CBS’ upcoming sitcom Poppa’s House (premiering Monday, Oct. 21 at 8:30/7:30c) promises to be an exciting addition to the network’s lineup, blending family dynamics with humor and heart. At the center of this comedy is the relationship between a curmudgeonly disc jockey, Poppa (played by Damon Wayans), and his adult son, Junior (Damon Wayans Jr.), who finds himself constantly caught in the throes of fatherly guidance, even though he’s an adult himself.
However, while father and son provide the heart of the series, it’s the introduction of Junior’s father-in-law, played by The Cosby Show’s Geoffrey Owens, that really adds a unique dynamic to the show’s evolving family tension.
A Cosby Show Alum Adds Depth to the Family Drama
In Poppa’s House, Geoffrey Owens takes on the role of J.J., Junior’s successful and somewhat overbearing father-in-law. As a wealthy, experienced man who’s not afraid to assert his dominance, J.J. creates a series of rifts between Junior and his wife, Nina (Tetona Jackson), especially since J.J. was responsible for securing Junior’s less-than-ideal sales job. His presence brings additional challenges to Junior’s already complicated life.
Showrunner and executive producer Dean Lorey explained the importance of Owens’ role, noting that J.J. is a character who’s constantly at odds with Junior and Poppa. “Geoffrey’s character puts a good bit of pressure on Nina and Junior. He bought their house, and that alone makes him a pretty dominant figure in their lives. We love Geoffrey, and he really adds to the family’s complexity. He’s successful, wealthy, and everything Junior is not at this point in the show, which makes him a fantastic pressure point.”
Owens’ role serves as a fascinating contrast to the Wayans characters. While Poppa and Junior have their ongoing father-son struggles, J.J. brings his own set of challenges into the family dynamic, further complicating Junior’s attempts to balance his career and personal life. The tension between the three men is expected to provide a central theme throughout the show’s first season.
A Real-Life Reunion
Owens’ casting also marks a reunion of sorts for him and Damon Wayans, who went to junior high school together in real life. The pair took some time on set to reminisce about their shared experiences, joking about the teachers they had in common and the events they witnessed together. Wayans recalled, “We were just laughing about how many people and things that we had in common. It’s scary.”
The real-life bond between Owens and Wayans adds an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen chemistry. It’s clear that their past friendship plays a significant role in the comfort they share on set, helping to bring depth to the family rivalry that will unfold in the series.
The Cosby Show Legacy in Poppa’s House
For fans of The Cosby Show, Owens’ return to network television brings a sense of nostalgia. Owens, who played the iconic character Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, has since built a rich and varied career. His return to a sitcom with a family-centered theme brings him full circle in terms of genre, but this time, he’s playing a character with a significant level of wealth and power, a far cry from his role as the mild-mannered Elvin.
In Poppa’s House, the Wayans family draws inspiration from their own experiences, making the show feel like an authentic exploration of father-son relationships and the challenges of adult life. While the show is not explicitly about The Cosby Show, the casting of Geoffrey Owens as J.J. adds an interesting layer for longtime fans of The Cosby Show, as Owens’ presence recalls the sitcom’s cultural impact on American television and its groundbreaking portrayal of African American family life.
Poppa and J.J.’s Rivalry: A Unique Family Dynamic
The show also explores the long-standing rivalry between Poppa and J.J., two men who, while not exactly best friends, share a deep history that continues to shape their interactions. The first episode reveals the complexity of their relationship as Poppa and J.J. navigate their decades-long rivalry, and viewers can expect this tension to ebb and flow as the series progresses.
Dean Lorey shared, “There’s something about people who know you and know your history. Even though Poppa and J.J. don’t always see eye to eye, there’s still a connection because they’ve known each other for so long. It’s a fascinating dynamic that we want to explore.”
This ongoing family conflict, coupled with the show’s exploration of generational differences and the evolution of fatherly roles, makes Poppa’s House an intriguing watch for fans of family comedies and sitcoms alike.
Conclusion
Geoffrey Owens’ addition to Poppa’s House brings a fresh perspective to the series, with his portrayal of J.J. offering a distinct contrast to the Wayans family dynamic. His character is poised to be a key player in the family drama, contributing both humor and conflict to the series. For fans of The Cosby Show, seeing Owens return to a sitcom with such a central role adds a sense of nostalgia and excitement, while his dynamic with the Wayans characters promises to deliver a unique blend of tension and humor.
As Poppa’s House unfolds, viewers will have the opportunity to witness the evolution of these family relationships, with Geoffrey Owens adding depth and complexity to a show that already promises to be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of drama.
