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Good Times

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Esther Rolle, John Amos, Jimmie Walker, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Dy-no-mite '70s sitcom with a social message.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show's cast of all African-American characters are from a low-income community. The show focuses on positive family values, highlighting respect for authority, honesty, a strong work ethic, and love. Flo constantly prays to Jesus and reinforces the fact that they live in a Christian home. James is an atheist. The show deals with universal issues -- including poverty, violence, and social injustice -- but also presents themes specific to the African-American community, including African-American history and social activism. Early episodes move away from African-American stereotyping, while later episodes reinforce them.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    James often threatens to punch when arguing with other men. Siblings often threaten to hit each other, but they're disciplined for doing so. Both parents threaten to hit their children -- using words such as "spank," "beat," "whip," and "paddle" -- as a means of disciplining them, but they're never seen acting on it.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Fairly mild: "hell," "damn," "butt," etc. Terms often considered racist today are sometimes used, including "spook."

  • Consumerism:

    Ebony magazine is prominently visible. Occasional references to products, such as Jheri Curl. References to African-American actors, athletes, and other prominent figures of the 1970s.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional consumption of beer and tobacco products.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Good Times

Parents need to know that this classic sitcom revolves around an African-American family living in the Chicago projects during the 1970s. The series addresses some difficult issues -- including poverty, gangs, violence, and theft -- but manages to keep a sense of humor. Family values are highlighted; they're often discussed within the context of Christianity. Parents also need to know that the series discusses racial bigotry and African-American empowerment. Later episodes also portray some African-American stereotypes.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the way that TV portrays cities. Why are problems like violence and drug use often shown as "inner-city" problems, when they're really everywhere? Is it possible to live a good life in the inner city despite the social problems? Why do you think that kind of life isn't shown more in the media? Families can also talk about strong African-American TV characters. Who do you think serve as positive African-American role models on television today? Why? How have African-American TV characters changed over time?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    101kenya10
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    this is a funny show becauseit s a 70s show but it is a vary good show

    i love this show and i hope other peopel do to

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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