What's Happening!!

What's Happening!! brings the chaotic energy of 1970s South Central Los Angeles to ABC with a sharp focus on three working-class friends navigating adolescence. Created by Eric Monte, this sitcom follows Roger Thomas, Dwayne Nelson, and Frederick Stubbs as they attempt to survive high school while constantly plotting get-rich-quick schemes that inevitably backfire. The show balances slapstick humor with genuine moments of growing up, anchored by a talented ensemble cast including Ernest Lee Thomas, Haywood Nelson, Fred Berry, Danielle Spencer, and Shirley Hemphill.

Running for three seasons from August 1976 to April 1979, the series produced 65 episodes that captured the specific rhythm of Black life in America during that era. While the trio often finds themselves in hot water due to their own greed or the antics of Raj's younger sister Dee, it is usually Mabel Thomas who steps in to clean up the mess. Critics and audiences responded well to the authentic dialogue and relatable family dynamics, giving the show a solid 7.4 rating despite its cancellation after three years. [edit]

The story unfolds in the vibrant and often chaotic landscape of South Central Los Angeles during the mid-to-late 1970s. Three best friends navigate the treacherous waters of high school, dealing with academic pressures, romantic entanglements, and the constant threat of getting into trouble with authority figures. Roger 'Raj' Thomas serves as the self-appointed leader of the group, characterized by his slicked-back hair, loud personality, and a tendency to concoct elaborate get-rich-quick schemes that rarely succeed. His plans often involve selling stolen goods, running lemonade stands, or trying to win the lottery. Dwayne Clemens Nelson acts as the more level-headed but equally mischievous counterpart, often caught between Raj's wild ideas and Rerun's innocent confusion. Frederick 'Rerun' Stubbs, the youngest of the trio, is known for his childlike wonder, his obsession with collecting junk, and his frequent inability to keep up with the older boys' plans.

The household dynamic anchors the narrative through the Thomas family. Raj and his younger sister, Deidre 'Dee' Thomas, live with their mother, Mabel Thomas. Mabel runs a beauty salon and serves as the moral compass of the house. She is famously strict, often delivering sharp one-liners and physical comedy when her children step out of line. Dee is portrayed as a precocious, sometimes bratty, yet clever teenager who frequently finds herself at odds with her brother's antics. A central recurring element involves the trio's relentless pursuit of money. Their financial desperation drives much of the plot, leading to slapstick chaos that usually requires Mabel to intervene and restore order.

Season 1 establishes the core characters and their dynamic, focusing heavily on the introduction of the Thomas household and the formation of the friend group. Season 2 expands the scope, introducing new neighbors and deeper storylines regarding the boys' future aspirations and romantic interests. By Season 3, the show continues to explore the evolving relationships between the friends and their families, maintaining its focus on the humor found in everyday struggles. Throughout its run, the series is distinguished by its use of funk and soul music, including the famous theme song performed by The Ohio Players, which became synonymous with the show's identity. The series concludes after three seasons, leaving the audience with the enduring image of three friends navigating the ups and downs of adolescence in 1970s Los Angeles.[edit]