‘Good Times’ showrunner reacts to intense backlash against animated reboot

Two weeks have passed since Netflix released the animated reboot of “Good Times”, and its showrunner is counting on the audience’s response.

In a recent interview with Hollywood reportershowrunner Ranada Shepard said she understood the uproar and intense feedback from viewers who watched episodes of the reboot.

“There was no framing for the audience, it was just: watch it and form your own opinion. They observed and formed an opinion,” Shepard told the outlet.

Even before the episodes premiered, the discourse quickly spread online after Netflix released the primary official trailer for the animation in March. Social media users were offended by the brand new show’s portrayal of the family, saying it deviated from the unique 1974 series “Good Times.” Instead of reflecting the morals and values ​​of a working-class black family, as viewers claimed, the brand new series does the alternative by incorporating negative stereotypes.

Shepard empathized with the shocking reactions from fans of the unique “Good Times,” but noted that the reboot was intended to be different from the early sitcom.

She told The Hollywood Reporter that she understands “if it’s jarring. Because they needed someone to tell everyone, “I do know you are used to this sweet sitcom, however it’s not only a reimagining, it’s a unique genre that requires it to be loud and offensive, with edgy and inappropriate jokes.” Without this type of framing, you’ll be able to never blame the audience and I’d never do it.”

Before Shepard’s comments, members of the unique Good Times forged shared their thoughts on the animation ahead of its release. John Amos, who played patriarch James Evans, touched on the challenges of newer projects living up to their predecessors. BernNadette Stanis, who played daughter Thelma Evans, said she didn’t expect the show to be what it was.

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The showrunner said she understands the reboot won’t be accessible to all viewers, especially those that might not be conversant in this particular genre of television.

“Listen, there are people for whom this won’t work,” Shepard he said. “But I ask these people, ‘Do you watch adult animation?’ Because I know a lot of people don’t watch adult animation, so if that’s not your genre, this genre will be difficult for you. But are these well-written stories that stand up to social commentary and each of them carries a message? Absolutely.”

Despite the controversy, Shepard is behind the reboot and urges viewers to give it a likelihood and watch all 10 episodes.