NEW YORK — The distinctions between work and family are no longer just blurred in the new CBS sitcom titled “Poppa’s House,” which features the dynamic father-son comedy duo of Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. They are completely dismantled.
“My daily experience at work is incredibly special, surrounded by my son, his kids, my sibling, and my nieces and nephews who are all part of this show,” says the elder Wayans. “The joy I feel is beyond words.”
In this show, Wayans takes on the role of Poppa, a grumpy radio DJ who firmly believes in sticking to his traditional ways, while Wayans Jr. plays his son, Damon, an aspiring filmmaker trapped in a job he despises.
“My character, Pop, is an old-school type who has a hard time adapting to change,” shares Wayans, known for his previous roles in “In Living Color” and “My Wife and Kids.”
Pop longs for a time when a handshake was considered a binding agreement, and Michael Jordan played without complaint when fouled on the court, dismissing the concept of participation trophies that have become common today.
“It’s a clash between old school and new school, where they learn from each other,” says Wayans Jr., who previously appeared as Coach in the Fox series “New Girl.”
“The characters bring out the best in one another, although they are hesitant at first. As the story unfolds, they gain insights that help them improve as individuals,” he elaborates.
The two have collaborated in the past—Damon Sr. guest-starred on shows like “Happy Endings” and “Happy Together,” while his son worked as a writer and appeared on “My Wife and Kids.” However, this is their first venture leading a series together.
Debuting Monday, the half-hour comedy also features Essence Atkins and Tetona Jackson, with cleverly crafted scripts that offer ample opportunity for both the father and son to improvise, as seen in the pilot where the son pauses to let his father enjoy a cup of tea.
“We incorporate a lot of such moments in every episode. This is what we focus on: discovering comedic scenarios in each installment,” states Wayans Jr.
“I advise the writers not to craft the humor too rigidly; instead, guide us to the right space for comedy, and we’ll handle the rest,” remarks Wayans. “If you have legends like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, don’t place them in a pie factory reading a book.”
He holds a significant influence over the writing team, which also includes family members Kim Wayans, Michael Wayans, and Shawn Wayans, siblings to Damon Sr.
The Wayans family is often compared to the Barrymores in the comedy realm, having contributed to iconic productions such as “In Living Color,” “White Chicks,” and “Bamboozled.”
In the premiere episode of “Poppa’s House,” viewers witness the senior Wayans facing challenges with a new female co-host portrayed by Atkins, while his son grapples with jeopardizing his happy marriage due to the pressures of resigning from his sales job.
Subsequent episodes will explore Poppa venturing into podcasting from home—further blurring the lines between his personal and professional life—and will delve into themes of grief and varying parental styles across generations. One episode will explore how a family photograph prompts discussions about the essence of family and the impact of divorce.
“I believe we are tackling many relatable themes that audiences will connect with. In addition to that, there will be plenty of opportunities for genuine laughter,” says Wayans Jr.
On the subject of their comedic styles, do the two men share a similar perspective? Wayans Jr. expresses that their sense of humor aligns closely with only minor differences.
“I would say there’s a high degree of similarity, influenced by our shared upbringing,” he explains.
His father concurs, stating, “I like to call it a shared humor with slight variations. There are moments when my son crafts a joke that seems completely random to me, and I appreciate that unique aspect of his comedy.”