TV series
Dy-No-Mite!
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Good Times is available to stream on Peacock, Peacock Premium, Prime Video, and Tubi in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Johnny Brown
Episode 2
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Johnny Brown, Helen Martin, Lee Weaver
Episode 3
Thelma invites her favorite teacher to the apartment and while she is there she is fascinated with JJ's artwork. She and JJ soon develop an instant attraction to each other, which disturbs Florida, who can't accept her oldest son carrying on with a woman who is fifteen years older.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Sid DorfmanGuest stars Rosalind Cash
Episode 4
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Earl Billings
Episode 5
Michael is in love with Yvonne but every time he's around her he freezes. When Yvonne meets J.J. she instantly falls for him thus creating a sibling rivalry between Michael and J.J.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Ta-Ronce Allen
Episode 6
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Sid Dorfman, Coslough JohnsonGuest stars Johnny Brown, Bill Cobbs, Tony Burton
Episode 7
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by John BaskinGuest stars Johnny Brown, Susan Batson, Grand L. Bush
Episode 8
J.J. is in the money, now that he has a new job working with two friends in a gambling operation. However, little does he know, the gambling business also includes prostitution and drugs. Meanwhile, Florida demands some answers from J.J. and kicks him out when she learns what line of work he is now in.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by John BaskinGuest stars Grand L. Bush
Episode 9
Florida and the children are excitedly anticipating the arrival of Grandpa Evans. However, he arrives with a loud companion in tow.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by John BaskinGuest stars Paulene Myers
Episode 10
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Allan ManingsGuest stars James Wheaton, Shirley Hemphill
Episode 11
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Johnny Brown, Susan Batson, Julius Harris, Thomas Carter
Episode 12
J.J. is managing Michael's singing group and gets them a gig at a local tavern. While there, J.J. comes across Judith Cohen, an act whom he knows will hit it big, given the right exposure.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Bill Henderson, William Pierson
Episode 13
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Teddy Wilson
Episode 14
Florida's bad mood prompts the kids to go into the underwear selling business in order to raise enough money to send Florida on a vacation to Lake Geneva.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Johnny Brown
Episode 15
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Johnny Sekka, Vernee Watson, Carl M. Craig
Episode 16
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Johnny Sekka
Episode 17
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.
Directed by Gerren Keith
Episode 18
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by John BaskinGuest stars Ta-Ronce Allen, Ralph Wilcox, Debbi Morgan, Rana Ford
Episode 19
Florida is horrified to learn that Michael is harboring atheist attitudes planted by his boss. This leads Florida to confront Michael's boss and get to the bottom of the situation.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Bruce KalishGuest stars Moses Gunn
Episode 20
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by John BaskinGuest stars Moses Gunn
Episode 21
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Sid DorfmanGuest stars Moses Gunn
Episode 22
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithGuest stars Johnny Brown, Alice Ghostley, Moses Gunn, Henry G. Sanders, Larry Robinson
Episode 23
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by Allan ManingsGuest stars Raymond Allen, Moses Gunn
Episode 24
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.
Directed by Gerren KeithWritten by John BaskinGuest stars Johnny Brown, Richard Libertini, Moses Gunn
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Esther RolleFlorida Evans
Ja'net DuBoisWilona Woods
Jimmie WalkerJames "JJ" Evans
John AmosJames Evans Sr.
Ralph CarterMichael Evans
Bern Nadette StanisThelma Evans
Janet JacksonMilicent 'Penny' Woods
CBSUnited States
CBSUnited StatesMore shows like Good Times.
Available nowShared themes
Available nowShared themes
Available nowSimilar story and audience
Available nowSimilar story and audience
Available nowSimilar story and audience
Similar story and audience
