The Untold Story of *What’s Happening!!*: Secrets Behind the Iconic Sitcom

*What’s Happening!!*, the groundbreaking sitcom that debuted in 1976, changed television forever. While it brought laughter and joy to millions, few fans knew the truth about the struggles and controversies behind the scenes.

From lawsuits and casting rewrites to secret romances and creative battles, the original cast has revealed the untold story of what really happened.

The show first aired as a summer test series on ABC in August 1976, but its popularity quickly turned it into a weekly program that ran until April 1979. *What’s Happening!!* was revolutionary, as it was one of the first African-American sitcoms to focus on teenagers.

Its lighthearted approach opened doors and offered audiences a fresh perspective on Black life in America.

The concept for the show was loosely inspired by the 1975 film *Cooley High*. An early pilot, titled *Central Avenue*, was more serious in tone, but producers decided to shift to a fun and comedic format.

Ernest Thomas, who played Roger “Raj” Thomas, was the only actor retained from the original pilot, while the rest of the cast was reimagined.

Legal Battles and Creative Struggles

Eric Monte, the writer and creator of *What’s Happening!!*, played a pivotal role in the show’s development but faced significant challenges. Monte sued ABC, CBS, and Norman Lear, claiming they had used his ideas for other hit shows like *Good Times* and *The Jeffersons* without proper credit.

Despite reports of a $300 million lawsuit, Monte received only $1 million and struggled to find work afterward, leading to financial hardship and addiction.

Behind the scenes, the cast also faced their share of struggles. Fred Berry, who played the beloved character Rerun, was initially written as a skinny white teenager. However, Berry’s energetic audition convinced producers to rewrite the role for him. Berry’s charisma and dance moves turned Rerun into a fan favorite, but his real-life challenges with substance abuse and financial troubles mirrored the show’s behind-the-scenes drama.

Cast Tensions and Show Cancellation

As *What’s Happening!!* gained popularity, tensions grew among the cast. Fred Berry and Ernest Thomas staged a walkout during the second season, demanding better dressing rooms. Later, Berry led a push for higher salaries, but producers ultimately canceled the show rather than meet their demands.

Mabel King, who played Raj’s mother, also left the show after disagreements about its portrayal of Black families. King advocated for stronger representation, including bringing back her character’s ex-husband to depict a united family.

Legacy and Revival

Despite its challenges, *What’s Happening!!* left a lasting legacy. The show bravely addressed topics like unemployment, racism, and teen pregnancy, earning its place in television history. Its popularity in reruns led to the revival series *What’s Happening Now!!*, which aired from 1985 to 1988, reuniting much of the original cast.

Today, the show remains a beloved classic, remembered for its humor, groundbreaking representation, and the enduring impact of its cast and creators.