Where was Good Times filmed?
1974
City Locations
Los Angeles (USA), Chicago (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, House, Apartment
Location Styles
Retro, Dated, Classic Car, Mid-Century Modern
About Good Times
Good Times is a beloved American sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1979. Set in the fictional housing project of Cabrini-Green on the South Side of Chicago, the show revolves around the Evans family as they navigate the ups and downs of life with humor, love, and unwavering resilience. Led by the loving and hardworking parents James and Florida Evans, the family faces various challenges but always finds joy in even the toughest times.
James, a proud and determined father, works tirelessly at a local factory to support his wife and their three children: J.J., Thelma, and Michael. J.J., known for his witty humor and catchphrase "Dy-no-mite!" dreams of becoming a successful artist. Thelma is an independent and ambitious young woman, while Michael is an intelligent and socially conscious teenager. Together, they navigate the complexities of poverty, racial inequality, and societal issues while emphasizing the importance of family bonds and community support.
Good Times not only entertained audiences with its humor and memorable characters, but it also tackled social issues of the time, including poverty, racial discrimination, and urban decay. The show broke barriers by depicting a working-class African-American family on television and highlighting their challenges. Through its honest portrayal of the Evans family's triumphs and struggles, Good Times became a cultural touchstone, resonating with viewers from all walks of life.
With its timeless themes of love, resilience, and the power of laughter, Good Times continues to be cherished by audiences today. Its legacy as a groundbreaking sitcom and its ability to make us laugh and reflect on important societal issues prove that family and humor can bring us together and help us find the good in every situation. Dy-no-mite!
Good Times Locations
The production of Good Times, the beloved TV series set in Chicago, had its filming locations far from the city. Soundstages in California provided the backdrop for most scenes, rather than the Cabrini-Green projects.
While the region might not directly anchor to specific landmarks or areas of interest from the show, exploring the real-life settings can still be a trip down memory lane for fans. The location captured the essence and spirit of the Evans family's journey through life in the Cabrini-Green housing project.
While visiting the exact filming locations may not be possible, immersing oneself in the world of Good Times through reruns and nostalgic moments is undoubtedly worthwhile.
Fun Facts:
Did you know that Good Times was a spin-off of another popular sitcom called "Maude"? The character Florida Evans, played by the talented Esther Rolle, was first introduced as Maude's housekeeper. The character resonated so well with audiences that she earned her show, which became the iconic Good Times. This spin-off success story showcases the incredible talent and charisma of the cast, as well as the enduring appeal of the Evans family's relatable and heartwarming story.
Florida returning home scene in Good Times
5746 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Florida (Esther Rolle), one of the main characters, is shown leaving for church and returning home. Interestingly, during these sequences, she alternates between wearing an earring in her left ear and her right ear.
Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles is a world-renowned street stretching through the central and western parts of the city. Spanning 22 miles, it connects downtown LA to the Pacific Coast Highway intersection. This iconic boulevard is famous for its vibrant nightlife, historic film studios, upscale residential areas, shopping, dining, and its representation of classic Hollywood glamour. Sunset Boulevard captures the essence of LA's diverse and extravagant lifestyle.
To get to 5746 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles, you can use the following directions:
If you are driving, enter the address "5746 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA" into your GPS or navigation app for the most accurate route based on live traffic updates and road conditions. Use online maps like Google Maps or MapQuest to get step-by-step directions.
If you prefer public transportation, check for nearby metro stations or bus routes that pass through the area. The Hollywood/Western Station is a 14-minute walk from 5746 Sunset Blvd.
The opening credits scene in Good Times
20 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
The opening credits of Good Times, the beloved TV series, have become iconic in their own right. They set the tone for each episode and showcased the vibrant energy of the show. The opening sequence featured a catchy theme song that instantly became recognizable to fans. The credits often included clips from the show, highlighting the cast members and giving viewers a glimpse into the Evans family's world.
North Wacker Drive in Chicago is a bustling street that showcases the city's architectural prowess. It is home to impressive skyscrapers like One North Wacker and 110 North Wacker, which stand tall in the city's skyline. With prime office spaces, modern designs, and sought-after locations, these buildings contribute to the vibrant business district. North Wacker Drive symbolizes Chicago's urban landscape and testifies to its thriving commercial environment.
To get to 20 N Wacker Dr in Chicago, you can use the following directions:
If driving, enter the address "20 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL" into your GPS or navigation app for the most accurate route based on live traffic updates and road conditions.
If you prefer public transportation, you can check nearby bus routes or use a transit app like Moovit to find the best bus lines that pass near N Wacker Dr in Chicago.
If you're attending an event at the Lyric Opera House, the theater entrance is at the corner of Madison Street and Wacker Drive.
The opening credits scene in Good Times
900 N Hudson Ave, Chicago, IL 60610, USA
The opening credits evolved, with different versions incorporating brief clips and even being remastered into 3D audio. These credits served as an introduction to the show and added to its nostalgic charm and enduring popularity.
North Hudson Avenue in Chicago is a vibrant street that offers a range of residential and commercial properties. From luxurious condominiums to single-family homes, North Hudson Avenue provides diverse housing options for residents. Its location in neighborhoods like River North and Cabrini Green adds to its appeal. The area's distinctive architecture and convenient amenities make North Hudson Avenue an attractive destination for those seeking a comfortable and vibrant urban lifestyle.
To get to 900 N Hudson Ave in Chicago, you can use the following directions:
If you are driving, enter the address "900 N Hudson Ave, Chicago, IL" into your GPS or navigation app for the most accurate route based on live traffic updates and road conditions. You can also use online maps like Google Maps or MapQuest to get step-by-step directions.
If you prefer public transportation, you can check nearby bus or train routes that pass through the area. The closest intersection to 900 N Hudson Ave is N LaSalle Blvd and W Chicago Ave.
The opening shot scene in Good Times
Frances Cabrini Homes, N Cambridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
The opening shot of the series, set in the Cabrini-Green Public Housing Projects in Chicago, depicted the exterior of the housing complex. The camera portrayed the gritty and urban environment of Cabrini-Green, showcasing the high-rise buildings and the surrounding neighborhood. This iconic opening scene aimed to convey the challenging social and economic conditions the show's main characters faced, reflecting the reality of life in public housing projects.
Frances Cabrini Homes, also called Cabrini-Green Homes, was a public housing project on the Near North Side of Chicago. Constructed in 1942, it consisted of rowhouses and flats aimed at providing affordable housing. The complex became iconic but faced numerous challenges over the years. The demolishing of the Cabrini-Green Homes left behind a complex history of broken promises and efforts to address urban poverty.
To get to Frances Cabrini Homes on N Cambridge Ave in Chicago, follow these directions: Head north on N Cambridge Ave. Frances Cabrini Homes will be on your left.
James receives a visit scene in Good Times
Television City, 7800 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
James (John Amos) receives an unexpected visit from an old friend (Roscoe Lee Browne) who has become a dubious televangelist. Browne presents James with a tempting job offer promising a daily wage of $100. Despite being tempted, James faces opposition from Florida (Esther Rolle), who believes accepting the job would compromise his principles and values.
Television City, also known as CBS Television City, is an iconic television studio complex in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. Formerly owned by CBS Corporation, it has been a cultural landmark since its establishment in 1952. With modernized production facilities and a billion-dollar investment plan, Television City continues to be a hub for diverse productions, creating thousands of job opportunities in the industry.
To get to Television City, at 7800 Beverly Blvd in Los Angeles, you can follow these directions:
Head west on Beverly Blvd. Television City will be on your right at the corner of Beverly Blvd and Fairfax Ave.
Conclusion
Good Times took viewers on a memorable journey through the lives of the Evans family in Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing project. While the setting is Chicago, soundstages in California hosted the production. This decision was made for practical reasons, as filming on location can be expensive for sitcoms.
Although the specific landmarks and areas of interest from the show may not be present in the filming locations, the universal themes of family, resilience, and humor that Good Times portrayed continue to resonate with audiences today.
Despite the geographical disparity, immersing oneself in the world of Good Times through reruns and nostalgic moments is still a worthwhile experience. The legacy lies in its setting and ability to capture the essence of the Evans family.