John Amos’ Cameo & More Must-See Moments From ‘All in the Family’ & ‘Good Times’ Live
ABC’s second Live in Front of a Studio Audience special aired Wednesday night, and just like the special earlier this year, the live episodes of All in the Family and Good Times drew viewers in.
Starting a bit behind due to the impeachment vote in D.C., Live in Front of Studio Audience‘s viewers were welcomed a few minutes later by hosts Jimmy Kimmel and the man, the myth, the legend, Norman Lear. The longtime creative is the mind behind the two shows featured in the special, and some familiar faces made their way back to the TV screen in honor of the television icon.
Below, we’re breaking down the special’s biggest moments including exciting cameos and, applause-worthy performances and more.
Good Times Theme
Ain’t we lucky to have @anthonyanderson and @MsPattiPatti sing the Good Times theme song?! 🎶 #LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience pic.twitter.com/5GdVR164uZ
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) December 19, 2019
Black-ish‘s Anthony Anderson and Patti LaBelle took on the duty of performing the Good Times theme song, much to viewers’ delight.
J.J’s Entrance
Who else thinks @JayPharoah absolutely killed this role?! 😍 #LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience pic.twitter.com/6viiMnlqaD
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) December 19, 2019
Star Jay Pharaoh, who portrayed eldest Evans sibling J.J., was on the receiving end of some major applause. His impression of the expressive character only served to elicit more laughter.
John Amos Pays a Visit
This. Was. EVERYTHING! Loving the surprises that happen on #LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience! pic.twitter.com/uY1FbthjH5
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) December 19, 2019
Actor John Amos, who played patriarch James Evans in the original Good Times series, surprised viewers by showing up as politician Fred Davis. For Andre Braugher‘s James, this candidate was worthy of the vote, while Florida (Viola Davis) and Willona (Tiffany Haddish) supported young candidate Jimmy Pearson (Jharrel Jerome).
That Kiss
(Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless)
At the conclusion of the Good Times segment, James plants a smooch on Florida’s cheek and Braugher and Davis nail the signature exchange seen from the characters during the original show’s run.
Family Reunion
(Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless)
Amos’ fellow Good Times stars Ja’net DuBois, Jimmie Walker, and — who played Willona, J.J. and Thelma in the original series — came back to celebrate, despite not acting in the live episode.
Wrong Song
At least @jimmykimmel let Martin Short know! 😂 #LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience pic.twitter.com/mKkgatKNka
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) December 19, 2019
Martin Short made a surprise appearance in which he sang a theme song, unfortunately, it wasn’t for the right show — it was the tune from the Facts of Life.
Christmas at the Bunkers
Look who came by the Bunkers during All in the Family! 👋 #LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience pic.twitter.com/lGI43kWUVb
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) December 19, 2019
Viewers and the live audience were loving the festiveness of the All in the Family episode. Decked out for the holiday season, small details such as costumes and decor only elevated the production.
New Faces
(Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless)
Jesse Eisenberg, Justina Machado and Kevin Bacon made their way into All in the Family, joining returning actors Woody Harrelson, Marisa Tomei, Ellie Kemper and Ike Barinholtz. Eisenberg and Machado earned some fun cheers following a mistletoe kiss.
Archie’s Emotional Show
Let’s give it up for tonight’s incredible performances and cast! 🤩 #LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience pic.twitter.com/YyLDoqZzjo
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) December 19, 2019
During Christmas dinner, Archie takes issue with David Webster’s (Eisenberg) draft dodger status and Harrelson’s performance is one of the episode’s most moving as Kevin Bacon’s Pinky steps in to show Archie a different perspective.
Foxx Shoutout
(Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless)
In the final moments as the stars gathered to bid viewers farewell, an opportunity lent itself to Corinne Foxx who took a moment to send her dad, Jamie Foxx, a shoutout, earning laughs from her costars.
Which moments from Live in Front of Studio Audience stuck out to you the most? Let us know in the comments below.
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O
I didnt see Jimmy Walker with everyone at the end. Where was he?
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O
Live from a studio audience aired two of my least favorite episodes of Good Times and All in the Family. I think I would have enjoyed them a whole lot more had another episode been chosen for each. However, it was awesome to see John Amos, Bernadette Stanis, Ja'Net Dubois, and Jimmie Walker. They are all legendary for their roles. Seeing them made me happy but I would have much rather seen another episode of Good Times. There are many others that are so much better. In fact, why didn't they use a Christmas episode? The one with the troubled alcoholic cousin would have been great. The chosen episode kind of ruined it for me but highest respect for those actors who played the roles.
The All in the Family choice episode was disappointing to me too. However, I do agree Woody and Marisa are superb in their roles. It was also nice to see Kevin Bacon make his appearance. It would have been nice to see Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers make a guest appearance too.
I'm looking forward to Live from a studio audience again in hopes of seeing episodes that I like better.
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P
Missed the ending because ABC had to run all their commercials AND float over the faux voting hoax
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O
Woody & Marisa knocked it outta the park per usual! Jessie E. & Kevin B. were perfectly cast...thoroughly enjoyed it!
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A
Another highlight was the ABC promos of current shows done in the style of the '70s versions with picture lines implicating they're from a long-gone time. They even did one on "Good Morning America" with archive footage of original host David Hartman!