Damon Wayans Brings Family Laughs to 'Poppa's House'

Legendary comedian Damon Wayans is back on the small screen with his new CBS sitcom, 'Poppa's House', which premiered on October 21, 2024. The show, created by Wayans and Kevin Hench, marks a return to the traditional multi-cam comedy format that made Wayans a household name in the '90s. 'Poppa's House' follows the life of Poppa, a happily divorced talk radio host who is challenged at work and at home by his adult son and new female co-host.

Warming Up to a New Cast

Wayans is joined by a talented cast, including his son Damon Wayans Jr., Essence Atkins, and Tetona Jackson. Atkins, known for her roles in 'Are We There Yet?' and 'Marlon', plays Ivy, the brainy psychologist who shakes up Poppa's radio show. In a recent interview with TheWrap, Atkins revealed that she had worked with "basically the entire generation" of comedians, except Damon Wayans Sr., making this collaboration a refreshing experience for the actress.

A Family Affair

'Poppa's House' is a heartwarming show that explores the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of navigating adulthood. Damon Wayans Jr. stars as Damon, Poppa's adult son who is trying to pursue his passion while being a responsible father and husband. The real-life father-son duo brings a natural chemistry to the show, making their characters' interactions both authentic and hilarious.

In an interview with CBS News, Damon Wayans shared how he drew inspiration from his own life experiences to create the show. "I used to deliver mail to all the big stars on the Paramount Pictures lot," he reminisced. "And now, of course, I am one." This full-circle moment is a testament to the Wayans' dedication to their craft and their commitment to bringing laughter to audiences around the world.

The Return of the Traditional Sitcom

'Poppa's House' marks a return to the traditional sitcom format that dominated the airwaves in the '90s and early 2000s. With its multi-cam setup and live studio audience, the show has a classic feel that is both nostalgic and refreshing. While some critics have argued that the show's premise is slightly outdated, others have praised its charm and the strong performances of the cast.

Dean Lorey, the showrunner of 'Poppa's House', revealed to TheWrap that the show's premise was initially different before the writers decided to shift the focus to the father-son relationship. This change allowed the show to tap into a more universal and relatable theme, making it more appealing to a wider audience.

Airing Live and Streaming

'Poppa's House' airs live on CBS every Monday at 8:30 p.m. EST/PST, with new episodes available for streaming on Paramount+ shortly after the live broadcast. Fans can also catch up on past episodes on various streaming platforms, including Prime Video and Hulu.

Damon Wayans and his team have brought a much-needed dose of laughter and heart to the small screen with 'Poppa's House'. With its talented cast, classic format, and family-friendly humor, this show is sure to become a staple in many households around the world.

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