A Revival of Laughter and Nostalgia
(red carpet premiere coverage included below)
On the evening of Thursday, April 4th, the red carpet at Regal LA Live was ablaze with excitement as Netflix premiered its revival of the beloved sitcom “Good Times.” As always Xtra Access TV was there to be your Hollywood Access portal. We covered the red carpet and had some awesome conversations with the star studded cast of the show.
Rachel Mbuki Hosts red carpet interviews for Netflix’ ‘Good Times’ premiere at the Regal LA Live cinemas
The event marked a nostalgic journey for many, evoking memories of laughter, family bonds, and social commentary. With the series making its Netflix debut on April 12th, fans eagerly anticipated reuniting with the Evans family and diving back into the vibrant world of 1970s Chicago- but there was a twist: the new version is not a remake, but more of a re- imagination of the original and set in the projects on modern day Chicago.
Marsai Martin talks to us about her role as “Grey” on Good Times
JB Smoove reflects on his role as “Reggie” on Good Times and tells us what his process for getting into character is
Originally airing from 1974 to 1979, “Good Times” captured the essence of working-class African American life through the lens of the Evans family. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, the show provided a humorous yet poignant portrayal of the challenges and triumphs faced by a tight-knit family living in the Cabrini-Green housing projects.
At the heart of the series were James and Florida Evans, portrayed by John Amos and Esther Rolle, respectively. Their resilience, love, and unwavering commitment to each other and their children endeared them to audiences worldwide. Joining them were their children: J.J. (Jimmie Walker), Thelma (BernNadette Stanis), and Michael (Ralph Carter), each bringing their own unique personalities and perspectives to the screen.
Yvette Nicole Brown on her role as “Beverly” on Good Times and the show’s relevance to today’s culture
Jay Pharaoh stops by to discuss his role as “Junior” on Good Times
The premiere event at Regal LA Live was a celebration of the show’s enduring legacy and its impact on generations of viewers. Cast members, old and new, walked the red carpet, sharing anecdotes and reflecting on the show’s significance. The event also featured special guests, including industry veterans and influencers, who paid tribute to the cultural importance of “Good Times.”
With its revival on Netflix, “Good Times” continues to resonate with audiences, transcending generational boundaries. The show’s themes of resilience, community, and the pursuit of the American Dream remain as relevant today as they were decades ago. Through its humor and social commentary, “Good Times” tackled issues such as poverty, racism, and inequality, sparking important conversations that still resonate today.
Cree Summers on her multiple voice over roles on Good Times
Tisha Campbell talks to us about being elated to join the star studded cast of Good Times and dishes about her role
The decision to revive “Good Times” comes at a time when there is a growing demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling in entertainment. By bringing back a beloved classic with a fresh perspective, Netflix aims to introduce the series to a new generation of viewers while also providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for longtime fans.
The revival of “Good Times” on Netflix is not merely a nostalgic indulgence but a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to bridge gaps, provoke thought, and inspire change. Since the show’s April 12th premiere, it has proven to be a hit with audiences ranking at number 5 among the top 10 tv shows on Netflix USA.
Show Runner Ranada Shepard stops by to give us a glimpse into the creation process of the show
Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola on her role on Good Times
Anticipation was high for a new chapter in the Evans family saga—one that promises to honor the legacy of the original series while also carving out its own place in the present day cultural landscape and the show delivers just that.
In a world where the challenges faced by the Evans family still resonate with many, “Good Times” serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience, love, and laughter in the face of adversity. As viewers embark on this new journey with the Evans family, they are sure to be entertained, enlightened, and ultimately, inspired by the timeless message of hope that “Good Times” continues to deliver.
Wes Armstrong dishes about his multiple roles on Good Times
We catch up with Devon Franklin and he tells us all about his upcoming projects and how he is related to this production on Good Times via his former Protégé, Ranada Shepard
Comedian Kwame Siegel at the premier of Netflix’ ‘Good Times’ at Regal LA Live
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