Good Times is an American sitcom that originally aired from February 8, 1974, until August 1, 1979, on the CBS television network. It was created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, and developed by Norman Lear, the series' primary executive producer. Good Times is a spin-off of Maude, which is itself a spin-off of All in the Family along with The Jeffersons.
The series is set in Chicago. The first two seasons were taped at CBS Television City in Hollywood. In the fall of 1975, the show moved to Metromedia Square, where Norman Lear's own production company was housed.
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Best Episodes of Good Times
The Big Move (2)
S4 Ep2
8.4
29th Sep 1976
The death of James has J.J., Thelma and Michael overcome with grief and also leaves them wondering what is wrong with Florida, who hasn't cried once since she found out the news of James' death. During a get-together at the apartment after James' funeral, the kids plan to confront Florida, who is seen laughing and having a great time.
Florida's Night Out
S4 Ep11
8.1
15th Dec 1976
The kids feel Florida has been spending too much time alone and they decide to cancel their plans and spend an evening with her. But Florida surprises them all and goes out with Willona. Willona takes her to a local night spot where they have an exciting evening.
Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah
S2 Ep4
8.1
1st Oct 1974
Michael has the chance to be bused to a better school in a white neighborhood but he is determined to get out of it. Florida and James first hear about the opportunity when his principal arrives to question them about their responses on a busing questionnaire that Michael responded to and forged his parents names.
Too Old Blues
S1 Ep1
8.1
8th Feb 1974
James is all excited because he's sure he's going to get a high paying job. However, at the interview, he learns that he's too old to join the company's union. Meanwhile, Florida and the kids get ahead of themselves and throw a celebration party for James unaware that he was rejected.
Evans Versus Davis
S4 Ep6
8.1
27th Oct 1976
Alderman Davis makes a visit to the Evans' household wanting J.J. to speak at his re-election campaign. However, when J.J. refuses, an eviction notice is immediately handed to Florida.
The Evans Get Involved (1)
S5 Ep1
8.0
21st Sep 1977
When a young girl, Penny Gordon follows J.J. home, she quickly insinuates herself into the Evans household and makes up stories about her life, including forgetting to mention she has an abusive mother.
The Dinner Party
S2 Ep19
8.0
11th Feb 1975
An elderly resident of the projects appears to be living on pet food after Michael takes out her garbage. The Evans family's attempt to do something for her is complicated when she brings a meat loaf to dinner and the kids suspect it is made from dog food.
J.J. in Trouble
S3 Ep21
8.0
3rd Feb 1976
When the children are left at home for the weekend, J.J. receives bad news that he has given VD to an ex-girlfriend. This leads an embarrassed J.J. to debate on whether or not to visit a free clinic for treatment.
Sweet Daddy Williams
S3 Ep19
7.9
20th Jan 1976
J.J. has been commissioned by a number's runner, Sweet Daddy Williams, to paint the portrait of his girlfriend, Savannah. In return, J.J. will get his own art display.
The Evans Get Involved (2)
S5 Ep2
7.9
21st Sep 1977
Willona and the Evans children are convinced that Penny is being abused, but when Willona takes Penny to see a doctor about a broken arm, he refuses to believe she's being abused.
Rich is Better Than Poor . . . Maybe
S4 Ep10
7.9
8th Dec 1976
Some good luck strikes the family when J.J. wins a lottery. However, the luck doesn't last long, that is until, Thelma's friend Edna shows up with her sister both wielding pistols and demanding the winning money.
Black Jesus
S1 Ep2
7.9
15th Feb 1974
J.J.'s painting of a Black Jesus, becomes the family's good luck charm after a string of success hits each family member. However, Florida refuses to entertain the notion that the painting had anything to do with the recent string of ""good times"".
The Nude
S2 Ep16
7.9
14th Jan 1975
A woman aks J.J. to paint a nude portrait of her as a birthday gift for her husband. However, Florida has a hard time understanding why a woman would pose in the nude and why she has to pose in the Evans' apartment.
Willona's Dilemma
S3 Ep10
7.9
11th Nov 1975
When J.J. brings home Walter, a man from his art class, he hits it off with Willona. Despite the fact that he's deaf, him and Willona begin a relationship one that Willona thinks is headed for the alter.
J.J.'s Fiancee (2)
S3 Ep18
7.9
13th Jan 1976
On the night of her senior prom, Diana decides to run off to Indiana and elope with J.J. Meanwhile, back in Chicago, switched purses leads the Evans family to discover Diana's drug problem and her supplier.
Michael Gets Suspended
S1 Ep5
7.9
8th Mar 1974
Michael comes home from school early one day with the announcement that he has been suspended. This, after telling his teacher that George Washington was a racist. James and Florida become determined to prove to Michael that he's wrong.
The Big Move (1)
S4 Ep1
7.8
22nd Sep 1976
The family is getting ready to move to Mississippi which is where James has gotten a promising new job. However, the family is waiting for the right time to tell Bookman the news. Later, Willona throws a going-away party but the happiness is interrupted by heartbreaking news that James has been killed in a car accident.
The End of the Rainbow
S6 Ep24
7.8
1st Aug 1979
This final episode brings all too good news for the Evans family. J.J. gets an offer to a comic company, Keith's bad knee is miraculously healed and is offered another football contract, and Florida is asked if she wants to move in with Keith and Thelma in the fancy apartment building across town where Willona happens to be moving and just so happens to be her future next door neighbor.
Michael the Warlord
S4 Ep4
7.8
13th Oct 1976
Widespread violence has been running rampant in the neighborhood and a large part of it is due to the street gang, the Warlords. While Florida and some concerned citizens discuss the problem, Michael does his best to conceal a secret from his mother, he himself is a member of the gang.
The Family Gun
S3 Ep2
7.8
16th Sep 1975
James brings a gun home to protect his family.
Florida the Woman
S3 Ep22
7.8
17th Feb 1976
After a morning of being take granted for by her children and her husband, Florida decides to take her boss up on a lunch invitation. This eventually leads to a confrontation with a jealous James.
J.J.'s Fiancee (1)
S3 Ep17
7.8
6th Jan 1976
J.J. and his girlfriend, Diana, are getting serious and the topic of marriage comes up, something which both J.J. and Diana both want. However, both of their parents are totally against the notion. Meanwhile, Diana is secretly hiding a drug problem.
A Friend in Need
S4 Ep18
7.8
2nd Feb 1977
When Florida's away for the weekend, J.J., Thelma and Michael throw a wild party. However, it gets even wilder than they had dreamed of when one of the guests takes an overdose of pills and J.J. has to save his life.
The Family Tree
S3 Ep15
7.8
23rd Dec 1975
Thelma researches her family tree for a school project and discovers James's father is very much alive and living in the Chicago area. However, when James learns that Thelma has invited him as a surprise for his birthday, he refuses to see him.
The Evans Get Involved (3)
S5 Ep3
7.7
28th Sep 1977
Willona and the Evans kids are stunned to discover that Penny and her mother have moved. They are equally stunned when they discover Penny hiding the Evans apartment. Later, Penny's abusive mother abandons her leaving Willona to ponder adopting the battered youth.
The Check Up
S1 Ep12
7.7
3rd May 1974
Florida and the kids become concerned about James's health after reading an article in a magazine about hypertension. When he learns about their concerns, he goes through the roof and refuses to go in for a check up.
Willona's Surprise
S4 Ep17
7.7
26th Jan 1977
Willona gets a surprise for her birthday, a visit from her womanizing ex-husband, Ray. Ray does his best at convincing Willona that he's changed and she decides to try to start over with him. However, quickly his old ways surface and he begins making passes at Thelma.
The Encyclopedia Hustle
S2 Ep8
7.7
29th Oct 1974
An encyclopedia salesman is the last person James wants to see when he comes home from work. However, he softens when he learns the man is blind. This leads James to sign a contract and reads the fine print only after the man leaves.
Florida and Carl
S4 Ep20
7.7
23rd Feb 1977
A reluctant Florida agrees to go on a date with Carl. However, once at the restaurant, she gets into an argument with him ending with him walking out.
God's Business is Good Business
S1 Ep4
7.7
1st Mar 1974
An old friend of James, who is now a shady televangilist, stops by the Evans apartment and offers James a job that would pay $100 a day. James is set to take it, however, Florida is dead set against James accepting the job, believeing the job goes against his morals and values.
Operation Florida
S3 Ep3
7.7
23rd Sep 1975
Florida has had a pain in her side for the last two weeks but doesn't want to see a doctor out of fear of the cost. However, when James learns of her dilemma he decides to pay any cost for Florida's treatment, even after he learns she has to have a gallbladder operation.
The Witness
S6 Ep10
7.7
9th Dec 1978
J.J. could pay dearly for witnessing an auto accident.
Florida's Protest
S3 Ep11
7.7
25th Nov 1975
Florida and James become outraged when the kids get a touch of food poisoning after eating meat from the local supermarket. She organizes a group of concerned citizens and they boycott the market. The protest gets effective results, but not before Florida experiences her first trip to jail.
The Weekend
S3 Ep6
7.7
14th Oct 1975
A friend of James' gives him permission to use his cabin to celebrate his and Florida's 20th wedding anniversary. However, the trick is trying to get Florida to stop worrying about the kids.
The Mural
S3 Ep12
7.7
2nd Dec 1975
J.J. is commissioned by a bank to paint a mural and in return will receive $250 needed for Thelma's college education whom recently won a scholarship and found herself $200 short. However, the bank is reluctant to pay after seeing the finished product.
The Comedian and the Loan Sharks
S4 Ep13
7.6
5th Jan 1977
J.J. borrows money from a loan shark to back his talented new comedian. However, within days, two thugs come to collect their money, money that J.J. doesn't have.
The Politicians
S3 Ep9
7.6
4th Nov 1975
A feud erupts in the Evans' household when James and J.J. take the side of Alderman Fred Davis during his attempt at a re-election while Florida, Thelma and Willona take the side of his young opponent.
Penny's Christmas
S5 Ep12
7.6
21st Dec 1977
After getting her wallet stolen, Penny steals a necklace from a department store in a desperate attempt to try to get Willona a Christmas gift. However, Penny's attempts may lead to Willona losing custody of her.
J.J.'s New Career (1)
S4 Ep7
7.6
10th Nov 1976
After loosing his job, J.J. tries his best to find a job. However, when Bookman serves the Evans' family with an eviction notice due to late rent, J.J. decides to take a job offer from a couple of his shady friends. Meanwhile, Thelma contemplates dropping out of college to get a full time job and help the family out.
A Place to Die
S3 Ep16
7.6
30th Dec 1975
An elderly man that Michael befriended stops by the Evans' apartment just prior to the New Years celebration and knowing that he only has a little time left, decides that this would be the best place to pass on, surrounded by a loving family and friends.
Worst Episodes of Good Times
Cousin Raymond
S6 Ep23
6.6
Florida gets a surprise visit from her cousin, Raymond, who has hit it big and gives each member of the family an expensive gift. However, Florida is reluctant to accept her gift of an expensive three room apartment, when she learns just how Raymond makes his money.
The Boarder
S5 Ep18
6.6
6th Feb 1978
To pick up extra money for the rent, J.J. decides to take in a boarder. However, little does he know the man he takes in, is placed their by the police department for his protection.
Write On, Thelma
S5 Ep23
6.7
27th Mar 1978
Thelma has written a full length play and is ecstatic when it is chosen to be produced as the local theater's latest production. Thelma quickly realizes a few changes to her manuscript may be needed, but it soon feels like almost everything will need to be changed to please the theater owner.
I Had a Dream
S5 Ep17
6.8
30th Jan 1978
J.J. wants a promotion at work but a co-worker convinces him that the promotion will only go to a white man. This leads J.J. to have a crazy dream where he gets to experience being white.
Love Has a Spot on His Lung (1)
S4 Ep23
6.8
23rd Mar 1977
Florida and Carl's relationship has gotten quite serious and Carl breaks the news to J.J., Thelma and Michael that he's planning on proposing marriage to Florida. However, after a visit to his doctor, Carl decides to break off the relationship, since he's been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Willona, the Other Woman
S5 Ep20
6.8
27th Feb 1978
Bookman's strange behavior leads his wife, Violet to become convinced that he's seeing another woman. However, appearances can be deceiving especially when Violet catches Willona and Bookman in a compromising situation.
The Snow Storm
S6 Ep11
6.8
13th Dec 1978
A snowstorm hits Chicago and Florida gets stuck in it with her school bus. This leads her and the kids on the bus to take refuge in an abandoned building to keep warm.
Stomach Mumps
S6 Ep6
6.9
14th Oct 1978
Willona adamently refuses to discuss the birds and the bees with Penny especially after Willona learns a 13-year old friend of Penny's is pregnant. This leads Willona to tell Penny, that her friend has stomach mumps and not to go near her.
The Art Contest
S6 Ep22
6.9
With the art contest approaching, J.J. believes that he is shoo-in to win. However things don't go as planned after he trusts a distracted Bookman to deliver his painting to the judges.
Sex and the Evans Family
S1 Ep6
6.9
15th Mar 1974
Florida finds what she believes to be a dirty story called, ""Sexual Behavior in the Ghetto"". Assuming it to be J.J.'s, Florida confronts him, but she's in for a surprise when Thelma claims it and has an even bigger surprise when she learns it belongs to Thelma's latest boyfriend.
The TV Commercial
S1 Ep11
6.9
26th Apr 1974
Florida comes home from the supermarket with great news, she's been offered a role in a TV commercial. What's even better is the pay she will get, $5,000. However, once she reads the script and tests the product, Florida has second thoughts.
Thelma's Young Man
S2 Ep6
7.0
15th Oct 1974
Thelma's been seeing the same man for two months and hasn't introduced him to the family yet. However, when she comes home with an engagement ring, Florida and James demand that they meet him and they are in for a surprise when they finally do.
J.J. in Business
S4 Ep22
7.0
9th Mar 1977
JJ has another money-making idea. He starts a greeting card business and has the whole family involved in making up messages. He has the business plans are laid out, but does not have the financing.
Thelma Moves Out
S5 Ep5
7.0
12th Oct 1977
Fed up with having no privacy and being burdened by two brothers, Thelma decides to move out and into an apartment that is shared by three other roommates.
J.J. and T.C.
S6 Ep18
7.0
20th Jun 1979
A tomboy who's been helping out Bookman, wants J.J. to ask her to a dance. However, J.J. thinks of her as just one of the guys, that is until he has an encounter with her at a seedy pick-up bar.
The Gang (2)
S2 Ep10
7.0
19th Nov 1974
J.J. is recovering after being shot by Mad Dog, which only turned out to be a flesh wound. Meanwhile, a vengeful James presses charges against Mad Dog but a worried Florida is afraid James's anger will take over before the law does.
J.J.'s Condition
S5 Ep19
7.1
13th Feb 1978
J.J.'s latest relationship with a woman, Barbara, who's currently married but plans on divorcing her husband, results with him coming down with an ulcer. The situation is compounded when J.J. learns that her husband and her still share an apartment.
J.J. and the Boss' Daughter
S5 Ep15
7.1
18th Jan 1978
J.J. is given a sexy assistant, one whom he makes a play for immediately. However, later when he learns that she's the boss's daughter, he continues to go out with her thinking that it will give him special privileges with his boss.
The Physical
S6 Ep19
7.1
11th Jul 1979
Florida discovers she must take and pass a physical examination to keep her bus driving job. However, the night before her physical is utter chaos ending with Michael landing in jail.
That's Entertainment, Evans Style
S5 Ep24
7.2
3rd Apr 1978
A child-care center in the neighborhood is scheduled to close due to lack of funds. To keep it open, the Evan's plan a show to raise money from the neighbors.
Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle
S2 Ep13
7.2
10th Dec 1974
Cousin Naomi is visiting the Evans' for the Christmas season. However, her visit is not a happy one for Thelma, who discovers that Naomi is hiding a serious drinking problem.
Florida's Rich Cousin
S3 Ep5
7.2
7th Oct 1975
Florida plans on borrowing money from her cousin to help pay some unexpected bills. James's pride stands in the way causing him to storm out to a bar, leaving Florida to learn about the shocking news about her seemingly wealthy cousin by herself.
Thelma's African Romance (1)
S4 Ep15
7.2
19th Jan 1977
The cafeteria at Thelma's college is in disrepair. Thelma and her friends picket the college. She meets Ibe, an African exchange student. They date, and he asks her to move in with him. Thelma is suspended from college because of the picket.
The Visitor
S1 Ep9
7.2
5th Apr 1974
Michael submits a angry letter about the conditions in the Evans' apartment to a newspaper and gets an immediate response from a housing commission official who quickly finds himself stranded in the ghetto and experiences the conditions first hand.
Michael's Big Fall
S3 Ep8
7.2
28th Oct 1975
When James is out of town, Florida and her brother Wilbert are left to deal with a troubled Michael. His cutting classes, getting into fights at school and low grades are all warning signs that lead Florida to make an appointment to see Michael's teacher.
Florida's Favorite Passenger (2)
S6 Ep15
7.2
30th May 1979
After a near fatal accident, Larry's mother finally realizes that Larry has a hearing problem. Unable to take him to the doctor because she has to work, Mrs. Baker allows Florida to take him to the doctor, which is where Larry makes the announcement that he plans on running away from home.
Willona's Mr. Right
S5 Ep14
7.2
11th Jan 1978
Willona's old boyfriend arrives back in town and asks Willona her hand in marraige. However, Willona turns him down since his job would have her and Penny constantly moving. Meanwhile, Penny, feeling like she's holding Willona back, decides to run away.
Florida's Homecoming (1)
S6 Ep1
7.2
16th Sep 1978
The Evans children and Willona are pleasantly shocked to learn that Thelma has been dating the nationally renowned football player Keith Anderson, a Heisman Trophy candidate currently negotiating a 1,000,000 dollar professional contract with the Chicago Bears. When Keith proposes it only remains for Thelma to phone her mother in Arizona to ask her blessing.
Willona's New Job
S5 Ep22
7.2
20th Mar 1978
Willona's boyfriend, Frank, continues his efforts to try to get her to marry him. Meanwhile, down at the boutique, Willona gets a promotion but Frank is determined to get her to turn down the offer.
The Matchmaker
S2 Ep11
7.3
26th Nov 1974
A wedding has Florida realizing that Willona is the only friend of hers left that isn't married. So this leads Florida to try her hand at matchmaking, and matches her with a friend of James'.
Love Has a Spot on His Lung (2)
S4 Ep24
7.3
30th Mar 1977
A furious J.J. confronts Carl, who makes up an excuse that a war injury in the groin is the reason why he's breaking up with Florida. However, later Carl reveals the truth to Florida and he proposes marriage and she readily accepts.
The Windfall
S2 Ep12
7.3
3rd Dec 1974
James finds a bag of robbery loot adding up to $27,000. After some coaxing from Florida, James decides to turn it in. However, what Florida doesn't know is that there was $29,000 in the bag and James kept the other $2000.
Where There's Smoke
S5 Ep16
7.3
25th Jan 1978
A hole has been burned into one of the couch cushions and J.J., Thelma and Michael each have their own versions of how it got there. However, Penny is the only person who knows the truth of how it really got there.
A Matter of Mothers
S6 Ep20
7.3
18th Jul 1979
Willona's latest boyfriend, Jeffrey, has been showering her and Penny with extravagant gifts even though they've only been seeing one another for a couple months. Little does Willona know, that he is part of a plan to make Willona look like an unfit mother, a plan engineered by Penny's birth mother.
Florida's Homecoming (2)
S6 Ep2
7.3
16th Sep 1978
Florida arrives home after hearing the news of Thelma's engagement. However, Thelma's impending wedding may never take place, that is if she lets her pre-wedding jitters get the best of her. Meanwhile, J.J. loses his job.
Florida's Favorite Passenger (1)
S6 Ep14
7.3
23rd May 1979
A student whom Florida drives to school on her bus, becomes the center of attention when Florida discovers he has a hearing problem and his mother refuses to believe Florida's suspicions.
Thelma's African Romance (2)
S4 Ep16
7.3
19th Jan 1977
Florida hits the roof when Thelma announces her plans of moving in with Ibe. However, things begin moving a little bit too fast when Ibe asks her to marry him and move to Nigeria.
My Son, the Father
S4 Ep21
7.3
2nd Mar 1977
J.J. is all excited about taking Michael to a father-son dinner but when Michael breaks the news that he invited Carl to take him, J.J. storms out.
Blood Will Tell
S6 Ep16
7.3
6th Jun 1979
Sweet Daddy Williams sends his hoods to snatch J.J. from his home and bring him to the hospital. His reasons: J.J. is the only person they could find that match's Sweet Daddy's blood type and Sweet Daddy is in dire need of a blood transfusion.
J.J. Becomes a Man (1)
S2 Ep2
7.3
17th Sep 1974
J.J.'s 18th birthday has James and Florida in a fit when they find out they won't be able to give J.J. the art supplies he wanted because James' credit has been reduced to 0. After the birthday party, news hits the Evans family that J.J. has been arrested for robbing a liquor store.
Good Times Episode Guide
Too Old Blues
S1 Ep1
8.1
8th Feb 1974
James is all excited because he's sure he's going to get a high paying job. However, at the interview, he learns that he's too old to join the company's union. Meanwhile, Florida and the kids get ahead of themselves and throw a celebration party for James unaware that he was rejected.
Black Jesus
S1 Ep2
7.9
15th Feb 1974
J.J.'s painting of a Black Jesus, becomes the family's good luck charm after a string of success hits each family member. However, Florida refuses to entertain the notion that the painting had anything to do with the recent string of ""good times"".
Getting Up the Rent
S1 Ep3
7.4
22nd Feb 1974
With an eviction notice over their heads, the Evans family scrambles to come up with $74 dollars needed for their rent. Despite Florida's opinion, James goes down to the pool hall to try to hustle some money, J.J. comes up with a scheme of his own and Florida and Willona go down to the welfare office.
God's Business is Good Business
S1 Ep4
7.7
1st Mar 1974
An old friend of James, who is now a shady televangilist, stops by the Evans apartment and offers James a job that would pay $100 a day. James is set to take it, however, Florida is dead set against James accepting the job, believeing the job goes against his morals and values.
Michael Gets Suspended
S1 Ep5
7.9
8th Mar 1974
Michael comes home from school early one day with the announcement that he has been suspended. This, after telling his teacher that George Washington was a racist. James and Florida become determined to prove to Michael that he's wrong.
Sex and the Evans Family
S1 Ep6
6.9
15th Mar 1974
Florida finds what she believes to be a dirty story called, ""Sexual Behavior in the Ghetto"". Assuming it to be J.J.'s, Florida confronts him, but she's in for a surprise when Thelma claims it and has an even bigger surprise when she learns it belongs to Thelma's latest boyfriend.
Junior Gets a Patron
S1 Ep7
7.6
22nd Mar 1974
J.J. is sure he's bound to make it big when he gets a patron in Leroy Jackson, who begins providing him with all the supplies he needs. However, when James discovers who the patron is, he forbids J.J. to be associated with him and J.J. responds by moving out. This leads to a confrontation at J.J.'s new apartment between James and Leroy.
Junior the Senior
S1 Ep8
7.6
29th Mar 1974
Florida and James are worried that J.J. won't pass into the 12th grade but when he gets his report card he did indeed pass but the grades seem to be a far cry from what they should be. This leads James and Florida to do a little investigating on their part.
The Visitor
S1 Ep9
7.2
5th Apr 1974
Michael submits a angry letter about the conditions in the Evans' apartment to a newspaper and gets an immediate response from a housing commission official who quickly finds himself stranded in the ghetto and experiences the conditions first hand.
Springtime in the Ghetto
S1 Ep10
7.4
19th Apr 1974
Florida is running in a cleanest apartment competition and is sure she will win. However, her chances are dashed when Michael tries to help someone in need and brings home Ned the Wino.
The TV Commercial
S1 Ep11
6.9
26th Apr 1974
Florida comes home from the supermarket with great news, she's been offered a role in a TV commercial. What's even better is the pay she will get, $5,000. However, once she reads the script and tests the product, Florida has second thoughts.
The Check Up
S1 Ep12
7.7
3rd May 1974
Florida and the kids become concerned about James's health after reading an article in a magazine about hypertension. When he learns about their concerns, he goes through the roof and refuses to go in for a check up.
My Son the Lover
S1 Ep13
7.5
10th May 1974
A popular girl wants J.J. to paint her portrait and J.J. mistakenly assumes that they will become more serious when he makes plans to ask her to go steady. However, Florida and Thelma smell a rat.
