Margolin, “Thelma” is a poignant action-comedy that gives Squibb her first leading role and features Roundtree’s final performance.
See Celebrity Deaths 2024: In Memoriam Gallery
Inspired by a real-life experience of Margolin’s own grandmother, “Thelma” puts a clever spin on movies like “Mission: Impossible,...
“Thelma” premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024 and was quickly scooped up by Magnolia Pictures. Squibb’s co-stars include Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg and Malcolm McDowell. The feature directorial debut of Josh Margolin, “Thelma” is a poignant action-comedy that gives Squibb her first leading role and features Roundtree’s final performance.
See Celebrity Deaths 2024: In Memoriam Gallery
Inspired by a real-life experience of Margolin’s own grandmother, “Thelma” puts a clever spin on movies like “Mission: Impossible,...
- 3/5/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: At 94 years old, June Squibb may not be the most conventional of action heroes. But by gum, she’s the one we need. The Nebraska Oscar nominee is poised to save the summer with Thelma, the nonagenarian action comedy marking the first feature of writer-director Josh Margolin, which Magnolia Pictures has set for a wide release in North America on June 21.
Check out a new clip, teasing the film’s theatrical debut, above.
Marking the first lead film role of Squibb’s accomplished 70+ year career, Thelma is based on a real-life experience of Margolin’s grandmother, Thelma Post, and world premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance, where Magnolia landed rights in a competitive situation. In the film, the 93-year-old Thelma (Squibb) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, then setting out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.
Check out a new clip, teasing the film’s theatrical debut, above.
Marking the first lead film role of Squibb’s accomplished 70+ year career, Thelma is based on a real-life experience of Margolin’s grandmother, Thelma Post, and world premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance, where Magnolia landed rights in a competitive situation. In the film, the 93-year-old Thelma (Squibb) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, then setting out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.
- 3/5/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Clockwise from top left: Thelma And Louise (MGM), Chicago (Miramax), The Handmaiden (Cj Entertainment), and Ocean’s 8 (Warner Bros.)Graphic: The A.V. Club
The trailers for the upcoming films Drive-Away Dolls (opening February 23) and Love Lies Bleeding (opening March 8) have us thinking about all the badass women who have...
The trailers for the upcoming films Drive-Away Dolls (opening February 23) and Love Lies Bleeding (opening March 8) have us thinking about all the badass women who have...
- 2/23/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
The death of Norman Lear at the age of 101 ended the reign of one of the most prolific television producers in the industry’s history. Lear was known for pushing viewers’ buttons in some of his most unforgettable television series, including All in the Family, Maude, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, and Good Times. Lear never shied away from tackling the tough topics. Here are 5 of Norman Lear’s most controversial TV episodes.
‘All in the Family’: Edith’s 50th Birthday
The two-part All in the Family episode titled “Edith’s 50th Birthday” was a dark look into Edith Bunker’s (Jean Stapelton) attempted rape. It was the first time a television sitcom dealt directly with the subject.
The season 8 episode centered on Edith’s milestone birthday. As her family was next door planning her birthday party, an attacker posing as a police detective entered her home.
‘All in the Family’: Edith’s 50th Birthday
The two-part All in the Family episode titled “Edith’s 50th Birthday” was a dark look into Edith Bunker’s (Jean Stapelton) attempted rape. It was the first time a television sitcom dealt directly with the subject.
The season 8 episode centered on Edith’s milestone birthday. As her family was next door planning her birthday party, an attacker posing as a police detective entered her home.
- 12/6/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Let’s be honest: We all knew Young Sheldon‘s Missy was going to be A-ok after she took the keys to George’s truck and hightailed it out of Medford.
During Thursday’s episode, Missy and troubled teen prodigy Paige (recurring guest star Mckenna Grace) hit the open road, Thelma & Louise-style. They made it five hours East before a cop pulled them over just outside Baton Rouge, La., and alerted George, Mary and Linda to come pick them up.
More from TVLineYoung Sheldon's Raegan Revord Reveals Real-Life Car Crash Preceded This Week's 'Incredibly Challenging' EpSurvivor's [Spoiler] Details Multiple Torn/Broken Body Parts,...
During Thursday’s episode, Missy and troubled teen prodigy Paige (recurring guest star Mckenna Grace) hit the open road, Thelma & Louise-style. They made it five hours East before a cop pulled them over just outside Baton Rouge, La., and alerted George, Mary and Linda to come pick them up.
More from TVLineYoung Sheldon's Raegan Revord Reveals Real-Life Car Crash Preceded This Week's 'Incredibly Challenging' EpSurvivor's [Spoiler] Details Multiple Torn/Broken Body Parts,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
When the weather outside is frightful, Prime Video's bringing something delightful — a whole slew of new movies and shows to enjoy from the comfort of your warm, comfy couch. Whether you're just enjoying a nice night in or you're hiding from visiting relatives, there's guaranteed to be something to entertain. The John Krasinski-starring "Tom Clancy: Jack Ryan" is back for a third season, if you're into spy-adventure shows, and there are also a whole bunch of movies coming to both Prime Video and their sister channel, FreeVee!
Check out the list below to see everything that's coming to Prime Video this December, and I've hand-picked five great finds in case you get overwhelmed or aren't sure what to watch!
Thelma & Louise
Few stories of female friendship have the cultural staying power of Ridley Scott's 1991 crime drama "Thelma & Louise," though that might have something to do with the movie's infamous ending.
Check out the list below to see everything that's coming to Prime Video this December, and I've hand-picked five great finds in case you get overwhelmed or aren't sure what to watch!
Thelma & Louise
Few stories of female friendship have the cultural staying power of Ridley Scott's 1991 crime drama "Thelma & Louise," though that might have something to do with the movie's infamous ending.
- 11/22/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
We finally have a premiere date for Vikings: Valhalla Season 2!
Netflix on Monday revealed the hit Vikings sequel is set to premiere on January 12, 2023.
The second season comprises eight new episodes. Showrunner and creator Jeb Stuart continues for the second season.
Returning Cast members include Sam Corlett (Leif Eriksson), Frida Gustavsson (Freydis Eriksdotter), Leo Suter (Harald Sigurdsson), Bradley Freegard (King Canute), and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Olaf Haraldsson).
Also returning is Laura Berlin (Emma of Normandy), David Oakes (Earl of Godwin), Pollyanna McIntosh (Queen Ælfgifu), and Soren Pilmark (Sweyn Forkbeard)
New cast members for Season 2 include Bradley James (Harekr), Hayat Kamille (Mariam), Marcin Dorocinski (King Yaroslav the Wise), and Sofya Lebedeva (Elena).
Set over a thousand years ago in the early 11th century, Vikings: Valhalla chronicles the heroic adventures of some of the most famous Vikings who ever lived — the legendary explorer Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), his fiery and headstrong sister...
Netflix on Monday revealed the hit Vikings sequel is set to premiere on January 12, 2023.
The second season comprises eight new episodes. Showrunner and creator Jeb Stuart continues for the second season.
Returning Cast members include Sam Corlett (Leif Eriksson), Frida Gustavsson (Freydis Eriksdotter), Leo Suter (Harald Sigurdsson), Bradley Freegard (King Canute), and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Olaf Haraldsson).
Also returning is Laura Berlin (Emma of Normandy), David Oakes (Earl of Godwin), Pollyanna McIntosh (Queen Ælfgifu), and Soren Pilmark (Sweyn Forkbeard)
New cast members for Season 2 include Bradley James (Harekr), Hayat Kamille (Mariam), Marcin Dorocinski (King Yaroslav the Wise), and Sofya Lebedeva (Elena).
Set over a thousand years ago in the early 11th century, Vikings: Valhalla chronicles the heroic adventures of some of the most famous Vikings who ever lived — the legendary explorer Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), his fiery and headstrong sister...
- 11/21/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
So maybe splitting up was the right direction to take all along.
Now that they could leave their confinement at Horse's mansion, Abigail and Adil, Scylla, and Tally took off on separate missions on Motherland: Fort Salem Season 3 Episode 6.
And, shockingly, no one came out worse for wear from their adventures.
It certainly helped the Bellweather Unit's cause that Thelma Bearkiller, their keeper from the Council of the Great River, came over to their side after battling Hearst and his Camarilla soldiers.
Thelma also proved to be a badass as a travel agent, lining up transportation for all three outings.
Abigail and Adil had the most crucial mission, getting a weakened Alder back to the mycelium hidden underneath Fort Salem.
They had to have had the most dangerous route crossing the eastern United States rife with Camarilla. It was good that they had Scylla to give the trio a map...
Now that they could leave their confinement at Horse's mansion, Abigail and Adil, Scylla, and Tally took off on separate missions on Motherland: Fort Salem Season 3 Episode 6.
And, shockingly, no one came out worse for wear from their adventures.
It certainly helped the Bellweather Unit's cause that Thelma Bearkiller, their keeper from the Council of the Great River, came over to their side after battling Hearst and his Camarilla soldiers.
Thelma also proved to be a badass as a travel agent, lining up transportation for all three outings.
Abigail and Adil had the most crucial mission, getting a weakened Alder back to the mycelium hidden underneath Fort Salem.
They had to have had the most dangerous route crossing the eastern United States rife with Camarilla. It was good that they had Scylla to give the trio a map...
- 7/27/2022
- by Dale McGarrigle
- TVfanatic
Long after the music faded out, she can still hear the hateful words. The year was 1969, and Linda Martell hoped to become one of country music’s breakthrough acts. She had a single on the charts, an album on the way, and the backing of a Nashville industry player. The next step was to play live, and her newly hired booking agent secured a gig in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to work out her stage show.
Martell had a warm smile, a stylish beehive, and a way with country phrasing, as heard on that hit single,...
Martell had a warm smile, a stylish beehive, and a way with country phrasing, as heard on that hit single,...
- 9/2/2020
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
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