This Day in TV History: The spectacular debut of Sweet Daddy and the less spectacular debut of "Popi"

On January 20, 1976, 45 years ago to the day, CBS kicked off the night with a Good Times that gave us one of the great characters of the era.  The episode title says it all: "Sweet Daddy Williams!"

After our season 4 Good Times episode, I wrote more about this particular program and the greatness of Teddy Wilson and the character. I can't say much more today, but I will add that the program following Good Times on 1/20/76 was the debut of another "ethnic" sitcom, Popi.

Despite goo intentions, the show lasted only 11 episodes, 6 of those burned off in the summer after the show was canceled. This isn't to be confused with the 1969 movie with Alan Arkin and Rita Moreno, though at least one big site does confuse the two!

The show's lead was Hector Elizondo, who talks about the experience here in this entertaining clip and indicates it was crushed by Happy Days.

Great Moments in 70s and 80s TV History #7: Introducing Sweet Daddy Williams

Ah, the days when pimps were celebrated as heroes in the culture! We didn't get into the brilliance of Theodore Wilson as Sweet Daddy Williams in our Good Times episode this week, but don't let that stop you from enjoying one of the most memorable recurring characters of the era:

 

As we mentioned in our show notes, Wilson was only in 7 episodes in the series' 6 seasons, but he made such an impression each time that it feels like he was in more. After making his screen debut in the 1970 adaptation of the Chester Himes novel Cotton Comes to Harlem, the actor was already a fixture on the tube when he joined Good Times. Among his guest spots were The Waltons (his TV debut), What's Happenin'  (the Doobie Brothers episode), and All in the Family. As a regular, he's a riot as the postman (later barber) Earl on the short-lived That's My Mama.

Here's the first time we see Sweet Daddy, in season 3, episode 19:

In this solid episode, Sweet Daddy backs J.J. and wants to set up a one-man art show for him. In an interesting twist on the usual dynamic that we discuss in the podcast, James wants nothing to do with that "hustler's money," and Florida is the one who rationalizes it by saying what a break it is for their son.

Things get complicated when Michael takes a ride home in Sweet Daddy's car and then the Evans family gets a new refrigerator delivered by some of his muscle. Will James put up with the growing presence of "that hoodlum" in the family's life?

Yes, the character is a bit of a cartoon. And, yes, his presence does add a bit to the general buffoonery that stars John Amos and Esther Rolle were protesting:

Yet Teddy Wilson is funny and charismatic, and his appearances are always a treat. He remained a constant on TV after Good Times, popping up in BOTNS programs like The White Shadow and The Golden Girls in addition to many others. He died way too young--only 47--after suffering a stroke in 1991.

Still, even if Florida and James weren't fans (in fairness, the show does make it clear that Williams is a hoodlum not to be celebrated, but you can't help but enjoy watching him), I sure was.

Good Times playlist is live!

Our playlist for this week's episode is now live, and you're not getting hustled, because we have some good stuff! Jimmie Walker does standup! Esther Rolle and Bea Arthur duet! John Amos gives HIS side of the story! Click below or head to our official YouTube Channel to check it out!

Show Notes: Episode 4-8: Good Times

*Good Times  aired 6 seasons, 1974-1979, on CBS.

*The Windfall premiered at 8:00 P.M. on December 3, 1974 as the 12th episode of the second season.

*Know Your Lionels: Good Times co-creator Mike Evans played Lionel on The Jeffersons after originating the role on All in the Family.  He left the series after the first season and was replaced by Damon Evans, but several years later, Mike Evans took over the role. Former Boston Red Sox OF Dwight Evans never played Lionel, nor did Tigers 1B/3B Darrell Evans.

*DC Comics' Crisis on Infinite Earths miniseries ran 1985-1986 and purportedly "cleaned up" decades of continuity. Crisis on Infinite Norman Lears remains a tantalizing possibility.

*The Cabrini-Green Projects in Chicago were demolished in 2011.

*Here is the Ebony article we talk about on the podcast.

*The Chicago Defender, established 1905, is still publishing today.

*Ja'net Dubois co-wrote The Jeffersons theme, Movin' on Up, with Jeff Barry.

*Director John Rich also directed many episodes of All in the Family after his big run on The Dick Van Dyke Show. He went on to produce MacGyver with Henry Winkler.

*The official spelling is DY-NO-MITE:

*We're unable to find evidence of the series winning an NAACP Image Awards, but it was nominated for two Humanitas Prizes in 1975.

*John Amos is not credited for writing any Good Times episodes, but he was a staff writer on The Leslie Uggams Show in 1969.

*Not mentioned on the show but still awesome part of Good Times: Theodore Wilson in a recurring role as Sweet Daddy Williams. The character was in "only" 7 episodes but made a lasting impression.

*Currently seasons 3 and 4 of Good Times are streaming on Roku Channel. GetTV and TVOne show reruns, and the show is complete on DVD.

*Let us know if you'd like to hear Aqua Battle of the Network Shows! In the meantime, check out this episode's YouTube playlist on our official YT page.

4-8: Good Times "The Windfall"

This week, we tackle the groundbreaking Norman Lear urban sitcom Good Times! Nothing goes as expected when James finds $27,000 stolen from a grocery store. Plus, we delve into the mysteries of the Norman Lear multiverse.

Check out this episode!

Tomorrow on Battle of the Network Shows...

Happy birthday, Ralph Carter!

Happy birthday to star of stage, song, and screen Ralph Carter, Michael Evans on Good Times. Would anyone like to see us cover the show (and this snappy dresser) on the podcast?