Why did Penny just appear on Good Times without a explanation?

[W.J. Griffin]

Originally posted by Tweety
I think the only reason Penny was introduced on Good Times was because her last name was Jackson (first name Janet)...

It could also be that the writers decided to introduce the subject of child abuse, and used Janet to do it...as I recall, Penny was abused, but I think it took a couple of episodes to confirm that... but back in those days, if you were a Jackson, and wanted to be an actor, you could pretty much pick which show you wanted to be on...

It could also have been a manifestation of the "gee, the kids in the cast are getting older, we need some new young blood" syndrome that's plagued so many shows over the years

THANK YOU!! That, ladies and gentlemen, is the cold-blooded reason Janet Jackson was cast in "Good Times"...TO STAVE OFF CANCELLATION!!

[Mr. Television]

Originally posted by W.J. Griffin
THANK YOU!! That, ladies and gentlemen, is the cold-blooded reason Janet Jackson was cast in "Good Times"...TO STAVE OFF CANCELLATION!!

Exactly, but it didn't help the ratings much which is why Esther Rolle returned in the final season.