Folks, this video that I rediscovered comes from the TV archives. In it, is a interview with well known television producer and developer Norman Lear. Norman Lear discusses the spinoff franchise with the interviewer in the video. He goes into particular detail about how the sitcom “Good Times” became a spinoff. Now Norman Lear says he does not really like to use the term “Spinoff” when it comes to the franchise and then gives the description about how the show Maude derived from its parent show All In The Family. He then specifically talks about how Esther Rolle was like a baseball player candidate preparing for the major league. John Amos was hired to see how how he and Ms. Rolle looked together and the producers and network loved them. Norman Lear then says that they then “were committed to doing a pilot now a spinoff”. The commentary regarding this begins at 01:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqTvOTqgDRw

Wikipedia’s definition of spinoff: In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work (e.g. a particular topic, character, or event)
Key Word: “Character”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin-off_(media)

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spin-off
SPINOFF:
: a television program, movie, book, etc., that is based on characters from another television program, movie, book, etc.
: something useful that results from work done to produce something else

: something that is imitative or derivative of an earlier work, product, or establishment; especially : a television show starring a character popular in a secondary role of an earlier show

You see, a spinoff does not always have to be a consistent format regarding a character’s background. It’s the idea or character that derived from another piece of work.

My boy Solomon at one time was almost willing to declare it is a spinoff because he found out on Good Times that Florida was former maid in the world of “Good Times” like on “Maude”. He did state that “they forgot to change the names”. I don’t think so.


It has already been stated that it is a spinoff and Solomon has even admitted himself after proof had been given. His mind has been changed again but I do respect where he is coming from and applaud him for bringing a strong argument.

Folks, this video that I rediscovered comes from the TV archives. In it, is a interview with well known television producer and developer Norman Lear. Norman Lear discusses the spinoff franchise with the interviewer in the video. He goes into particular detail about how the sitcom “Good Times” became a spinoff. Now Norman Lear says he does not really like to use the term “Spinoff” when it comes to the franchise and then gives the description about how the show Maude derived from its parent show All In The Family. He then specifically talks about how Esther Rolle was like a baseball player candidate preparing for the major league. John Amos was hired to see how how he and Ms. Rolle looked together and the producers and network loved them. Norman Lear then says that they then “were committed to doing a pilot now a spinoff”. The commentary regarding this begins at 01:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqTvOTqgDRw

Wikipedia’s definition of spinoff: In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work (e.g. a particular topic, character, or event)
Key Word: “Character”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin-off_(media)

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spin-off
SPINOFF:
: a television program, movie, book, etc., that is based on characters from another television program, movie, book, etc.
: something useful that results from work done to produce something else

: something that is imitative or derivative of an earlier work, product, or establishment; especially : a television show starring a character popular in a secondary role of an earlier show

You see, a spinoff does not always have to be a consistent format regarding a character’s background. It’s the idea or character that derived from another piece of work.

My boy Solomon at one time was almost willing to declare it is a spinoff because he found out on Good Times that Florida was former maid in the world of “Good Times” like on “Maude”. He did state that “they forgot to change the names”. I don’t think so.


It has already been stated that it is a spinoff and Solomon has even admitted himself after proof had been given. His mind has been changed again but I do respect where he is coming from and applaud him for bringing a strong argument.

Sol has been silent. What happen? LOL

Sol has been silent. What happen? LOL

This board has been dead for almost 48 hours!!! :lol: :lol:

Sol has been silent. What happen? LOL
Why isn't the TVFactFan disputing this? :confused:

The problem I have with Good Time being called a spinoff is this, if it is indeed a spinoff as Norman Lear says then why was there no backdoor pilot or even a remote connection between Good Times and Maude? Were the writers and Norman Lear so lazy that they couldn't make 1 reference to Maude? Why did Henry leave what I assume was an ok paying job as a firefighter in NY and take his family to live in the projects in Chicago? I don't really care about definitions, Good Times was the only so called spinoff which Norman Lear was involved with that didn't have a backdoor pilot . Maude had one. Jeffersons had one. Even Checking In had one. It's obvious to me that the creators of Good Times, not Norman Lear, didn't want their show to be connected to Maude.


I can accept some tweaking with a spinoff like Family Matters where they say something about living in an apartment on PS and later on it's said that they've lived in a house for several years on FM, but not an extreme makeover.

@ SKYWALKER: But as someone who works in the industry as of 6 1/2 years, I can tell you that is the magic of Television. The rules are not always strict. Story line is changeable to make a certain vision happen. They tested John Amos with Esther Rolle. The CBS Execs along with Norman Lear's crew liked them. Then there was the commitment to do a spinoff. I know you don't care about definition but it applies tremendously to this situation. The connection lies with the ideas/characters/people deriving from another piece of work.

All I hear is lies. He said they did a pilot for Good times?

Where is it????????????? LOL

The problem I have with Good Time being called a spinoff is this, if it is indeed a spinoff as Norman Lear says then why was there no backdoor pilot or even a remote connection between Good Times and Maude? Were the writers and Norman Lear so lazy that they couldn't make 1 reference to Maude? Why did Henry leave what I assume was an ok paying job as a firefighter in NY and take his family to live in the projects in Chicago? I don't really care about definitions, Good Times was the only so called spinoff which Norman Lear was involved with that didn't have a backdoor pilot . Maude had one. Jeffersons had one. Even Checking In had one. It's obvious to me that the creators of Good Times, not Norman Lear, didn't want their show to be connected to Maude.


I can accept some tweaking with a spinoff like Family Matters where they say something about living in an apartment on PS and later on it's said that they've lived in a house for several years on FM, but not an extreme makeover.


Lear said they did a pilot episode LOL I wanna know where it is

Lear said they did a pilot episode LOL I wanna know where it is


My sitcom brother, you must listen again. Norman never said that they did the pilot but was commited to doing one. You see, the pilot was the original move but when the execs saw Amos and Rolle together on Maude, they were pleased and it was decided that committed pilot order (test run) would become a committed spinoff (full 13 episodic series) instead. I would like for you to listen again. LOL.

"We were committed to doing sp- pilot now called a spinoff". ~ Norman Lear

My sitcom brother, you must listen again. The pilot was the original move but when the execs saw Amos and Rolle together on Maude, they were pleased and it was decided that committed pilot order (test run) would become a committed spinoff (full episodic series) instead. I want you to listen again.

"we were committed to doing sp- pilot now called a spinoff".



I would have asked him


"Mr. Lear, how come you didn't do a pilot episode for Good Times like you did for maude and the Jeffersons? LOL

I would have asked him


"Mr. Lear, how come you didn't do a pilot episode for Good Times like you did for maude and the Jeffersons? LOL


He answered that for you. When you get time, try to listen again. The execs were happy with what they had seen between Esther Rolle and John Amos. Norman got the okay to go through with the abbreviated 13ep season order. That does happen here and there behind the scenes. They had enough faith that the show would be fine based on John Amos working with Esther Rolle on Maude.

He answered that for you. When you get time, try to listen again. The execs were happy with what they had seen between Esther Rolle and John Amos. Norman got the okay to go through with the abbreviated 13ep season order. That does happen here and there behind the scenes. They had enough faith that the show would be fine based on John Amos working with Esther Rolle on Maude.


So they had more faith in that show and not Maude and the jeffersons, makes no sense

So they had more faith in that show and not Maude and the jeffersons, makes no sense


A Pilot is a test run to see how character act with one another. It also shows if there is good comedic timing and chemistry existing and if the show/actors are worthy to carry a whole series. The Jeffersons and Maude had the backdoor pilots on the parent show (All In the Family) with actors who would be sharing the spotlight. Esther Rolle had her test run with John Amos (According to Lear) on Maude in their scenes. The execs were pleased. Besides, spinoff or not, a new show would have to have a stand alone pilot if there is no backdoor episode or new introduction of a new character from a parent series that would be ushered into a spinoff.

A Pilot is a test run to see how character act with one another. It also shows if there is good comedic timing and chemistry existing and if the show/actors are worthy to carry a whole series. The Jeffersons and Maude had the backdoor pilots on the parent show (All In the Family) with actors who would be sharing the spotlight. Esther Rolle had her test run with John Amos (According to Lear) on Maude in their scenes. The execs were pleased. Besides, spinoff or not, a new show would have to have a stand alone pilot if there is no backdoor episode or new introduction of a new character from a parent series that would be ushered into a spinoff.


I asked someone tonight did they know Good Times was a spinoff of maude and they never heard of Maude before


Good Times was a "stand alone Norman Lear Comedy":lol:

I asked someone tonight did they know Good Times was a spinoff of maude and they never heard of Maude before


Good Times was a "stand alone Norman Lear Comedy":lol:

You asked someone who never heard of Maude before. Maybe that's better they don't know because if they found out the Evans family was on Maude first, then it could mess things up for you although that has nothing to do with the fact that it was a spinoff...and you got the details from the horses' mouth. I know you're disappointed but it'll be all right.

I know how much you want to believe that it was a stand alone comedy, so your wish is granted...too bad Esther Rolle's Florida Evans went from one show to the other playing the role. :lol: If Judy Pace and Fred Williamson were playing the "Blacks" then it would not be a spinoff.

It did stand alone but not all the way as the actors that played the Evans laid the foundation down for that and Monte's vision of them being "The Black Family" was out the door when Lear and Rolle made changes.

I know it hurt you to see that interview, man. LOL. It took you two days to post. You ignored it, regrouped and started again tonight however your only rebutle was that a stranger didn't know Maude was connected to Good Times. Sorry, man. That doesn't make a difference. For a while, I didn't know that Maude was Edith's cousin on AITF nor did I know The Jeffersons were neighbors of the Bunkers. All of these shows sort of became stand alone sitcoms:

Maude never appeared on Good Times
Archie and Edith never appeared on Maude or The Jeffersons(although in a flashback ep and George refers to Archie in a ep when George is in hypnotic state)

So you see, the argument that this person you talked about Maude not knowing about the connection with Good Times does not determine a full stand alone argument.

You asked someone who never heard of Maude before. Maybe that's better they don't know because if they found out the Evans family was on Maude first, then it could mess things up for you although that has nothing to do with the fact that it was a spinoff...and you got the details from the horses' mouth. I know you're disappointed but it'll be all right.

I know how much you want to believe that it was a stand alone comedy, so your wish is granted...too bad Esther Rolle's Florida Evans went from one show to the other playing the role. :lol: If Judy Pace and Fred Williamson were playing the "Blacks" then it would not be a spinoff.

It did stand alone but not all the way as the actors that played the Evans laid the foundation down for that and Monte's vision of them being "The Black Family" was out the door when Lear and Rolle made changes.

I know it hurt you to see that interview, man. LOL. It took you two days to post. You ignored it, regrouped and started again tonight however your only rebutle was that a stranger didn't know Maude was connected to Good Times. Sorry, man. That doesn't make a difference. For a while, I didn't know that Maude was Edith's cousin on AITF nor did I know The Jeffersons were neighbors of the Bunkers. All of these shows sort of became stand alone sitcoms:

Maude never appeared on Good Times
Archie and Edith never appeared on Maude or The Jeffersons(although in a flashback ep and George refers to Archie in a ep when George is in hypnotic state)

So you see, the argument that this person you talked about Maude not knowing about the connection with Good Times does not determine a full stand alone argument.


AITF made reference to Maude after she got her own show
Jeffersons returned to AITF


Good Night:lol: :lol:

AITF made reference to Maude after she got her own show
Jeffersons returned to AITF


Good Night:lol: :lol:

And? So what if they did? Those are small little extras that have no bearing. Jeffersons returned to AITF. Florida's reference was made on Maude in later years. Plus, the returns and references were made waaaay after Good Times was "SPAWN". :lol: Solomon, I know it hurts and you're saying "DAAANG, TOM! Why did you have to post this?" but its ok, bruh. Keep hope alive!!!

And? So what if they did? Those are small little extras that have no bearing. Jeffersons returned to AITF. Florida's reference was made on Maude in later years. Plus, the returns and references were made waaaay after Good Times was "SPAWN". :lol: Solomon, I know it hurts and you're saying "DAAANG, TOM! Why did you have to post this?" but its ok, bruh. Keep hope alive!!!


I believe he said he doesn't like the word spinoff in the video and was trying to say Esther Rolle was given her own show since it was time.


Something I already knew

I believe he said he doesn't like the word spinoff in the video and was trying to say Esther Rolle was given her own show since it was time.


Something I already knew


Listen again, brother. :D I was wondering when you'd try to pull that card. He doesn't refer to Good Times alone. He is referring to his shows with characters that were ready for the big leagues. This was after the interviewer told him that he virtually created the "Spinoff" and talked about the shows that started from "All In The Family". He says he does not like to use that as a "majoritive" with his shows in general. Heck, I even posted that in my starting topic aaaand he calls it a spinoff towards the end.

Solomon, if you wanna continue the debate, I'm game. It's cool. I'm ready.

Good Times is 100% a spinoff of Maude. James, whose nickname was Henry, lost his job as a firefighter. They saw cheap, govmnt funded projects in Chicago, so they decided to move there

Good Times is 100% a spinoff of Maude. James, whose nickname was Henry, lost his job as a firefighter. They saw cheap, govmnt funded projects in Chicago, so they decided to move there


See? I knew it! I knew it all along.

Good Times is 100% a spinoff of Maude. James, whose nickname was Henry, lost his job as a firefighter. They saw cheap, govmnt funded projects in Chicago, so they decided to move there
That's just speculation on your part. It was never mentioned in Maude or Good Times.

The problem I have with Good Time being called a spinoff is this, if it is indeed a spinoff as Norman Lear says then why was there no backdoor pilot or even a remote connection between Good Times and Maude? Were the writers and Norman Lear so lazy that they couldn't make 1 reference to Maude? Why did Henry leave what I assume was an ok paying job as a firefighter in NY and take his family to live in the projects in Chicago? I don't really care about definitions, Good Times was the only so called spinoff which Norman Lear was involved with that didn't have a backdoor pilot . Maude had one. Jeffersons had one. Even Checking In had one. It's obvious to me that the creators of Good Times, not Norman Lear, didn't want their show to be connected to Maude.

This all makes a lot of sense. I agree with everything here.

I believe that Damien was only joking bringing humor to this matter. Ha! Ha! Although the show was not originally meant to be a project connected to Maude, all of that changed when Esther Rolle and John Amos were cast in the series and Norman Lear linked the series by way of the actors. Backdoor pilot is not an official rule in the world of TV.

I believe that Damien was only joking bringing humor to this matter. Ha! Ha! Although the show was not originally meant to be a project connected to Maude, all of that changed when Esther Rolle and John Amos were cast in the series and Norman Lear linked the series by way of the actors. Backdoor pilot is not an official rule in the world of TV.
It is a joke, because everything Damien said can not be verified. It's an assumption.

You're right that the only similarity to the two shows was Ester Rolle and John Amos. You can't even say that the CHARACTERS were a similarity since John was called "Henry" on Maude.

We have "James" Evans because of "Henry" Evans and John Amos. Names can change. Norman still calls it a spinoff as well. Regarding Damien, he had to be joking because his theory was waaay out there. We all know that's not how it went down.

We have "James" Evans because of "Henry" Evans and John Amos. Names can change. Norman still calls it a spinoff as well. Regarding Damien, he had to be joking because his theory was waaay out there. We all know that's not how it went down.
Could you imagine if "George Jefferson" from ALL IN THE FAMILY suddenly had a totally different name when he went on to THE JEFFERSONS? Like Chip Jefferson? :lol: :crazy:

Could you imagine if "George Jefferson" from ALL IN THE FAMILY suddenly had a totally different name when he went on to THE JEFFERSONS? Like Chip Jefferson? :lol: :crazy:

TV rules adjust and Mr. Lear demonstrated that.

Now, George was Chip, though...however he asked to keep his name George on "The Jeffersons". Lousie was Margueritte. :lol:

TV rules adjust and Mr. Lear demonstrated that.

Now, George was Chip, though...however he asked to keep his name George on "The Jeffersons". Lousie was Margueritte. :lol:
Margueritte and Chip Jefferson would be funny! Along with their son Drake Jefferson. :lol:

Margueritte and Chip Jefferson would be funny! Along with their son Drake Jefferson. :lol:


But the better question is:

Who was better? Drake #1 or Drake #2?

Think about it!!! ;)

But the better questions is:

Who was better? Drake #1 or Drake #2?

Think about it!!! ;)
I liked Drake #1 best. :)

Now here's another question: Who was better... All in the Family's Tom Willis #1 or the recast of The Jefferson's Tom Willis #2? :lol:

I liked Drake #1 best. :)

Now here's another question: Who was better... All in the Family's Tom Willis #1 or the recast of The Jefferson's Tom Willis #2? :lol:


Bam! Now we agree its something that we agree on. I think that Tom #1 was the best! :lol: :lol: :D

Bam! Now we agree its something that we agree on. I think that Tom #1 was the best! :lol: :lol: :D
Actually, the entire Willis family was re-casted from All in the Family. I liked Helen #2 best, and as for Jenny, I'm still on the fence with that one. I'm pretty sure she was only seen once on All in the Family. She did seem a bit uppity.

Actually, the entire Willis family was re-casted from All in the Family. I liked Helen #2 best, and as for Jenny, I'm still on the fence with that one. I'm pretty sure she was only seen once on All in the Family. She did seem a bit uppity.


Willis Family #1 was more serious. The second Klan had more comedic aspects about them. I love Lynne Moody period but I like Berlinda Tolbert as well. Ironic how Lynne went from being Lionel's Fiance to being an abused prostitute to being Lionel's cousin. LOL

Willis Family #1 was more serious. The second Klan had more comedic aspects about them. I love Lynne Moody period but I like Berlinda Tolbert as well. Ironic how Lynne went from being Lionel's Fiance to being an abused prostitute to being Lionel's cousin. LOL
The first Willis family was definitely a whole lot more serious. Helen #1 seemed almost snobbish, but she was very nice. Helen #2 (Roxie Roker) was stylish, sophisticated but very funny most of the time. Tom #2 was a complete goof ball! :lol: He was nothing like Tom #1. :lol:

The first Willis family was definitely a whole lot more serious. Helen #1 seemed almost snobbish, but she was very nice. Helen #2 (Roxie Roker) was stylish, sophisticated but very funny most of the time. Tom #2 was a complete goof ball! :lol: He was nothing like Tom #1. :lol:


Tom#1 was a nice guy, Helen #2 was no nonsense. I found myself rooting for her. Tom #2 was a loveable buffoon. LOL.

Tom#1 was a nice guy, Helen #2 was no nonsense. I found myself rooting for her. Tom #2 was a loveable buffoon. LOL.
I loved when Tom #2 would say to Helen: "Yes, dear" like a scared little boy! :lol: That's how George was with Mother Jefferson. :lol:

Could you imagine Florida Evans socializing with Louise Jefferson and Helen Willis? I don't think they had much in common.

Flo and Louise could trade maid stories. By 1980, all of them were upscale women.

Flo and Louise could trade maid stories. By 1980, all of them were upscale women.
^^^ That part is true, but back in the late 70s, I can't imagine Florida going to charity luncheons and shopping at Sax Fifth Avenue with Helen and Louise. I also don't think George or Tom would have much in common with James Evans.

Good Times is 100% a spinoff of Maude. James, whose nickname was Henry, lost his job as a firefighter. They saw cheap, govmnt funded projects in Chicago, so they decided to move there


I think you should posting since you make up sh*T. James didn;t have a nickname and it was never mentioned he lost his job

Stop posting

Could you imagine if "George Jefferson" from ALL IN THE FAMILY suddenly had a totally different name when he went on to THE JEFFERSONS? Like Chip Jefferson? :lol: :crazy:



Exactly, His name being James on Good times defeats all arguments that's it a spinoff

I think you should posting since you make up sh*T. James didn;t have a nickname and it was never mentioned he lost his job

Stop posting
He's trapped in fantasy land .......... making up crap! :lol:

He's trapped in fantasy land .......... making up crap! :lol:


Must be Brieannas Man or something:lol: :lol:

Exactly, His name being James on Good times defeats all arguments that's it a spinoff
And how in the hell could Damien say that Henry is a nickname for James??? :crazy: A nickname for James is Jim or Jimmy!

Maybe Steve is a nickname for Kevin? :lol:

Exactly, His name being James on Good times defeats all arguments that's it a spinoff


Solomon you basically just said the sky is candy apple red although we proved that the sky is blue. If you want to see it that way, then ok...but you know Norman trumped all arguments and it is documented through this video!!! Like I said I respect your right to difference of opinion but we won this debate hands down!!!:jig: :jig: pickle: pickle:

*Quick Mod Note* Kind Folk: Please do not go tag teaming against the other posters please. Administrators are frowning upon that.

Solomon you basically just said the sky is candy apple red although we proved that the sky is blue. If you want to see it that way, then ok...but you know Norman trumped all arguments and it is documented through this video!!! Like I said I respect your right to difference of opinion but we won this debate hands down!!!:jig: :jig: pickle: pickle:

*Quick Mod Note* Kind Folk: Please do not go tag teaming against the other posters please. Administrators are frowning upon that.



You know my style, anyone new post something crazy they will get attacked. There arguments will not them personally

You know my style, anyone new post something crazy they will get attacked. There arguments will not them personally

Yes, I KNOW YOUR STYLE TOO WELL! :lol: Lordy mercy!

You guys have to be mindful that TJ does not want ya'll in these tag teams against these posters. At least let the person know its all in good fun or much respect so they won't take it personally and you'll have fewer enemies and we mods along with the administrators won't sigh and roll our eyes. :rolleyes:

Like you and I. There is one thing I disagree with you on. Although, I rebutle, at the same time, I let you know its still cool at the same time. It's important you do that with the others at the end of the day.

Yes, I KNOW YOUR STYLE TOO WELL! :lol: Lordy mercy!

You guys have to be mindful that TJ does not want ya'll in these tag teams against these posters. At least let the person know its all in good fun or much respect so they won't take it personally and you'll have fewer enemies and we mods along with the administrators won't sigh and roll our eyes. :rolleyes:

Like you and I. There is one thing I disagree with you on. Although, I rebutle, at the same time, I let you know its still cool at the same time. It's important you do that with the others at the end of the day.


I would attack TJ too if he came on here and said HENRY was james evans nickname:lol: :lol: :lol:

I would attack TJ too if he came on here and said HENRY was james evans nickname:lol: :lol: :lol:


Dude, that poster was obviously being funny. Besides, it very well could have been his middle name albeit, no proof.

Dude, that poster was obviously being funny. Besides, it very well could have been his middle name albeit, no proof.


Didn't sound like he was joking lol

Didn't sound like he was joking lol


Whether he was or not, to talk down to him like that is not cool at all.

Whether he was or not, to talk down to him like that is not cool at all.


Man, I could not refrain............"Nickname? lol I couldn't do it

Man, I could not refrain............"Nickname? lol I couldn't do it

Lord, have mercy....and I do mean that.

I would attack TJ too if he came on here and said HENRY was james evans nickname:lol: :lol: :lol:

Attack if you want, but did the series ever give a middle name for James Evans?

Hold it, I was going to speculate James Henry Evans but wasn't J.J. a Junior?

Exactly, His name being James on Good times defeats all arguments that's it a spinoff

So Henry's name changed, probably to make J.J. a "Junior", as H.H. has no dynomite ring, the /name/ of the location changed but one television ghetto is pretty much interchangeable with another, but otherwise almost everything else is exactly the same as the Maude universe, same wife named Florida, same three kids... and yes, Henry/James obviously lost the "good job" between series, which is not any major thing, jobs can come and go quickly at that level, and James seems to have a pattern of losing good jobs.

Sorry pal, but Good Times just obviously spun right off of Maude, and fast... the gap between Florida saying goodbye on Maude and the start of Good Times only seems like what, a week or so?

I gotta vote "spin off" here.

And? So what if they did? Those are small little extras that have no bearing. Jeffersons returned to AITF. Florida's reference was made on Maude in later years. Plus, the returns and references were made waaaay after Good Times was "SPAWN". :lol: Solomon, I know it hurts and you're saying "DAAANG, TOM! Why did you have to post this?" but its ok, bruh. Keep hope alive!!!

So, Florida was referenced on later Maude episodes? I didn't know that, any detailed information, quotes?

Yes, gotta call "spin off" on Good Times.

So, Florida was referenced on later Maude episodes? I didn't know that, any detailed information, quotes?

Yes, gotta call "spin off" on Good Times.


Maude made reference to Florida in the season five episode 24 entitled, "The New Maid".

Maude and the family was discussing the quest to find a new maid after Mrs. Naugatuck left. Maude said:

"Remember Florida? She was outspoken and strong! That's the kind of maid I'm looking for!"

That is what Maude said in summary. That quote was not verbatim but a general summary of what Maude said. You can pull of the episode on YouTube to watch the scene that took place in the living room.

Folks, this video that I rediscovered comes from the TV archives. In it, is a interview with well known television producer and developer Norman Lear. Norman Lear discusses the spinoff franchise with the interviewer in the video. He goes into particular detail about how the sitcom “Good Times” became a spinoff. Now Norman Lear says he does not really like to use the term “Spinoff” when it comes to the franchise and then gives the description about how the show Maude derived from its parent show All In The Family. He then specifically talks about how Esther Rolle was like a baseball player candidate preparing for the major league. John Amos was hired to see how how he and Ms. Rolle looked together and the producers and network loved them. Norman Lear then says that they then “were committed to doing a pilot now a spinoff”. The commentary regarding this begins at 01:25.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqTvOTqgDRw

Wikipedia’s definition of spinoff: In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work (e.g. a particular topic, character, or event)
Key Word: “Character”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin-off_(media)

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spin-off
SPINOFF:
: a television program, movie, book, etc., that is based on characters from another television program, movie, book, etc.
: something useful that results from work done to produce something else

: something that is imitative or derivative of an earlier work, product, or establishment; especially : a television show starring a character popular in a secondary role of an earlier show

You see, a spinoff does not always have to be a consistent format regarding a character’s background. It’s the idea or character that derived from another piece of work.

My boy Solomon at one time was almost willing to declare it is a spinoff because he found out on Good Times that Florida was former maid in the world of “Good Times” like on “Maude”. He did state that “they forgot to change the names”. I don’t think so.


It has already been stated that it is a spinoff and Solomon has even admitted himself after proof had been given. His mind has been changed again but I do respect where he is coming from and applaud him for bringing a strong argument.

That covers it, Good Times is just so obviously Florida Evans "moving on up" to her own series and world.

A quick note on why so little is mentioned of Florida's relationship with the Findleys, first people drift apart, friends and even more so employers and employees.

Florida was fondly remembered on Maude at least once and there's no reason Florida might think of those days sometimes, but since the kids didn't seem to have even met Maude et al, she's have little reason to speak of them.

It all fits pretty well, really.

That covers it, Good Times is just so obviously Florida Evans "moving on up" to her own series and world.

A quick note on why so little is mentioned of Florida's relationship with the Findleys, first people drift apart, friends and even more so employers and employees.

Florida was fondly remembered on Maude at least once and there's no reason Florida might think of those days sometimes, but since the kids didn't seem to have even met Maude et al, she's have little reason to speak of them.

It all fits pretty well, really.


Well, Solomon may challenge that and I would actually understand why. A stronger argument for me is the fact that the element transitioned from one universe to another. That is the thing that seals the deal.

Now if you are going to judge it a spinoff based on logistics as you and Solomon have done, then also remember is known as an ex-maid on Good Times. However, you don't even need to as the element that was planted on Maude came over to the new project being "Good Times" plus, if you watched the video, Norman Lear called it a spinoff.

Will Dockery, what I like about you is that you waited and checked out all aspects first. I can respect that.

That covers it, Good Times is just so obviously Florida Evans "moving on up" to her own series and world.

A quick note on why so little is mentioned of Florida's relationship with the Findleys, first people drift apart, friends and even more so employers and employees.

Florida was fondly remembered on Maude at least once and there's no reason Florida might think of those days sometimes, but since the kids didn't seem to have even met Maude et al, she's have little reason to speak of them.

It all fits pretty well, really.

No it doesn't because she is not living anywhere near NYC and poor

Attack if you want, but did the series ever give a middle name for James Evans?

Hold it, I was going to speculate James Henry Evans but wasn't J.J. a Junior?


It was not no James henry evans, and was never mentioned


His name was JAMES EVANS

So, Florida was referenced on later Maude episodes? I didn't know that, any detailed information, quotes?

Yes, gotta call "spin off" on Good Times.


so what does that mean? That was the parent show. maude damm sure wasn't mentioned on Good times

so what does that mean? That was the parent show. maude damm sure wasn't mentioned on Good times


:lol: :lol: Nooooo comment for the moment. Tee Hee.

:lol: :lol: Nooooo comment for the moment. Tee Hee.

:lol: :lol: :lol:, Well I have a comment. Good Times Is A Spin Off. It was a Spin Off 40 years ago and it is still a spin off today.

:lol: :lol: :lol:, Well I have a comment. Good Times Is A Spin Off. It was a Spin Off 40 years ago and it is still a spin off today.


Good Times it's not a spinoff Brieannas


Alan Manings

Good Times it's not a spinoff Brieannas


Alan Manings


Brie, he is conveniently ignoring the obvious that shut everything else down. I promise you Solomon that there is nothing wrong with waving the white flag. :lol:

Good Times it's not a spinoff Brieannas


Alan Manings

Good Times is a Spinoff

Norman Lear

Brie, he is conveniently ignoring the obvious that shut everything else down. I promise you Solomon that there is nothing wrong with waving the white flag. :lol:


I knnnooooooow :lol:

If I ever get anywhere near Norman lear I bet you he will eventually say

"You know solomon i have to say you make some strong points and I guess the best definition for Good Times is a "norman lear produced comedy"

If I ever get anywhere near Norman lear I bet you he will eventually say

"You know solomon i have to say you make some strong points and I guess the best definition for Good Times is a "norman lear produced comedy"

If you want that to be your defense, then okay. :lol:

Tee Hee. :lol: :lol: :lol:

so what does that mean? That was the parent show. maude damm sure wasn't mentioned on Good times

I usually never stand around talking about my former employers either, certainly not to my kids, who probably never even met the person.

Bottom line is that although friendly, Florida and Maude just weren't that slose, probably not nearly as close as Edith and Weezey were, maybe, for example.

And so it goes.

so what does that mean? That was the parent show. maude



Hold it!

You just called Maude the "parent show", meaning Good Tims came from, was given birth by... was /spun off/ from Maude.

Debate over..?

No it doesn't because she is not living anywhere near NYC and poor

I think the "Chicago" elements were added to cash in more on the "Raisin" musical that was so popular at the time, and that starred the kid who played Michael... it was even listed in the credits he was sort of "borrowed" from there.

Plus the fact that "co-creator" Mike Evans clearly was adding his autobiographical bits in.

And how is Florida noticable more or less "poor" in the parent show than in the spin off?

There's a saying most Americans are one paycheck away from homelessness...

I usually never stand around talking about my former employers either, certainly not to my kids, who probably never even met the person.

Bottom line is that although friendly, Florida and Maude just weren't that slose, probably not nearly as close as Edith and Weezey were, maybe, for example.

And so it goes.


Their relationship is not what makes it no connection, it's the location and new situation.

Hold it!

You just called Maude the "parent show", meaning Good Tims came from, was given birth by... was /spun off/ from Maude.

Debate over..?


No, Florida was written off Maude not spinned off Maude so making a reference to her is not something out of the ordinary.

I think the "Chicago" elements were added to cash in more on the "Raisin" musical that was so popular at the time, and that starred the kid who played Michael... it was even listed in the credits he was sort of "borrowed" from there.

Plus the fact that "co-creator" Mike Evans clearly was adding his autobiographical bits in.

And how is Florida noticable more or less "poor" in the parent show than in the spin off?

There's a saying most Americans are one paycheck away from homelessness...


on Maude it was a two income household. On Good times it was a one income.


5 people living off NOTHING is called POOR

No, Florida was written off Maude not spinned off Maude so making a reference to her is not something out of the ordinary.


It is a spinoff.