“What’s Happening!!” Breaks Ground: The sitcom debuted in 1976 as the first African-American teen sitcom to enter the Nielsen Top 30 ratings, marking a significant milestone in television history.
Casting Challenges Revealed: Ernest Thomas, who played Roger, competed against 200 other actors for his role, highlighting the intense casting process behind the show.
Character Transformations: The role of Rerun was originally written for a skinny white character, but Fred Barry’s audition led to a complete rewrite, showcasing the impact of casting choices on character development.
Mabel King’s Broadway Legacy: Mabel King, known for her role as Mama, was a Broadway star before joining the cast, having received a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in “The Whiz.”
Show’s Cancellation Linked to Pay Disputes: “What’s Happening!!” ended after three seasons due to salary disputes among the cast, reflecting ongoing issues of equity and representation in Hollywood.