ABC’s “Live In Front of A Studio Audience” Is Bringing “Good Times” Back; Viola Davis Set To Star

ABC is bringing back its popular “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” variety special for the holidays, and this time they are including episodes from the 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” as well as more from “All in the Family,” the network said.

According to CNN, the new special will air on Dec. 18 and will recreate episodes of the classic sitcoms from producer Norman Lear, “All in the Family” and “Good Times.” “All in the Family” was featured during the first special earlier this year, which also included an episode of “The Jeffersons.”

Oscar winner Viola Davis will lead the all-star cast as Florida Evans, Andre Braugher will take on the role of James Evans, Tiffany Haddish will play Willona Woods. The Evans’ kids will be performed by Jay Pharoah as J.J. Evans, Asante Blackk as Michael Evans, and the lovely Corinne Foxx will play Thelma Evans, according to Deadline.

“When They See Us” Emmy Winner Jharrel Jerome has also been cast, but his role hasn’t been divulged.

The classic theme song for “Good Times” will also be performed live by Anthony Anderson and the legendary Patti LaBelle.

”Good Times” was originally created by Mike Evans, Eric Monte, and was developed by Lear. Kerry Washington joins as an executive producer for this live event, this time around. Other producers include Lear, Jimmy Kimmel, Brent Miller, Will Ferrell, and Justin Theroux.

The recreated episodes for both “Good Times” and “All in the Family” will air live at 8 p.m. on Dec. 18. Woody Harrelson, Marisa Tomei, Ellie Kemper, and Ike Barinholtz will once again star in the recreated ”All in the Family,” playing Archie Bunker, Edith Bunker, their daughter, Gloria and son-in-law, Mike. They will be joined this go around by newcomers, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Eisenberg, and Justina Machado, but you’ll have to tune in to see who they will play.