Good Times almost killed Happy Days - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

opus · 06-08-2025, 04:27 PM

Jimmy Walker specifically, I suppose. Knocked it from #16 to #48 in season two

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DJM77 · 06-08-2025, 08:41 PM

Ja'Net DuBois didn't sing the Good Times theme.

opus · 06-09-2025, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM77

Ja'Net DuBois didn't sing the Good Times theme.

Where were you when they were editing the book?

It’s from a Happy Days book from people who worked on the show. I’m assuming their Happy Days info is more accurate than their Good Times info.

DJM77 · 06-09-2025, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opus

It’s from a Happy Days book from people who worked on the show. I’m assuming their Happy Days info is more accurate than their Good Times info.

It better be.

DiscoSkater79 · 09-17-2025, 01:08 AM

OMG!!!! Whaaaat? I adore both shows! I had no idea there was beef between them!

I started off watching Good Times, and I watched 2 seasons in irder religiously (mostly for hilarious JJ and Michael, he's a sweetheart) .
Months later I finally began to watch Happy Days and what an amazing show it is!

I'm surprised there was any contest with Good Times. SURE, Good Times has amazing actors and the first season was very touching and relatable for any family who knows what poverty is like.
BUT, Good Times constantly had only 1 set. And very rarely do they actually LEAVE the apartment to go somewhere else. It actually gets really annoying watching a very promising Good Times plot, such as the one where JJ gets invited to a fancy ball........only for the episode to stay in the apartment the entire time.
Some of my favorites have been the ones where they meet with JJ's pricnipal; go to the unemployment office; and the one where JJ gets shot; SOLELY because those episodes actually leave the apartment.

In contrast, Happy Days is constantly on the road and have a much higher budget to go on unique sets. For example, in Happy Days Season 1 and 2, we constantly go to Howard's Hardware, Arnold's, sock hops (crowded with extras may I add), dance halls, exterior streets, Jefferson High, Chuck's apartment, Fonzie's apartment, and much more.

Whereas in Good Times we almost exclusively stay at the apartment or the apartment hallway, and seriously....that feels so stifling.
I understand the budget was not as good as Happy days but still. Even a stoop outside would be interesting. I never even get to SEE the Projects besides their apartment, and I'm either 2 or 3 seasons in!

Both shows have epically catchy theme songs, I'll say that much!!!! I believe they really are on the same level in terms of amazing theme song!

TVFactFan · 11-12-2025, 11:45 PM

Its a shame back then when 2 good shows was on at same time. And if u was a fan of both what could u do??

Bonniegirl · 11-13-2025, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Its a shame back then when 2 good shows was on at same time. And if u was a fan of both what could u do??

Yeah, either take turns and watch alternate weeks. Or watch one first run and the other in summer reruns. But it would have been much better if they were on different days or times.

TVFactFan · 11-13-2025, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniegirl

Yeah, either take turns and watch alternate weeks. Or watch one first run and the other in summer reruns. But it would have been much better if they were on different days or times.

As my grandmom would say........"thats sounds awful"

06-08-2025, 08:41 PM	#2
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,552	Ja'Net DuBois didn't sing the Good Times theme.
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09-17-2025, 01:08 AM	#5
DiscoSkater79 Disco Stu likes Disco Music! Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 16, 2025 Location: North Jersey! Taylah Ham Posts: 8	OMG!!!! Whaaaat? I adore both shows! I had no idea there was beef between them! I started off watching Good Times, and I watched 2 seasons in irder religiously (mostly for hilarious JJ and Michael, he's a sweetheart) . Months later I finally began to watch Happy Days and what an amazing show it is! I'm surprised there was any contest with Good Times. SURE, Good Times has amazing actors and the first season was very touching and relatable for any family who knows what poverty is like. BUT, Good Times constantly had only 1 set. And very rarely do they actually LEAVE the apartment to go somewhere else. It actually gets really annoying watching a very promising Good Times plot, such as the one where JJ gets invited to a fancy ball........only for the episode to stay in the apartment the entire time. Some of my favorites have been the ones where they meet with JJ's pricnipal; go to the unemployment office; and the one where JJ gets shot; SOLELY because those episodes actually leave the apartment. In contrast, Happy Days is constantly on the road and have a much higher budget to go on unique sets. For example, in Happy Days Season 1 and 2, we constantly go to Howard's Hardware, Arnold's, sock hops (crowded with extras may I add), dance halls, exterior streets, Jefferson High, Chuck's apartment, Fonzie's apartment, and much more. Whereas in Good Times we almost exclusively stay at the apartment or the apartment hallway, and seriously....that feels so stifling. I understand the budget was not as good as Happy days but still. Even a stoop outside would be interesting. I never even get to SEE the Projects besides their apartment, and I'm either 2 or 3 seasons in! Both shows have epically catchy theme songs, I'll say that much!!!! I believe they really are on the same level in terms of amazing theme song!
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06-08-2025, 04:27 PM	#1
opus VB Forum Superstar Join Date: May 16, 2015 Location: VB Galaxy Posts: 32,053	Good Times almost killed Happy Days Jimmy Walker specifically, I suppose. Knocked it from #16 to #48 in season two

11-12-2025, 11:45 PM	#6
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 98,949	Its a shame back then when 2 good shows was on at same time. And if u was a fan of both what could u do??