Netflix and the Problem With the Animated Reboot of Good Times

Two things in regards to the animated reboot of Good Times on Netflix:

1. It’s essential for creators to have a solid understanding of narrative and how to successfully portray Black stories and systemic issues without perpetuating harmful stereotypes – even this can be achieved in a comedic and yet powerful way. Organizations like the NAACP Hollywood Bureau and Color Of Change offer media literacy and narrative training to mitigate this.

2. Netflix: Giving creators full license isn’t going to cut it. It’s time they take responsibility for the content they choose to platform. As a leading streaming service with a global reach, Netflix has the power to shape perceptions and influence cultural attitudes. By showcasing content that reinforces negative stereotypes about Black families, people, and communities, Netflix risks perpetuating harmful narratives that contribute to systemic inequalities, even if they believe the underlying theme of the content is meant to do more good than harm.

They saw THOUSANDS of comments across social media saying that the remake of Good Times was not of interest to Black viewers, based on the problematic trailer, and still chose to move forward. The people spoke and Netflix did not listen.

In 2022, Netflix’s US Black employees decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%, including a decrease in leadership (Directors and above), from 13.6% to 12.9%. Some of this staff supported @strongblacklead and had a strong POV in terms of cultural identity.

We encourage Netflix to reprioritize Black perspectives in their workforce, as well as narrative competency across the company, so that products like this do not happen in the future.

Did you watch the animated reboot of Good Times? What do you think? Follow us and let us know at Black Dollar Index on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or Threads!