Good Times
Overview
Good Times, a classic American sitcom, aired from February 8, 1974, to August 1, 1979, on CBS. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, with Norman Lear as the executive producer, it serves as a spin-off from Maude, itself a derivative of All in the Family, alongside The Jeffersons. Set against the backdrop of Chicago, the show captures the lives of a struggling African-American family navigating challenges with humor and heart. Initially filmed at CBS Television City, Good Times later relocated to Metromedia Square in 1975, where Lear's production company was based.
Episodes
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1
Too Old Blues
James is bubbling with excitement, convinced that he’s about to land a lucrative job. However, during the interview, he discovers that he’s too ol...
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1
Denise Dating
Denise visits the DMV to switch her last name from Sheen back to Richards. Meanwhile, she sets out to find a suitable stud pig for breeding her female...
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2
Black Jesus
J.J.'s artwork featuring a Black Jesus brings a wave of fortune to the family, as each member experiences a streak of good luck. Despite this positive...
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2
Denise vs. Tabloids
Denise meets with a tabloid reporter for an in-person interview to explain her reasons for participating in a reality show. In a bid to set a good exa...
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3
Getting Up the Rent
Title: Raising the Rent Plot: Facing eviction, the Evans family desperately seeks to gather the $74 required for their rent. Dismissing Florida’s c...
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3
No Jackets Required
Denise faces a tough choice about whether to revamp her image or pose nude once more. At the same time, Irv undergoes a transformation for a glamorous...
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4
God's Business is Good Business
James receives a visit from an old friend turned dubious televangelist, who presents him with a lucrative job opportunity paying $100 a day. Initially...
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4
Desperate House Mom
Denise juggles the challenges of being a hectic single mother while yearning for some adult excitement. At the same time, she finds herself stepping i...
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5
Saying Goodbye
Denise grapples with the emotional turmoil of losing her mother while also battling her struggle with insomnia. As she navigates her grief, she seeks ...
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5
Michael Gets Suspended
Title: Michael Faces Suspension Plot: One afternoon, Michael returns home from school with shocking news: he has been suspended. His outburst in clas...
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6
A Weekend in the Country
Denise heads to Temecula to spend time with her sister's family, reconnecting with her "white trash" upbringing. While she's there, she takes on the r...
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6
Sex and the Evans Family
Florida stumbles upon a risqué book titled "Sexual Behavior in the Ghetto" and assumes it belongs to J.J. When she confronts him about it, she’s ta...
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7
Bikini Shape
Denise is determined to get fit so she can confidently rock a bikini during her upcoming trip to Hawaii. At the same time, her pets are enrolled in ob...
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7
Junior Gets a Patron
J.J. feels like his big break is finally here when Leroy Jackson steps in as his supporter, supplying him with everything he requires. But when James ...
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8
Junior the Senior
Florida and James are concerned about J.J.'s chances of advancing to the 12th grade. However, when they receive his report card, they discover he did ...
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8
Hawaii: Searching for Youth
Denise embarks on a trip to Hawaii with a few of her friends, hoping to recapture their youthful spirit. However, she faces a significant challenge as...
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9
The Visitor
Frustrated with the living conditions in the Evans' apartment, Michael writes a fiery letter to a newspaper, sparking a swift reaction from a housing ...
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9
Denise Strikes Back!
During Denise's promotional tour, she finds herself facing a barrage of cruel rumors spread by the tabloids.
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10
Springtime in the Ghetto
Title: Spring Awakening in the Neighborhood Plot: Florida is excited to participate in a contest for the tidiest apartment, convinced that victory is...
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11
The TV Commercial
Florida returns home from the grocery store buzzing with excitement; she’s landed a part in a television commercial! The pay is impressive too—$5,...
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12
The Check Up
Florida and the children grow worried about James's health after they come across a magazine article discussing hypertension. When James discovers the...
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13
My Son the Lover
A well-liked girl asks J.J. to create her portrait, leading him to believe that their relationship is taking a serious turn, and he begins to plan to ...
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1
Florida Flips
The family's concern grows over Florida's unusual actions, leaving both her and Willona puzzled about the cause. Michael suspects she might be enterin...
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2
J.J. Becomes a Man (1)
Title: J.J. Enters Adulthood (1) Plot: As J.J. approaches his 18th birthday, his parents, James and Florida, are distressed to learn they can’t pur...
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3
J.J. Becomes a Man (2)
J.J. finds himself at the police station, facing interrogation over the liquor store heist. Meanwhile, his family convenes to brainstorm how to come u...
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4
Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah
Title: Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah Plot: Michael is offered a chance to attend a more prestigious school in a predominantly white are...
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5
The Man I Most Admire
Title: The Individual I Look Up To Plot: Michael is tasked with composing an essay about someone he deeply admires. Initially, he chooses Florida, re...
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6
Thelma's Young Man
For two months, Thelma has been dating a guy without introducing him to her family. But when she arrives home sporting an engagement ring, Florida and...
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7
The I.Q. Test
Title: The I.Q. Exam Plot: Michael, known for being one of the top students in his class, arrives home dejected after discovering that he received ...
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8
The Encyclopedia Hustle
After a long day at work, the last thing James wants is to encounter an encyclopedia salesman at his doorstep. However, his attitude shifts when he di...
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9
The Gang (1)
J.J. has secretly joined the Satan's Knights, a gang embroiled in a fierce conflict with the Warlords. When two members and the leader of the Satan's ...
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10
The Gang (2)
J.J. is on the mend after being shot by Mad Dog, but fortunately, his injury is just a flesh wound. In the meantime, James, fueled by a desire for rev...
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11
The Matchmaker
At a wedding, Florida comes to the realization that Willona is her only single friend who hasn't tied the knot yet. This prompts her to take on the ro...
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12
The Windfall
James stumbles upon a bag filled with stolen money totaling $27,000. Encouraged by Florida, he makes the choice to report it to the authorities. Unbek...
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13
Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle
Cousin Naomi comes to stay with the Evans family for the holiday season, but her arrival brings trouble for Thelma. As the festivities unfold, Thelma ...
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14
Florida's Big Gig
James is confident he'll land a sales job at a department store, so he decides to take Florida with him to the interview. However, he gets an unexpect...
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15
Florida Goes to School
Florida is attending night school in pursuit of her High School Equivalency diploma. However, balancing her daytime job with evening classes starts to...
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16
The Nude
A woman approaches J.J. with a request to create a nude portrait of her as a special birthday surprise for her husband. Meanwhile, Florida struggles t...
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17
The Family Business
Recognizing James's talent for fixing things, Florida encourages him to start his own repair shop. However, when they attempt to secure a loan at the ...
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18
The Debutante Ball
J.J. is smitten with his new girlfriend, Clarissa, and has big plans to take her to an elegant debutante ball. However, Clarissa arrives at the Evans'...
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19
The Dinner Party
When Michael helps an elderly neighbor by taking out her trash, he discovers that she seems to be relying on pet food for her meals. Concerned for her...
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20
The Houseguest
James receives a visit from a childhood friend, but things take a turn when his gambling issues spill over into the Evans family’s life. Soon, two t...
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21
My Girl Henrietta
The Evans family is excited to finally meet J.J.'s girlfriend, Henrietta. However, their happiness is tempered by J.J.'s surprising announcement that ...
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22
The Enlistment
Title: The Recruitment Plot: The Evans family faces a tough situation when both James and J.J. find themselves out of work. Determined to help his fa...
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23
Thelma's Scholarship
Title: Thelma's Scholarship Plot: Thelma is presented with an opportunity to secure a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school in Michigan. Befor...
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24
The Lunch Money Ripoff
After discovering that a bully has been swiping his lunches, Michael turns to James for advice on dealing with the issue. James offers some strategies...
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1
A Real Cool Job
Title: An Unexpected Opportunity Plot: Following his completion of several classes at a vocational school, James finds himself on the verge of landin...
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2
The Family Gun
James brings a gun home to protect his family.
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3
Operation Florida
Florida has been struggling with a sharp pain in her side for two weeks, but she hesitates to visit a doctor because of her worries about expenses. Wh...
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4
Love in the Ghetto
Thelma is thrilled to share that she’s engaged, but her excitement is met with shock from her parents, who react with outrage upon hearing the news....
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5
Florida's Rich Cousin
Title: Florida's Affluent Relative Plot: Florida decides to ask her cousin for a loan to cover some surprise expenses. However, James's ego gets in t...
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6
The Weekend
James' friend allows him to borrow his cabin for a special celebration of his 20th wedding anniversary with Florida. The challenge, however, is convin...
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7
The Baby
Florida and the children organize a baby shower for their friend, Loretta. The celebration takes a somber turn when Loretta reveals her decision to pl...
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8
Michael's Big Fall
While James is away, Florida and her brother Wilbert find themselves handling a troubled Michael. His skipping classes, involvement in fights, and dec...
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9
The Politicians
Tensions flare in the Evans family as James and J.J. rally behind Alderman Fred Davis in his quest for re-election, while Florida, Thelma, and Willona...
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10
Willona's Dilemma
J.J. introduces Walter, a fellow student from his art class, to the family, and sparks fly between him and Willona. Although Walter is deaf, he and Wi...
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11
Florida's Protest
Title: Florida's Protest Plot: After their children fall ill from food poisoning linked to meat purchased at the neighborhood supermarket, Florida ...
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12
The Mural
J.J. lands a job with a bank to create a mural, promising him $250 that he needs to cover Thelma's college expenses. She recently received a scholarsh...
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13
A Loss of Confidence
Title: A Blow to the Ego Plot: Thelma introduces a new friend to the group, and J.J. is immediately enchanted by her. Unfortunately, when she turns h...
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14
Cleatus
In Atlanta, a bank heist leads the FBI to the Evans' apartment, where they want to interview Florida, as her nephew Cleatus is the main suspect. The a...
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15
The Family Tree
Thelma delves into her family history for a school assignment and uncovers that James's father is alive and residing near Chicago. Excited by this rev...
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16
A Place to Die
Just before the New Year’s celebration, an elderly man who had formed a friendship with Michael visits the Evans' apartment. Aware that his time is ...
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17
J.J.'s Fiancee (1)
J.J. and his girlfriend, Diana, are deepening their relationship, and they begin discussing the possibility of marriage, a desire they both share. Unf...
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18
J.J.'s Fiancee (2)
Title: J.J.'s Fiancée (2) Plot: On the evening of her prom, Diana makes a spontaneous decision to elope with J.J. in Indiana. Meanwhile, in Chicago,...
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19
Sweet Daddy Williams
Title: Sweet Daddy Williams Plot: J.J. receives a unique opportunity when Sweet Daddy Williams, a local numbers runner, asks him to create a portrait...
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20
The Investigation
The FBI is looking into the family, suspecting that they pose a security threat after Michael conducts research and engages in discussions with a Comm...
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21
J.J. in Trouble
While the kids are home alone for the weekend, J.J. learns some troubling news: he has passed on a sexually transmitted infection to an ex-girlfriend....
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22
Florida the Woman
Feeling unappreciated by her children and husband after a long morning, Florida accepts her boss's offer for lunch. This seemingly innocent outing sti...
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23
The Break Up
Title: The Split Plot: Thelma's fiancé believes that a night out at a basketball game is the pinnacle of romance. However, her troubles deepen when ...
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24
The Rent Party
Title: The Rent Bash Plot: The Evans family organizes a rent bash to assist a fellow resident whose power has been cut off. However, their efforts mi...
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1
The Big Move (1)
The family prepares for their move to Mississippi after James lands an exciting new job there. They struggle with the timing of sharing this news with...
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2
The Big Move (2)
Title: The Big Move (2) Plot: Following James’ passing, J.J., Thelma, and Michael are consumed by sorrow, particularly troubled by Florida, who h...
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3
J.J. and the Older Woman
Thelma decides to invite her favorite teacher over to their apartment, and while she admires JJ's artwork, a spark ignites between them. This budding ...
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4
Michael the Warlord
Title: Michael the Warlord Plot: The neighborhood is engulfed in chaos, largely fueled by the notorious street gang known as the Warlords. As Florida...
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5
Michael's Great Romance
Michael has strong feelings for Yvonne, but he becomes tongue-tied and awkward in her presence. When Yvonne encounters J.J., she quickly develops a cr...
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6
Evans Versus Davis
Alderman Davis drops by the Evans' home, hoping to persuade J.J. to lend his voice to his re-election campaign. When J.J. turns him down, Davis swiftl...
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7
J.J.'s New Career (1)
After losing his job, J.J. does everything he can to secure new employment. However, when Bookman delivers an eviction notice to the Evans family beca...
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8
J.J.'s New Career (2)
Title: J.J.'s New Career (2) Plot: J.J. is thrilled about his new job alongside two pals in a lucrative gambling venture. Unbeknownst to him, this op...
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9
Grandpa's Visit
Florida and the kids can hardly contain their excitement as they await Grandpa Evans's visit. However, their enthusiasm takes a turn when he shows up ...
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10
Rich is Better Than Poor . . . Maybe
The family experiences a stroke of good fortune when J.J. hits the jackpot in the lottery. Unfortunately, their luck quickly takes a turn when Thelma'...
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11
Florida's Night Out
Title: Florida's Evening Adventure Plot: Noticing that Florida has been isolated lately, the kids choose to forgo their own plans to spend quality ti...
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12
The Judy Cohen Story
Title: The Judy Cohen Saga Plot: J.J. is overseeing Michael's vocal ensemble and secures a performance at a nearby tavern. During the event, he encou...
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13
The Comedian and the Loan Sharks
J.J. takes out a loan from a loan shark to support his promising new comedian. Just a few days later, two enforcers arrive to demand repayment, but J....
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14
The Hustle
Florida's sour attitude leads the kids to start a venture selling underwear, hoping to earn enough cash for a getaway to Lake Geneva for her.
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15
Thelma's African Romance (1)
Title: Thelma's African Romance (1) Plot: Thelma's college cafeteria is falling apart, prompting her and her friends to stage a protest. During this ...
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16
Thelma's African Romance (2)
Florida is taken aback when Thelma reveals her intention to move in with Ibe. However, the situation escalates quickly when Ibe proposes to her and su...
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17
Willona's Surprise
For her birthday, Willona receives an unexpected surprise when her charming but unfaithful ex-husband, Ray, shows up. He insists that he has turned ov...
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18
A Friend in Need
With Florida out of town for the weekend, J.J., Thelma, and Michael decide to host an unforgettable party. Things spiral out of control when one of th...
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19
A Stormy Relationship
Florida is shocked to discover that Michael has absorbed atheist beliefs instilled by his employer. Determined to address the issue, she decides to co...
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20
Florida and Carl
Florida, not entirely keen on the idea, finally consents to go out with Carl. Yet, during their dinner at the restaurant, a heated disagreement erupts...
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21
My Son, the Father
J.J. is thrilled about the idea of having a father-son dinner with Michael. However, his enthusiasm quickly fades when Michael reveals that he has ask...
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22
J.J. in Business
Title: J.J. Ventures into Entrepreneurship Plot: J.J. comes up with a new scheme to make some cash by launching a greeting card company. Excited abou...
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23
Love Has a Spot on His Lung (1)
Florida and Carl's bond has deepened significantly, prompting Carl to share with J.J., Thelma, and Michael his intention to propose to Florida. Howeve...
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24
Love Has a Spot on His Lung (2)
Title: Love Has a Spot on His Lung (2) Plot: An enraged J.J. approaches Carl, who concocts a tale about a groin injury from the war as the cause for ...
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1
The Evans Get Involved (1)
After young Penny Gordon trails J.J. back to his home, she effortlessly embeds herself into the Evans family’s lives, spinning elaborate tales about...
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2
The Evans Get Involved (2)
Willona and the Evans kids are certain that Penny is suffering from abuse. Concerned for her well-being, Willona brings Penny to a doctor to address h...
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3
The Evans Get Involved (3)
Title: The Evans Step In (3) Plot: Willona and the Evans children are shocked to learn that Penny and her mother have relocated. Their surprise deepe...
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4
The Evans Get Involved (4)
Willona is anxious about her chances of adopting Penny. In the meantime, Bookman, wanting to lend a hand, mistakenly tells the social worker that he i...
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5
Thelma Moves Out
Title: Thelma Takes Flight Plot: Feeling overwhelmed by the lack of personal space and the chaos created by her two brothers, Thelma makes the bold c...
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6
Willona, the Fuzz
Willona receives a tempting job offer but initially turns it down due to her principles. When Penny expresses her desire to take figure skating lesson...
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7
Wheels
J.J. and his buddies team up to co-own a car they hastily purchased from Bookman. Unfortunately, the car's condition takes a backseat to the ongoing d...
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8
Breaker, Breaker
Michael pretends to be J.J. while chatting on a CB radio and soon realizes he’s not the only one with a disguise. The girl he connects with, who goe...
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9
Bye, Bye, Bookman
Title: Farewell, Bookman Plot: Faced with unbearable living conditions in their building, Willona, Penny, and the Evans children take action by organ...
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10
Thelma's Brief Encounter
Thelma starts a new relationship with a guy named Lloyd Williams, but J.J., Willona, and Michael can't shake their doubts about him, believing he migh...
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11
Requiem for a Wino
Fishbone, a down-on-his-luck alcoholic, laments his lack of friends, only to realize he has more than he thought when a homeless man snatches his wall...
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12
Penny's Christmas
After Penny’s wallet is snatched, she resorts to stealing a necklace from a department store in a frantic effort to buy Willona a Christmas present....
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13
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Title: No More Mr. Nice Guy Plot: Michael's lack of interest in helping around the house and neglecting his schoolwork prompts J.J. to take a stand a...
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14
Willona's Mr. Right
Willona's former boyfriend returns to town and proposes to her. Despite his heartfelt offer, Willona declines, concerned that his job would require th...
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15
J.J. and the Boss' Daughter
J.J. is assigned a stunning new assistant, and he wastes no time trying to charm her. However, when he discovers that she is actually the daughter of ...
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16
Where There's Smoke
A scorch mark appears on one of the couch cushions, leading J.J., Thelma, and Michael to each spin their own tales about its origin. Meanwhile, Penny ...
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17
I Had a Dream
J.J. is eager to climb the corporate ladder, but a colleague plants doubt in his mind, suggesting that the promotion is reserved for a white man. This...
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18
The Boarder
In an effort to gather some extra cash for rent, J.J. opts to rent out a room. Unbeknownst to him, the man he takes in has been assigned by the police...
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19
J.J.'s Condition
Title: J.J.'s Dilemma Plot: J.J. embarks on a romantic involvement with Barbara, a married woman who intends to end her marriage. However, the stress...
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20
Willona, the Other Woman
Bookman's odd actions convince his wife, Violet, that he might be involved with someone else. Yet, things aren't always as they seem. When Violet unex...
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21
Something Old, Something New
Grandpa Evans arrives with dreams of striking it rich through his latest invention. However, his fiancée Lena grows increasingly frustrated with bein...
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22
Willona's New Job
Title: Willona's Career Move Plot: Willona’s boyfriend, Frank, is persistent in his attempts to persuade her to say yes to marriage. At the same ti...
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23
Write On, Thelma
Thelma is thrilled when her full-length play gets selected for production at the local theater. However, her excitement quickly turns to concern as sh...
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24
That's Entertainment, Evans Style
A local child-care center is facing closure because of financial difficulties. To prevent this from happening, the Evans organize a performance to gat...
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1
Florida's Homecoming (1)
Title: Florida's Homecoming (1) Plot: The Evans kids and Willona are taken by surprise when they discover that Thelma is romantically involved with...
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2
Florida's Homecoming (2)
Florida returns home after learning about Thelma's engagement, but it seems that the wedding might be in jeopardy if Thelma can't overcome her pre-wed...
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3
Florida's Homecoming: The Wedding
Following his job loss, J.J. borrows $1,000 from Sweet Daddy Williams to fund Thelma's wedding. The ceremony goes smoothly, but as the couple makes th...
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4
Florida's Homecoming: United We Stand
Following a delightful wedding celebration, the mood quickly shifts. Thelma and Keith find themselves unable to embark on their honeymoon due to Keith...
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5
Florida Gets a Job
Florida and J.J. are both on the hunt for jobs, but they're struggling to find anything. Florida's interest is piqued by a newspaper ad for a part-tim...
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6
Stomach Mumps
Willona firmly declines to talk about the facts of life with Penny, particularly after discovering that a 13-year-old friend of Penny's is expecting a...
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7
J.J. the Teacher
J.J. finds himself in a tough situation when one of his students faces a violent father who is fiercely against his son taking art lessons from him. D...
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8
Michael's Decision
The Evans' apartment has become cramped with Thelma and Keith still residing there after tying the knot. Meanwhile, everything seems to be unraveling....
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9
J.J. and the Plumber's Helper
JJ's ex-girlfriend Vanessa returns to town, bringing her usual penchant for luxury with her. He feels pressured to keep up appearances and hide the fa...
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10
The Witness
J.J.'s decision to witness a car crash could have serious consequences for him.
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11
The Snow Storm
A snowstorm sweeps through Chicago, leaving Florida and her school bus stranded. Seeking shelter from the biting cold, she and the children on board d...
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12
The Traveling Christmas
When Keith's miserly boss at the taxi company refuses to grant him Christmas off, the Evans family decides to bring their holiday celebration to him a...
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13
House Hunting
The Evans family believes they've discovered their dream home and are eager to secure a loan to purchase it. However, as is often the case, they soon ...
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14
Florida's Favorite Passenger (1)
While driving her bus to school, Florida notices that one of her students struggles to hear properly, bringing his situation to the forefront. Concern...
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15
Florida's Favorite Passenger (2)
Title: Florida's Favorite Passenger (2) Plot: Following a serious accident, Larry’s mother comes to the harsh realization that her son struggles wi...
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16
Blood Will Tell
Sweet Daddy Williams dispatches his henchmen to forcibly take J.J. from his house and rush him to the hospital. The urgency stems from the fact that J...
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17
Where Have All the Doctors Gone?
Title: Where Have All the Doctors Gone? Plot: After Willona heads out of town, she entrusts Penny to Florida's supervision. Not long after, Penny fal...
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18
J.J. and T.C.
Title: J.J. and T.C. Plot: A spirited tomboy who has been lending a hand to Bookman is eager for J.J. to invite her to an upcoming dance. J.J. views ...
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19
The Physical
Florida realizes that in order to retain her position as a bus driver, she needs to successfully complete a physical exam. The night before her appoin...
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20
A Matter of Mothers
Willona's new boyfriend, Jeffrey, has been overwhelming her and Penny with lavish presents despite their brief relationship of just a few months. Unbe...
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21
The Evans' Dilemma
Keith's quest for employment leads to increasingly odd behavior, which his friends and family notice is more than just frustration; they sense somethi...
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22
The Art Contest
As the art contest draws near, J.J. is confident he's a guaranteed winner. However, his plans take a turn when he relies on a distracted Bookman to tr...
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23
Cousin Raymond
Florida is taken aback by an unexpected visit from her cousin Raymond, who has recently found success and brings lavish gifts for the entire family. H...
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24
The End of the Rainbow
In the series finale, the Evans family receives some incredibly positive news. J.J. lands a job opportunity with a comic company, while Keith experien...
