Stars Wayans, Wayans Jr. behind new CBS father-son comedy
Pilot project: Networks have begun handing out pilot orders, and the first comedy to be ordered to pilot at CBS features a high-profile pairing: that of father-and-son duo Damon Wayans (“My Wife and Kids”) and Damon Wayans Jr. (“Happy Endings”).
The Wayans are behind a multicamera comedy that was still untitled at the time of writing. It centers on a happily divorced, legendary talk radio host named “Poppa,” played by Wayans Sr. Poppa suddenly finds his worldview challenged at work after a new female co-host is brought in. The challenges continue at home, too, where he still finds himself parenting his adult son (Wayans Jr.), “a brilliant dreamer who is trying to pursue his passion while being a responsible father and husband” – a kinder description than Deadline’s, which described Poppa as having to drag his son “kicking and screaming into adulthood before he turns 40.”
Deadline was the first to break the news last fall that a Wayansled comedy was in development at CBS, and now this pilot order brings the potential sitcom one step closer to becoming a reality.
Should the show make it to air, it would mark the elder Wayans’ return to network comedy after appearing in the first two seasons of Fox’s TV adaptation of “Lethal Weapon” (2016-2019). He got his big break in the 1990s show “In Living Color,” which he cocreated, before moving on to roles in films and TV.The four-time Emmy nominee also co-created, executive produced and starred in “My Wife and Kids,” which remained popular throughout its run (2001-2005) on ABC.
Wayans Jr. made his TV acting debut on “My Wife and Kids” before going on to star in “Happy Endings,” “New Girl” and, more recently, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” (2021). He’s teamed up with his father a few times onscreen, including the sketch comedy show “The Underground” and in the CBS sitcom “Happy Together,” in which the two displayed the kind of father-son dynamic we might see in their untitled pilot.
Both Wayans will serve as executive producers, and Wayans Sr. is said to be sharing the writing duties with former “Last
Man Standing” executive producer Kevin
Hench.
‘Spartacus’ The Sequel:
“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” was a big hit for Starz when it premiered in January 2010 on the U.S. cable network. Set in Ancient Rome, the series wrapped after four seasons, but it seems there are still more stories to tell.
Creator Steven S. DeKnight is working on a yet-untitled sequel that would add a new chapter to the story told in the original series, which chronicled the titular gladiator’s journey to becoming a champion and, later, the leader of a rebel army.
The drama will be set in the aftermath of the defeat of Thracian gladiator Spartacus – played by Andy Whitfield until his death in 2011, and by Liam McIntyre after that – at the hands of Marcus Crassus (Simon Merrells). It will “depict a new tale of treachery, deceit and blood unfolding beneath the foreboding shadow of Rome,” according to Starz, which also teased the return of some characters from the original series.
In a statement, DeKnight, who will serve as both showrunner and executive producer, had this to say about the project: “It’s such an incredible honor to be invited to return to the world of Spartacus and to be met with unbridled creative support from my colleagues at Starz and Lionsgate. Together we are crafting something truly unique and unusual for the next chapter in this epic story.”
“It has been over a decade since Spartacus delighted international audiences, and we are thrilled to reimagine and expand this gripping, actionpacked drama for our viewers today,” Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz, also said in an official statement. “’Spartacus’ has deeply invested fans who are eager for its return, and we look forward to working with Steven on this exciting next chapter.”
“Spartacus” joins other cable network series, such as Showtime’s “Dexter” and “Billions,” in seeing their universes expanded through the addition of spinoffs.
Barney’s big year: Barney – the big, friendly, purple dinosaur who famously sang, “I love you, you love me” – is primed to make a comeback.
Toy and entertainment company Mattel recently unveiled its plans for revitalizing the Barney brand through a complete overhaul of products spanning film, YouTube content, music, toys, clothes, merchandising and more.
Those plans include reimagining the iconic preschool show as a new CGI-animated series that will debut in 2024. Produced by Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, the newlook Barney show will feature music-filled adventures and its “message of love and kindness [that] has stood the test of time,” per Josh Silverman, Mattel’s chief franchise officer and Global head of consumer products.
“In creating the new series, it was important to us that we properly reflect the world that kids today live in so that the series can deliver meaningful lessons about navigating it,” Fred Soulie, SVP and general manager of Mattel Television,explained.“With our modern take on Barney, we hope to inspire the next generation to listen, care and dream big.We think that parents, many of whom will fondly remember the original Barney from their own childhoods, will love the show, too.”