Live in Front of a Studio Audience: 'All in the Family' and 'Good Times'

In a remarkable coincidence, this special aired at the same time articles of impeachment for President Donald J. Trump were being held so during commercials, we saw both of those articles being voted in and Jimmy Kimmel commenting on it. The "Good Times" segment had the real treat of having original James Evans-John Amos-this time portraying the alderman Fred Davis-who is treated friendly by James and J.J. but indifferently by the women and Michael. After that, Jimmy then introed the other surviving "GT" cast members who showed up: BernNadette Stanis, Ja'net DuBois, and Jimmie Walker, none of whom had time enough to say anything. "All in the Family" takes place on Christmas Eve with among the guests, a friend of Michael's who returns from Canada which he went to avoid the draft and a friend of Archie's whose son died in Vietnam. While I still think Woody Harrelson doesn't do Archie justice, he's a little better this time especially when trying to talk about what he goes through near the end. In the middle of this, Martin Short sings "The Facts of Life" theme before Jimmy tells him they're not doing that show! Verdict: I thought this was a little better than the previous take on Norman Lear shows done last May.

I grew up on Good Times and All in the Family. Still watch the reruns today. I dont ever remember J.J. acting like he was portrayed in this remake. Jay Pharaoh about made ne turn it off. Way over the top. The whole episode he had his hands in that position when J.J. would holla "Dynomite"! I don't think Jay ever watched an episode of Good Times cause if he had he wouldn't have portrayed J.J. the way he did. TRYING WAY TOO HARD!!!

I watched this last night to start with out of sheer boredom but I wound up really enjoying my time with both family's I laughed out loud numorous times the shows speeds were good and moved right along I am so happy I chose to watch this last night

Not comparing to the original it's a respin. Grateful for the opportunity to have been apart of this project. What an honor to witness all the great talent that was on that set.

All the actors were amazing. Where else would I've been in the same room with such talent?

I know I'm just an on set/ dresser moving furniture and keeping continuity.

But I was really In awe!!

Read over the talent list again, Stop judging nothing will be like the original Most of the original cast members were behind the scene. While the decorator (Ron Olsen) and the set dressing team dressed the set... It took me back to my childhood; memories I watched the original show as a teen Good times!

Not long after the show aired Ms. Jeannette Dubois passed (2020) Covid hit Norman Lear (2023) passed John Amos(2024) passed I was in the presence of greatness.

I know the show word for word. I'll just speak on what I thought of the performances.

Viola Davis did a good job as Florida. Her portrayal was a little harder than the original but it worked.

James is my favorite character and NOBODY can do James so I won't speak on it.

I thought Tiffany Haddish struggled as Willona...

Michael...

Corinne Fox only came across as Thelma here and there but she wasn't bad.

I can't say the J.J. was awful, but the casting seemed wrong to me. Jay Pharoah did hit on the character a few times so there is that.

Jharrel Jones stole the show as Jimmy Pierson. He embodied the original actor so well. Bravo!