ABC is bringing its Live in Front of a Studio Audience franchise back for the holidays.
The network will air recreated classic episodes of Good Times and All in the Family on Weds., Dec. 18, ABC said in a press release Tuesday.
Related Story: ‘Good Times’ Remake Brings Surprise Appearance by John Amos
The live broadcast event follows the network’s popular May special that featured a 90-minute tribute to All in the Family and its spinoff The Jeffersons, produced by Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel.
“The holiday season is the perfect time for families to come together and enjoy another Live in Front of a Studio Audience special on ABC,” said ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke. “Only Jimmy and Norman can top what they accomplished the first time. From the superstar talent to the unforgettable music and the richly deserved Emmy win, their collective vision has introduced a whole new generation of people to these groundbreaking and timeless stories.”
Good Times aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974-1979. The series starred Esther Rolle, John Amos, Jimmie Walker, Ja’net DuBois, Ralph Carter, BernNadette Stanis and Janet Jackson. The groundbreaking sitcom was among the first on TV to feature two African-American parents. It was created by Mike Evans, Eric Monte and developed by Norman Lear.
Casting details for the holiday special will be announced at a later date. It’s unclear if the All in the Family portion will feature the same cast from May that included Woody Harrelson as Archie Bunker and Marisa Tomei as Edith.
Related Story: Jimmie Walker Speaks Out About ‘Good Times’ Cast, Says They Were ‘Never Friends’
Kerry Washington — who played Helen Willis on The Jeffersons remake — will join Lear and Kimmel as an executive producer for the December special. Brent Miller, Will Ferrell and Justin Theroux will also return as executive producers.
“Being a part of Norman Lear’s world was a career highlight; and working with great actors on these great shows was so much fun, we couldn’t resist tackling a holiday episode of All in the Family and one of my favorites, Good Times,” said Kimmel.
Added Lear, “I don’t know which is greater – bringing back Good Times or co-hosting with Jimmy Kimmel?”
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Good Times’ will be produced by Kimmelot, ACT III Productions, Gary Sanchez Productions, D’Arconville, Simpson Street, and Sony Pictures Television.
Love the remakes I have so many good memories of watching these shows with my dad. Ty for doing them