Why Netflix canceled controversial series ‘Good Times Black Again’ despite a US top 10 run and 5.4 million streams

Netflix has reportedly canceled the controversial animated series Good Times Black Again after just one season, following months of polarized responses and concerns over cultural representation. The decision, first reported by What’s on Netflix, comes a year and a half after the show debuted to mixed reception and limited engagement.

The series, billed as a modern reimagining of the iconic 1970s sitcom Good Times, struggled to connect with longtime fans and critics, as some of the outlets called it “dated and humorless.” While it briefly entered Netflix’s US Top 10 during its premiere window, it failed to sustain momentum.

Netflix cancels controversial series Good Times Black Again

According to internal data cited by the outlet, the series logged 3.3 million views in the first half of 2024, adding another 2.1 million views by mid-2025. The total of 5.4 million streams was not enough to “justify a second season,” noted What’s on Netflix.

The show featured an all-star voice cast including J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, Jay Pharoah, Yvette Nicole Brown, Tisha Campbell, and Wanda Sykes, but the star power didn’t translate into consistent audience retention.

Why Netflix cancels controversial series Good Times Black Again

A major factor behind the cancellation was the cultural backlash surrounding the show’s portrayal of Black life. Many viewers argued that the reboot leaned heavily on exaggerated tropes, a stark departure from the original series’ blend of humor, humanity, and social insight.Reports by outlets such as ScreenGeek noted that the show faced accusations of promoting “racism” and “unsavory stereotypes,” while other viewers argued it was misunderstood and unfairly targeted.In 2024 there was also a petition on change.com to cancel the show.

A difficult reboot of a TV classic

The original Good Times (1974–1979) remains a landmark sitcom for its portrayal of a Black family in Chicago and its groundbreaking mix of social commentary and humor. The animated reboot, however, struggled to capture that legacy, leaving critics and fans questioning the direction of the adaptation.