What's Happening!!

What's Happening!! is a popular American sitcom that aired in the late 1970s, from 1976 to 1979, on ABC. The show is produced by Eric Monte and Mike Evans, and Norman Lear's Bud Yorkin and Bernadette Joyce. Among the notable stars of the series is actor Ernest Lee Thomas who brilliantly portrayed the character of Roger "Raj" Thomas.

The sitcom is set in the culturally vibrant neighborhood of Watts, located in Los Angeles, California. The narrative predominantly revolves around the life and experiences of teenager Roger "Raj" Thomas, his younger sister Dee Thomas, his mother Mabel Thomas, and his friends Rerun and Dwayne. In addition to its comedy, the show was used as a vehicle to tackle important social issues and illustrate friendship and family bonding.

Ernest Lee Thomas, in his career-defining role as Raj, delivers an unforgettable performance that captures the essence of a typical teenager navigating through the various challenges of adolescence. Raj is a high school student turned aspiring writer who often acts as the voice of reason among his group of friends, thereby providing a balance between the impulsive, comic elements of the storyline and the more responsible, level-headed decisions.

Equally iconic are Raj's friends, Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs and Dwayne Nelson. Rerun is a jovial, hefty guy often involved in comic blunder, while Dwayne is the shy and innocent, and often the comic foil friend. Their group dynamic is a central focal point of the sitcom, serving up hilarious incidents and dialogue that seamlessly blend comedy with meaningful lessons about life, friendship, and family.

Raj's little sister "Dee" Thomas, played with charisma by Danielle Spencer, is a smart-mouthed, lovable character whose quick wit and ability to tease Raj and his friends often lead to comedic moments. Despite her sharp tongue, Dee has a kind heart and often shows a deep care for her elder brother.

Mabel Thomas, Raj and Dee’s mother, portrayed by Mabel King, is a strong, hardworking, and independent woman. Mabel King's wonderful rendition of the character adds depth to the sitcom with her portrayals of a strong, working-class matriarch who imparts wisdom and discipline to her children and their friends.

Further supplementing the main cast is Shirley Hemphill, who appears as Shirley Wilson, the wise-cracking, headstrong waitress of Rob’s Place, the local diner where the group often hangs out. Hemphill’s character stands out for her no-nonsense attitude, sharp retorts, and her almost sibling-like rapport with the boys.

What's Happening!! is endearing for its honest representation of teenagers, capturing the confusions, excitement, emotional dramas, and joy of teenage life, while also tracing their journey into adulthood. The show also deserves credit for its handling of social and cultural issues in a manner that was as enlightening as it was entertaining, reflecting the tumultuous 1970s era.

The series is loosely based on Eric Monte's 1975 film "Cooley High". The show was later revived in an updated spin-off series called "What’s Happening Now!!" which ran from 1985 to 1988, with Ernest Lee Thomas reprising his role as Raj, now a married man with children.

In retrospect, What's Happening!! is a well-crafted sitcom that paved the way for future black comedies by providing a genuine study of the life and times of a modern African-American family. With its engaging characters, memorable performances, and humorous take on teenage life and its issues, it holds a special place in television history for its unique presentation of adolescence during the 1970s.