when good time premier in 1974 and it be one the first black family sitcom . it center on the poor chicago base evans family and their struggle to make end . most of the early episode focus on the parent and james and florida evans and and their struggle to provide for the family . john amos and esther rolle be the best part of the show . they be terrific actor and have great chemistry a james and florida evans . they have three kid represent j. j. and thelma and and michael . j. j. be the skirt chasing but well meaning teenage son who make up for his lack of subtletly with artistic talent . thelma be an attractive and bright girl who be constantly trade insult with j. j. michael be a near child prodigy who be well educate on social issue and be destine to become a lawyer . in 1976 and the producer make a huge mistake by fire john amos and literally kill off his character . this really change the focus and and not for the good i might add . the show begin to focus more on j. j. and his buffoon like behavior which anger black viewer as well a series star esther rolle and who leave after the next season . instead of a show that focus on key african american issue that exist in society at the time and viewer get show that be overload with skirt chasing and fat joke . once esther rolle leave and the quality of the show suffer even more . although it be still watchable and it be no long the great ground break show that it once be . although esther rolle come back for the 1978 season and it become obvious that the show be on it last leg . all loose end be tie up during that season and the show quietly fade off the air . first three season represent a. last three season represent c plus .