As of July 2026, What's Happening!! Season 1 aired in 1976 with 21 episodes. Full episode guide and where to watch below.

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What's Happening!! Season 1

1976 21 Episodes Comedy ⭐ 7/10

What's Happening!! Season 1 is currently streaming on major platforms, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. A single, tightly-focused season means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. With 30 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Ernest Lee Thomas leads a cast with real comic timing. Available now — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, What's Happening!! Season 1 earns its spot. The jokes in What's Happening!! Season 1 land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Season 1 of What's Happening!! Includes 21 episodes. It aired from August 1976 to March 1977. Ernest Lee Thomas and Haywood Nelson lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 1976. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and What's Happening!! Season 1 holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, What's Happening!! Season 1 respects your intelligence. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single week. Ernest Lee Thomas's comic timing carries it through its weaker moments. The kind of comedy you recommend to someone who claims they do not watch much.

📡 Where to Watch What's Happening!! Season 1

Not currently available on major streaming platforms. Check back soon.

🎬 What's Happening!! Season 1 — Episode Guide

Roger has to babysit Dee and miss the big party at Betty's. But where there's a will there's a way, though there may not be a way to explain to Mama where Dee disappeared to when Raj was gone.

The Birthday Present

Raj, Dwayne and Rerun set out to get a birthday present for Mama. But it doesn't go as smoothly as they expected and they find themselves in hot water with store security.

When Daddy Comes Marching Home

After years of being away, Raj and Dee's shady father Bill returns for a short visit with a scheme in mind.

Rerun becomes the new member of a popular dance group and learns the hidden truth of their intentions of him being their latest initiate.

Saturday's Hero

Rerun joins the floundering football team and becomes an instant hero. This leads to a swelled head and he begins to give Raj and Dwayne the cold shoulder, going so far as to give his two extra Gladys Knight tickets to two of his 'new' friends instead of Raj and Dwayne, as he'd promised.

The Burger Queen

Rerun has his heart set on getting the lead in a hamburger commercial. However, once down at the audition, the producers find Dee better suited despite the fact that she can't stand the taste of them. An even bigger problem arises when Mama's permission is needed, but she's in Phoenix.

Speak for Yourself, Dwayne

Dwayne has his eye on a new girl, Nancy, but he's too shy to talk to her, so he gets Raj too. However, that turns into a mistake as Raj falls for Nancy. Raj is left with guilt and one angry friend.

Raj has sold a kid's story to a children's magazine and to celebrate, throws a party. However, Shirley is reluctant to come because she doesn't want to show up without a date. This leads Raj and Rerun to take steps to get her a date.

With Mama planning to work on Christmas, Raj and Dee agree to have Christmas dinner at Bill's apartment. However, Mama is able to get out of working at the last minute and soon discovers that the kids have plans and finds herself facing a lonesome Christmas.

Raj is tutoring Patrice Williams in exchange for one of the puppies that her dog is soon to have. Confusion erupts in the Thomas household, however, when Dee overhears a conversation between Raj, Dwayne and Rerun which leads her to believe Raj has gotten a girl pregnant.

The Maid Did It

Mama is fired from her job as a maid for the Turner household after she's accused of stealing Mrs. Turner's diamond ring. Raj sets out to clear Mama and quickly discovers Mr. Turner may be a far likelier suspect.

The Incomplete Shakespeare

Raj writes a story for a new TV show, Central Avenue, and can't wait to find out if the producers will buy it. However, he's in for a shock on the night the show premieres.

The Hospital Stay

Raj lands in the hospital and is afraid to face impending surgery. Meanwhile, his roommate is a grouchy ex-baseball player whom Dee befriends and learns that he has kept up a bitter feud between himself and his daughter all because she married a white man.

The Sunday Father

Raj delights in playing practical jokes on his teacher, Miss Collins. But, when he goes overboard, he finds himself suspended and to avoid getting Mama involved, he turns to his father, who quickly discovers the joys of parenting.

The Firing Squad

When the bank manager arrives at Rob's Place to discuss a loan application, Shirley insults him, which causes Rob to fire her. This leads Raj, Dwayne and Rerun to help Shirley find a new job even though she has very few skills.

Needing extra money, Mama takes on a boarder who will stay in Dee's room while she reluctantly agrees to share a room with Mama. Everyone's in for a surprise when Bill asks to take the room and even more surprising, Mama agrees to let him move in!

Dwayne's Dilemma

Raj has been dying for a date with a girl but soon finds that in order to go out with her, he needs to find a date for her cousin. Dwayne agrees but soon finds himself to be a corner in a love triangle, when the cousin's pushy ex threatens his well-being if he continues to see her.

Mama has two tickets to Stevie Wonder and she gives them to Raj. But now, Raj has one tough decision to make, to take Dwayne or Rerun.

What's Wrong wiith Raj?

After a school lecture about hypertension, Raj begins spending more time down at the free clinic. This leads Dee to sneak a peek at his diary to see if she can find a clue to 'what's wrong with Raj?'

Nice Guys Finish Last

Dee receives a call from her prison pen pal, Judy Crane, who is getting out and needs a place to stay. Dee talks Mama into allowing Judy to stay with them, unknown to all of them that Judy is really on the run.

🎭 Cast of What's Happening!! Season 1

Ernest Lee Thomas

Ernest Lee Thomas

Roger 'Raj' Thomas

Haywood Nelson

Dwayne Clemens Nelson

Fred Berry

Frederick 'Freddie/Rerun' Stubbs

Danielle Spencer

Danielle Spencer

Mabel King

📋 All Seasons of What's Happening!!

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