Good Times: Black Again cast and characters

Netflix’s Good Times: Black Again marked the return of the Evans family from the 1970s popular sitcom Good Times. In a bold new way, Netflix’s animated sitcom shifts the spotlight to a new generation. The original launched the story around a Black two-parent family living in a Chicago housing project.

It mixed humor with sharp social themes. The reboot tries to carry that legacy forward, while adjusting the story for a modern audience. while still staying rooted in the warmth and chaos of family life. The story follows the fourth generation of the Evans family, who remain in apartment 17C.

Behind the show remains a powerhouse voice cast who bring characters to life behind the screen.

J.B. Smoove as Reggie Evans:

Leading the cast lineup of Good Times: Black Again is Smoove, who voices the father of the household. Brings an expressive and comedic delivery that anchors the family’s chaotic daily routines. Smoove’s background in stand-up and his fan-favorite run on Curb Your Enthusiasm contoured his brilliant performance as Reggie Evans.

Jay Pharoah steps into the shoes of Junior Evans:

Junior Evans is an integral character of Good Times: Black Again. He is a teen with a lot of ambitions who carries a big creative streak. Pharaoh’s dynamic voice acting work and comic range aptly capture the expressive character.

Marsai Martin, who voices Grey Evans:

Jay's voice acting brings a contrast to Marsai Martin, who brings Grey Evans to life. Grey is the daughter who is deeply involved in social activism. Grey's sharp, youthful confidence is reflected in Marsai's delivery.

Good Times: Black Again (Image via Netflix)

Slink Johnson voices Dalvin Evans

Dalvin Evans is the baby of the family. Dalvin's character is embedded with an unusual edge, making the infant character stand out amongst the rest. This feature matches perfectly with the show’s offbeat tone. Johnson leans into that strangeness and adds a layer of surprise to every scene he is in.

Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola as Lashes by Lisa:

Lashes by Lisa is Beverly’s friend. She brings a lively energy to the family’s chaotic orbit. She brings comic moments, hustle, and a bit of attitude wherever she goes.

Here's a list of the full cast and characters featured in Netflix’s Good Times: Black Again:

Main Cast

J.B. Smoove: Reggie Evans
Yvette Nicole Brown: Beverly Evans
Jay Pharoah: Junior Evans
Marsai Martin: Grey Evans
Slink Johnson: Dalvin Evans
Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola: Lashes by Lisa
Wanda Sykes: Not known yet

Recurring Cast

Michael McDonald: Elon Musk
Todd Haberkorn: Jeff Bezos
Jim Meskimen: Bill Gates

Seth MacFarlane serves as a co-executive producer, and the late Norman Lear, who co-created the original Good Times, also holds a producing credit. Their involvement connects the animated series to classic 1970s charm. In March 2024, Ranada Shepard told Netflix Tudum:

“It’s about a Black family that comes together, laughs together, and survives the system on the South Side of Chicago.”

Shepard continued:

“What you’ll get from that is a lot of social commentary, a lot of pushing the boundaries, a lot of feel-good television, but also a lot of things that may be in the vein of The Simpsons and South Park and Family Guy. When you’re looking back 10 years later, you’ll be like, ‘They said that on Good Times? Oh my gosh.’”