Poppa’s House is no more.
The sitcom starring father-son duo Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. has been canceled at CBS after a single season, Entertainment Weekly can confirm.
The elder Wayans reflected on the show’s creation in an emotional Instagram post, writing, “Creating Poppa’s House was such a beautiful journey. My heart is full as I say thank you to every single person who made Poppa’s House such a meaningful experience.
He went on to thank the show’s cast and crew, with a special shout-out for his son and co-lead.
“A very special thank you to my son, Damon Jr. working beside you has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” he wrote. “And to my incredible family, siblings, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who showed up as writers, guest stars, and creative forces you made this journey even more meaningful. It’s such a blessing to have so much love on one set and to be able to create and laugh with family and friends.”
He concluded, “Though Poppa’s House is coming to a close, I’m walking away with deep gratitude, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories. This show gave me more than I could’ve ever imagined. To everyone who watched, supported, and believed in us thank you. Your love means everything. On to the next chapter, with nothing but love in my heart.”
Essence Atkins, Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., Tetona Jackson, River Blossom, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Caleb R. Johnson, and Geoffrey Owens on Poppa’s House. CBS via Getty
Poppa’s House was the latest collaboration between the father and son, starring Wayans as a legendary talk show host and happily divorced “Poppa” forced to change his ways when his station brings on brash, young podcaster, Ivy Reed (Essence Atkins); meanwhile, Wayans Jr. played his idealistic filmmaker son, navigating life with his wife Nina (Tetona Jackson) as they struggle to raise their two kids. Thankfully, the family lives right next door to Poppa’s massive home — giving them somewhere to send their misbehaving kids.
Like many Wayans projects, the series was a family affair. It featured appearances from Wayans’ brother Marlon Wayans and Wayans Jr.’s daughter, Amora Wayans, making her onscreen debut. Wayans’ sister, Kim, and nephew Damien Dante served as directors on the series, while his son Michael was a staff writer.
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Prior to the series premiere, the duo spoke to EW about the real-life incident that inspired the sitcom’s concept.
“I was going to actually go live next door to my son,” Wayans said. “I was lonely, and he’s got all these wonderful kids. And there was a house across the street from him that was for sale. I go look at the house, and his family comes with him, and his wife, Samara, keeps going, ‘Oh, this is perfect. When you mess up, I’m sending you to Poppa’s house!’ She’s telling that to all the kids, and I started getting anxiety. I’m like, ‘Oh, hell no.’ So I just kind of bailed on it.”
Damon Wayans, Jr. and Damon Wayans on Poppa’s House. Robert Voets/CBS via Getty
But while his move didn’t pan out, it did serve as inspiration for a team-up with his son. But before looping Wayans Jr. in, he worked with writer Kevin Hench to pen the pilot and shopped it around, getting three offers, before Wayans was ready to get his son involved.
“I felt like I had to do more than just show him a good script,” he explained. “I had to let him know that people really want this and were excited about it. And together we’re undeniable.”
