Good Times

Main Cast

Episode Guide

Season 1

• Episode 1: Too Old Blues
  Aired: Feb 8, 1974

  Tests indicate that James is a candidate for a union apprenticeship program, but his birth certificate says differently

• Episode 2: Black Jesus
  Aired: Feb 15, 1974

  A sudden run of good luck and one of J.J.'s paintings create a religious conflict in the Evans household.

• Episode 3: Getting Up the Rent
  Aired: Feb 22, 1974

  The Evans family faces eviction from their Chicago apartment.

• Episode 4: God's Business is Good Business
  Aired: Mar 1, 1974

  A self-proclaimed "shepherd of the Lord" asks James to become one of his herdsmen.

• Episode 5: Michael Gets Suspended
  Aired: Mar 8, 1974

  A remark in class gets Michael suspended from school.

• Episode 6: Sex and the Evans Family
  Aired: Mar 15, 1974

  Florida and James fear that there is more between Thelma and her new beau than a five-year difference.

• Episode 7: Junior Gets a Patron
  Aired: Mar 22, 1974

  J.J., an aspiring artist, is discovered by a man who wants to become his patron.

• Episode 8: Junior the Senior
  Aired: Mar 29, 1974

  Odds are good that J.J. will be held back a grade

• Episode 9: The Visitor
  Aired: Apr 5, 1974

  An angry Housing Authority official visits the Evans family after one of Michael's letters to the editor is published.

• Episode 10: Springtime in the Ghetto
  Aired: Apr 19, 1974

  Florida's charitable instincts could lose her an award.

• Episode 11: The TV Commercial
  Aired: Apr 26, 1974

  Florida is asked to be a health tonic's spokeswoman.

• Episode 12: The Check Up
  Aired: May 3, 1974

  The family tries to convince James that he should see a doctor for his headaches and emotional outbursts.

• Episode 13: My Son, the Lover
  Aired: May 10, 1974

  A popular girl (Ta-Tanisha) steals J.J.'s heart.

Season 2

• Episode 1: Florida Flips
  Aired: Sep 10, 1974

  Florida promises to burst into a full-fledged hurricane unless someone can figure out what triggered the storm

• Episode 2: J.J. Becomes a Man (1)
  Aired: Sep 17, 1974

  A credit error may ruin J.J.'s 18th birthday.

• Episode 3: J.J. Becomes a Man (2)
  Aired: Sep 24, 1974

  Florida and James have to come up with $500 in bail when J.J. is arrested on an alleged armed robbery charge.

• Episode 4: Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah
  Aired: Oct 1, 1974

  Michael is offered a chance to bus to a better school.

• Episode 5: The Man I Most Admire
  Aired: Oct 8, 1974

  Michael's school assignment sets off a chain reaction of events in the Evans household.

• Episode 6: Thelma's Young Man
  Aired: Oct 15, 1974

  The Evans family is shocked when they meet Thelma's new fiance.

• Episode 7: The I.Q. Test
  Aired: Oct 22, 1974

  Michael jeopardizes his chances for a higher education when he walks out on an IQ test that he feels is unfair to minorities

• Episode 8: The Encyclopedia Hustle
  Aired: Oct 29, 1974

  The fine print at the bottom of an ``easy payment'' contract for an encyclopedia set buys the Evanses a lot of trouble

• Episode 9: The Gang (1)
  Aired: Nov 12, 1974

  J.J. reluctantly becomes a member of the Satan's Knights street gang.

• Episode 10: The Gang (2)
  Aired: Nov 19, 1974

  James wants to press charges after J.J. is wounded.

• Episode 11: Florida, the Matchmaker
  Aired: Nov 26, 1974

  Florida decides to find a husband for Willona.

• Episode 12: The Windfall
  Aired: Dec 3, 1974

  James is not convinced that honesty is the best policy when all he gets for a good deed is obscene phone calls.

• Episode 13: Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle
  Aired: Dec 10, 1974

  Thelma catches her cousin nipping at the family liquor supply.

• Episode 14: Florida's Big Gig
  Aired: Dec 31, 1974

  James is sure that the new job he has been promised is the answer to the family's troubles.

• Episode 15: Florida Goes to School
  Aired: Jan 7, 1975

  Florida's dream of finally getting her high-school diploma is clouded by James' opposition to the idea.

• Episode 16: The Nude
  Aired: Jan 14, 1975

  Florida and James are torn between letting J.J. do a portrait and their misgivings about the prospective model.

• Episode 17: The Family Business
  Aired: Jan 21, 1975

  The family runs a secret fix-it service at home.

• Episode 18: The Debutante Ball
  Aired: Feb 4, 1975

  J.J. finds out that his date has snobbish parents that disapprove of him.

• Episode 19: The Dinner Party
  Aired: Feb 11, 1975

  The Evanses are afraid they may be eating dog food when an elderly neighbor brings the main course for dinner

• Episode 20: The Houseguest
  Aired: Feb 18, 1975

  James fears an old pal has secret motives for visiting.

• Episode 21: My Girl Henrietta
  Aired: Feb 25, 1975

  J.J. announces plans to marry and settle down.

• Episode 22: The Enlistment
  Aired: Mar 4, 1975

  Both James and J.J. suddenly lose their jobs.

• Episode 23: Thelma's Scholarship
  Aired: Mar 11, 1975

  Thelma receives a scholarship from an exclusive school.

• Episode 24: The Lunch Money Ripoff
  Aired: Mar 18, 1975

  A schoolyard extortionist bullies Michael.

Season 3

• Episode 1: A Real Cool Job
  Aired: Sep 9, 1975

  James' high-paying job offer has one drawback.

• Episode 2: The Family Gun
  Aired: Sep 16, 1975

  Florida objects when James buys a gun for protection.

• Episode 3: Operation Florida
  Aired: Sep 23, 1975

  Florida's hospitalization strains the family finances.

• Episode 4: Love in the Ghetto
  Aired: Sep 30, 1975

  James and Florida disapprove of Thelma's engagement.

• Episode 5: Florida's Rich Cousin
  Aired: Oct 7, 1975

  Frustrated James considers borrowing from cousin Edgar.

• Episode 6: The Weekend
  Aired: Oct 14, 1975

  Florida and James go off to a mountain cabin for a romantic celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary.

• Episode 7: The Baby
  Aired: Oct 21, 1975

  A baby-shower guest of honor makes an announcement.

• Episode 8: Michael's Big Fall
  Aired: Oct 28, 1975

  Changing schools has an effect on Michael.

• Episode 9: The Politicians
  Aired: Nov 4, 1975

  The family is divided when James and Florida support rival candidates in a local election.

• Episode 10: Willona's Dilemma
  Aired: Nov 11, 1975

  Willona dates a man with a physical disability.

• Episode 11: Florida's Protest
  Aired: Nov 25, 1975

  Florida pickets the neighborhood supermarket after a roast from the store makes everyone sick.

• Episode 12: The Mural
  Aired: Dec 2, 1975

  The Evans family's good news is not what it seems.

• Episode 13: A Loss of Confidence
  Aired: Dec 9, 1975

  A gorgeous girl's rejection shatters J.J.

• Episode 14: Cousin Cleatus
  Aired: Dec 16, 1975

  The FBI comes asking questions about Florida's nephew.

• Episode 15: The Family Tree
  Aired: Dec 23, 1975

  Thelma locates her grandfather and invites him home for her dad's birthday.

• Episode 16: A Place to Die
  Aired: Dec 30, 1975

  Michael's elderly friend wants to stay with the family.

• Episode 17: J.J.'s Fiancee (1)
  Aired: Jan 6, 1976

  J.J. astounds the family with the news that he plans to marry the ``weirdo'' of the neighborhood.

• Episode 18: J.J.'s Fiancee (2)
  Aired: Jan 13, 1976

  J.J. decides to elope without learning some important facts about his bride.

• Episode 19: Sweet Daddy Williams
  Aired: Jan 20, 1976

  The numbers king of the neighborhood commissions J.J. to paint a portrait.

• Episode 20: The Investigation
  Aired: Jan 27, 1976

  Michael's research for a report has repercussions.

• Episode 21: J.J. in Trouble
  Aired: Feb 3, 1976

  When an old girlfriend visits J.J., she brings along some upsetting news.

• Episode 22: Florida the Woman
  Aired: Feb 17, 1976

  Fed up with being treated like a servant by her family, Florida accepts a luncheon invitation from a man.

• Episode 23: The Break Up
  Aired: Feb 24, 1976

  Thelma's beau accepts a job in California.

• Episode 24: The Rent Party
  Aired: Mar 2, 1976

  The Evans family gives a rent party to help a neighbor.

Season 4

• Episode 1: The Big Move (1)
  Aired: Sep 22, 1976

  As the Evanses prepare to join James in Mississippi, a damper is thrown on everything.

• Episode 2: The Big Move (2)
  Aired: Sep 29, 1976

  Florida's attitude toward James' death causes dissension in an already saddened household.

• Episode 3: J.J. and the Older Woman
  Aired: Oct 6, 1976

  Thelma's teacher falls for J.J.'s art, and J.J.

• Episode 4: Michael, the Warlord
  Aired: Oct 13, 1976

  Michael is pressured into becoming a member of a street gang that is terrorizing the neighborhood.

• Episode 5: Michael's Great Romance
  Aired: Oct 20, 1976

  J.J. tries to lend a helping hand when Michael experiences his first great romance.

• Episode 6: Evans Versus Davis
  Aired: Oct 27, 1976

  A shady politician asks J.J. for campaign help.

• Episode 7: J.J.'s New Career (1)
  Aired: Nov 10, 1976

  J.J. resorts to crime in an effort to get his family out of the ghetto.

• Episode 8: J.J.'s New Career (2)
  Aired: Nov 17, 1976

  Florida has only one choice of action when she discovers what J.J. is doing for money.

• Episode 9: Grandpa's Visit
  Aired: Nov 24, 1976

  Grandpa Evans brings a special guest of his own for Thanksgiving.

• Episode 10: Rich is Better Than Poor...Maybe
  Aired: Dec 8, 1976

  J.J.'s joy over winning the lottery is cut short.

• Episode 11: Florida's Night Out
  Aired: Dec 15, 1976

  The children and Willona try to convince Florida to have some fun.

• Episode 12: The Judy Cohen Story
  Aired: Dec 22, 1976

  J.J. comes up with a vocal discovery that he calls the "great white hope."

• Episode 13: The Comedian and the Loan Sharks
  Aired: Jan 5, 1977

  The backers for J.J.'s new client turn out to be loan sharks.

• Episode 14: The Hustle
  Aired: Jan 12, 1977

  The Evans children go into the long-underwear business.

• Episode 15: Thelma's African Romance (1)
  Aired: Jan 19, 1977

  Thelma enjoys a romantic relationship with an African student.

• Episode 16: Thelma's African Romance (2)
  Aired: Jan 19, 1977

  Thelma plans to move in with her African boyfriend despite Florida's objections.

• Episode 17: Willona's Surprise
  Aired: Jan 26, 1977

  Willona's ex-husband arrives for her birthday party.

• Episode 18: A Friend in Need
  Aired: Feb 2, 1977

  J.J., Thelma and Michael throw a wild party while Florida is gone for the weekend.

• Episode 19: A Stormy Relationship
  Aired: Feb 9, 1977

  Michael announces he has become an atheist.

• Episode 20: Florida and Carl
  Aired: Feb 23, 1977

  Florida's reluctance to go out on a date proves to be justified when her special evening seems headed for disaster.

• Episode 21: My Son, the Father
  Aired: Mar 2, 1977

  Michael and Carl's secret changes J.J.'s attitude.

• Episode 22: J.J. in Business
  Aired: Mar 9, 1977

  J.J. and his friends decide to start a greeting-card business together.

• Episode 23: Love Has a Spot on His Lung (1)
  Aired: Mar 23, 1977

  Carl announces he will propose to Florida.

• Episode 24: Love Has a Spot on His Lung (2)
  Aired: Mar 30, 1977

  The Evans family finally discovers Carl's serious medical secret.

Season 5

• Episode 1: The Evans Get Involved (1)
  Aired: Sep 21, 1977

  The family investigates when Penny is injured.

• Episode 2: The Evans Get Involved (2)
  Aired: Sep 21, 1977

  Willona accuses her neighbor of child abuse.

• Episode 3: The Evans Get Involved (3)
  Aired: Sep 28, 1977

  Willona must make an agonizing decision that could change the rest of her life.

• Episode 4: The Evans Get Involved (4)
  Aired: Oct 5, 1977

  Bookman's secret scheme could derail the adoption.

• Episode 5: Thelma Moves Out
  Aired: Oct 12, 1977

  In rebellion against J.J., Thelma moves into her own apartment.

• Episode 6: Willona, the Fuzz
  Aired: Oct 19, 1977

  Willona spies on others to earn extra money.

• Episode 7: Wheels
  Aired: Nov 2, 1977

  One car plus four owners equals trouble when J.J.'s "Awesome Foursome" become business partners.

• Episode 8: Breaker, Breaker
  Aired: Nov 9, 1977

  Michael discovers the world of CB radios.

• Episode 9: Bye, Bye, Bookman
  Aired: Nov 16, 1977

  A petition for repairs costs Bookman his job.

• Episode 10: Thelma's Brief Encounter
  Aired: Dec 7, 1977

  A mysterious, handsome stranger romances Thelma.

• Episode 11: Requiem for a Wino
  Aired: Dec 14, 1977

  J.J. holds an unusual wake for a homeless man at the apartment building.

• Episode 12: Penny's Christmas
  Aired: Dec 21, 1977

  Willona's Christmas joy is threatened when she learns that her most precious gift may be taken from her.

• Episode 13: No More Mr. Nice Guy
  Aired: Jan 4, 1978

  J.J. wants to teach Michael responsibility.

• Episode 14: Willona's Mr. Right
  Aired: Jan 11, 1978

  Willona must choose between the chance of a lifetime with the man of her dreams or something far more important.

• Episode 15: J.J. and the Boss' Daughter
  Aired: Jan 18, 1978

  J.J. doesn't know if his talent or the boss's daughter was responsible for his new assignment.

• Episode 16: Where There's Smoke
  Aired: Jan 25, 1978

  Penny painfully discovers that smoking is dangerous to more than one's health.

• Episode 17: I Had a Dream
  Aired: Jan 30, 1978

  J.J.'s potential promotion at work may be threatened by prejudice.

• Episode 18: The Boarder
  Aired: Feb 6, 1978

  J.J., Thelma and Michael discover that their new boarder is the only surviving witness in a trial against a dangerous criminal.

• Episode 19: J.J.'s Condition
  Aired: Feb 13, 1978

  J.J. succumbs to the stress of dating a married woman when he develops an ulcer.

• Episode 20: Willona, the Other Woman
  Aired: Feb 27, 1978

  Willona is suspected of being the ``other woman'' when Bookman is thought to be stepping out on his wife.

• Episode 21: Something Old, Something New
  Aired: Mar 13, 1978

  Grandpa discovers obstacles to his intended nuptials.

• Episode 22: Willona's New Job
  Aired: Mar 20, 1978

  Willona receives a long-awaited marriage proposal only to discover that her suitor has a ``catch.''.

• Episode 23: Write On, Thelma
  Aired: Mar 27, 1978

  Production of Thelma's first play comes with a hitch.

• Episode 24: That's Entertainment, Evans Style
  Aired: Apr 3, 1978

  The Evans clan and friends put on a show to raise cash.

Season 6

• Episode 1: Florida's Homecoming (1)
  Aired: Sep 16, 1978

  Thelma gives a dinner party for her new boyfriend with such sensational results that Florida rushes home from Arizona to see what's happening.

• Episode 2: Florida's Homecoming (2)
  Aired: Sep 16, 1978

  Wedding bells are ringing for Thelma and Keith, but they may not be heard over their arguing.

• Episode 3: Florida's Homecoming: The Wedding (3)
  Aired: Sep 23, 1978

  The day arrives for Thelma to marry handsome football star Keith Anderson.

• Episode 4: Florida's Homecoming: United We Stand (4)
  Aired: Sep 30, 1978

  Thelma's new husband stands to lose his contract and J.J. faces the jaws of a greedy loan shark.

• Episode 5: Florida Gets a Job
  Aired: Oct 7, 1978

  J.J. could have the answer to Florida's need to find work for herself.

• Episode 6: Stomach Mumps
  Aired: Oct 14, 1978

  Willona makes an effort to protect Penny from learning the facts of life.

• Episode 7: J.J. the Teacher
  Aired: Oct 21, 1978

  J.J. tries his hand at giving art lessons, with unexpected results.

• Episode 8: Michael's Decision
  Aired: Nov 8, 1978

  Michael announces his intention to move out, and more.

• Episode 9: J.J. and the Plumber's Helper
  Aired: Dec 2, 1978

  An unemployed J.J. is torn between his emotions and the facts when a girlfriend returns to town.

• Episode 10: The Witness
  Aired: Dec 9, 1978

  J.J. could pay terribly for being the sole witness to a serious car accident.

• Episode 11: The Snow Storm
  Aired: Dec 13, 1978

  A blizzard traps Florida and a busload of children.

• Episode 12: The Traveling Christmas
  Aired: Dec 20, 1978

  When Keith's boss refuses to let him off on Christmas Eve, the Evans family celebrates "on the road."

• Episode 13: House Hunting
  Aired: Jan 3, 1979

  The Evans family decides to buy its first house and discovers major obstacles

• Episode 14: Florida's Favorite Passenger (1)
  Aired: May 23, 1979

  Florida's concern for one of her passengers puts her at odds with the child's mother.

• Episode 15: Florida's Favorite Passenger (2)
  Aired: May 30, 1979

  Florida's interest in one of her passengers solves one problem, but creates another.

• Episode 16: Blood Will Tell
  Aired: Jun 6, 1979

  J.J. has something that Sweet Daddy wants and whether or not he gets it will be a matter of life or death.

• Episode 17: Where Have All the Doctors Gone?
  Aired: Jun 13, 1979

  Florida's anxious search for a doctor turns to anger when the only one she finds is too busy to be interested in her problem.

• Episode 18: J.J. and T.C.
  Aired: Jun 20, 1979

  J.J.'s far-reaching search for a date overlooks an eager candidate who takes some dangerous steps to ensure that she'll never be forgotten again.

• Episode 19: The Physical
  Aired: Jul 11, 1979

  Florida's efforts to pass an important medical exam at work may be thwarted by a well-meaning gift from the children she cares most about.

• Episode 20: A Matter of Mothers
  Aired: Jul 18, 1979

  Willona is forced into the stand of a lifetime when Penny's natural mother arrives.

• Episode 21: The Evans' Dilemma

  The Evans family tries to discover the source of Keith's anger and depression.

• Episode 22: The Art Contest

  J.J. has some fast decisions to make when he mistakenly enters an important art contest with someone else's painting.

• Episode 23: Cousin Raymond

  A visit from Florida's wealthy cousin brings expensive gifts for everyone until Florida discovers just where all the money is coming from.

• Episode 24: The End of the Rainbow
  Aired: Aug 1, 1979

  Good fortune shines on the Evans family and creates the happiest day of Florida's life.