The BEST episodes of Good Times season 1

Every episode of Good Times season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Good Times season 1!

The Evans family scratches and survives in their tough South Side Chicago ghetto. Esther Rolle and John Amos star as parents Florida and James, with "dyn-o-mite" breakout comedy star Jimmie Walker as J.J., the oldest of the three Evans children.

Last Updated: 9/7/2024Network: CBSStatus: Ended
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Too Old Blues
star
8.26
130 votes

#1 - Too Old Blues

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/8/1974

When James misses out on a good job because of his age, the family's celebration party turns sour.

Writer: Bob Peete
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Michael Gets Suspended
star
8.22
85 votes

#2 - Michael Gets Suspended

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/8/1974

Michael is suspended from school after proclaiming that George Washington was a racist.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Writer: Eric Monte
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Black Jesus
star
8.13
143 votes

#3 - Black Jesus

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/15/1974

J.J.'s painting of a black Jesus coincides with good fortune coming to each family member.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Springtime in the Ghetto
star
8.10
62 votes

#4 - Springtime in the Ghetto

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/19/1974

When Michael brings a local wino home, Florida's chances of being named as having the cleanest apartment in the projects are dimmed.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Visitor
star
7.98
64 votes

#5 - The Visitor

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/5/1974

Michael's angry letter about the conditions in the ghetto prompts a visit from the city housing commission.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Check Up
star
7.85
60 votes

#6 - The Check Up

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 5/3/1974

The Evanses become concerned about James's possible hypertension.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Junior Gets a Patron
star
7.76
67 votes

#7 - Junior Gets a Patron

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/22/1974

J.J.'s new art sponsor is a criminal whose patronage is unwelcome by James.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Writer: Larry Siegel
Watch Now:Amazon
star
7.45
82 votes

#8 - God's Business Is Good Business

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/1/1974

An old friend of James who is now a shady televangelist offers him a $100-per-day job that doesn't sit well with Florida's morals.

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Getting Up the Rent
star
7.43
112 votes

#9 - Getting Up the Rent

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/22/1974

Facing eviction, James tries to win money at the pool hall, J.J. comes up with a scheme of his own and Florida and Willona go to the welfare office.

Writer: Eric Monte
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Junior the Senior
star
7.34
67 votes

#10 - Junior the Senior

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/29/1974

Florida and James try to get to the bottom of J.J.'s poor performance in school.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Watch Now:Amazon
My Son the Lover
star
7.27
62 votes

#11 - My Son the Lover

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 5/10/1974

A popular girl wants J.J. to paint her portrait, but Florida and Thelma smell a rat.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Watch Now:Amazon
The TV Commercial
star
6.97
65 votes

#12 - The TV Commercial

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/26/1974

Florida is offered a role in a TV commercial but has second thoughts when she learns more about the product.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Sex and the Evans Family
star
6.96
74 votes

#13 - Sex and the Evans Family

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/15/1974

Florida tries to discover the owner of a dirty article that belongs to Thelma's boyfriend.

Directors: Herbert Kenwith
Watch Now:Apple TV