The sitcom that broke the mold of 1970s television
In short: Before it became a syndicated staple, What's Happening!! was a radical experiment in television. It was the first African-American show to center on teenagers, tackling heavy themes like poverty, racism, and divorce while navigating the volatile internal politics of its own production.
Premiering on ABC in August 1976, What's Happening!! broke significant ground as the first non-Norman Lear sitcom to address complex social issues. While it followed three working-class African-American teens in Los Angeles' Watts neighborhood, it didn't shy away from 'challenging' realities such as unemployment, teen pregnancy, gambling, and financial struggles. This depth allowed it to appeal to both children and adults, eventually making it a massive syndication success in the 1980s. The series was loosely inspired by the film Cooley High. It premiered as a summer series before becoming a weekly hit. The production eventually moved to the Golden West Videotape Division Studios.
The show's history is marked by intense behind-the-scenes friction. During the second season, lead actors Fred Berry and Ernest Thomas staged a walkout over pay and studio conditions. The producers responded by suspending the pair and forcing them to sign $25,000 promissory notes to return. Furthermore, actress Mabel King attempted to influence the narrative to depict a 'strong Black family' by requesting her character's ex-husband return full-time; the producers refused, leading to her role being significantly reduced. The show's first season featured a group called the Rockets. During the second season, Shirley Hemphill stepped into a more prominent role. The production also featured the Doobie Brothers in a guest appearance.
The series' end was as dramatic as its content. In the third season, Berry again threatened a strike over pay, leading to a heated confrontation where he accused the executive producers of racism. Unable to resolve the conflict, the show was canceled in April 1979. Interestingly, the role of 'Little Earl' was originally intended for Gary Coleman, who would later go on to star in Diff'rent Strokes after the show's producers moved on. The pilot episode was filmed in Los Feliz on March 16, 1976. The show's creator was Eric Monte, who previously worked on Good Times. It aired its final episode on April 28, 1979. The series was eventually picked up for three full seasons.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: What's Happening!!
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