What's Happening!!

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
What's Happening!! Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

1970s slapstick comedy hasn't aged all that well.

Syndicated, TV Land Comedy 1976
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age 9+

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this iconic '70s sitcom focuses on three high schoolers growing up in urban Los Angeles. It hasn't aged as well as some of its sitcom peers: Some of the characters behave in stereotypical ways, and while they're not necessarily bad role models, they aren't exactly the most empowering African-American characters, either, particularly not in a modern context. Sarcastic exchanges between characters (particularly Dee) are frequent and may not set an ideal example for kids. Parents should also know that Raj and Dee's dad isn't an ideal father figure, and his relationship with the family isn't always positive.

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What's the Story?

WHAT'S HAPPENING!! is an iconic sitcom about three urban African-American teens living in L.A.'s working-class Watts community in the late 1970s. The show centers on Roger "Raj" Thomas (Ernest Thomas), who lives with his obnoxious younger sister, Dee (Danielle Spencer), and his mother, Mabel (Mabel King). A good student and aspiring writer, Raj spends his free time hanging out with jovial, beret-sporting Dwayne Nelson (Haywood Nelson) and the pleasant but rather shy Freddy "Rerun" Stubbs (Fred Berry). The three young men are mostly occupied with typical high school problems -- from dealing with teachers to finding dates -- and often wind up getting into mishaps while finding ways to figure things out. Meanwhile, Raj and Dee are also trying to build a positive relationship with their father, Bill Thomas (Thalmus Rasulala), who ran out on them when they were younger.

Is It Any Good?

Unlike its contemporary Good Times, What's Happening!! isn't committed to presenting enlightening social commentary or providing empowering African-American role models. Most of the problems the gang faces here are typical of what kids from any community have to deal with. While the show has its funny moments (especially when Dee offers her strong, often sarcastic opinions), much of the show's humor stems from a slapstick-like comedy style that's reminiscent of the minstrel show stereotypes of the 1930s

But despite their jive-talking (and often silly) banter and somewhat-stereotypical personas, Raj, Dwayne, and Rerun are generally good kids who have supportive, loving families. More importantly, the show highlights the importance of family, friendship, and community. What's Happening!! may not have aged as well as some of its contemporaries, but it could definitely be worse.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the kinds of social messages that TV shows offer their viewers. What are producers trying to achieve by providing social commentaries? Why do some shows seem to offer no social messages at all? Do you think audiences are more likely to notice that kind of message further down the line, when times have changed? Families can also talk about using stereotypes as a form of humor. Is stereotyping ever appropriate?

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