Vice’s ‘Black Comedy in America’ Looks Back at ’70s Sitcoms, Including ‘Good Times’ & ‘The Jeffersons’
On the Oct. 29, 2024, episode of Vice’s Black Comedy in America, the 10-part docuseries — which examines the history of Black comedians in film, TV and stand-up — will take a look back at ’70s sitcoms like The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son and Good Times.
Featuring interviews with stars of the era, like the late John Amos, who played John Evans on Good Times, and Marla Gibbs, who played Florence on The Jeffersons, as well as contemporary stars like black-ish‘s Anthony Anderson and Deon Cole, the episode will examine why these sitcoms about Black families made such an impact when they aired — an impact still being felt today.
Tiffany Haddish and Marla Gibbs. Courtesy of ViceTV
In the ’70s, television viewers for the first time saw sitcoms built around a wide array of warm, supportive Black families — many starring actors and comedians like Redd Foxx, who were already famous on the Chitlin’ Circuit of Black entertainers that thrived from the ’30s through the ’60s.
The sitcoms brought those performers mainstream fame, and also made an impression on the next generation of Black comedians. As cohost, comedian and executive producer, Chris Spencer notes, “Shows like Good Times and The Jeffersons had such wide appeal because the casting, production, drama and comedy were so good; even if you didn’t come from the same economic background, you fell in love with these families.”
Courtesy of Everett
And while these shows influenced countless Black comedians, writers and performers, they influenced writers, performers and TV viewers of every race. “The contributions Black people have made to the entertainment industry are almost infinite, not just from the shows and Black people you see in them,” says Spencer, “but also from the impact and influence we have had on other cultures.”
The episode will air on Tuesday, Oct.29, at 10pm ET/PT on VICE TV.
And on Nov. 19, at 10pm ET/PT on VICE TV, the show will examine the comedic life and legacy of Richard Pryor.
1974 (50 Years Ago)
January 2024
In this time capsule issue of ReMIND Magazine we look back 50 years ago to 1974!
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