Essence Atkins and Tetona Jackson have been cast as leads in the upcoming untitled CBS comedy pilot alongside Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., according to Variety. The pilot, which was announced in February, will be directed by Andy Ackerman.
The show will be a multi-cam comedy centered around “Poppa” (played by Wayans), a legendary talk radio host who is happily divorced and parenting his adult son Junior (played by Wayans Jr.), a brilliant dreamer trying to balance his passion and his responsibilities as a father and husband. Atkins will play Dr. Ivy Reed, Poppa’s new co-host, who challenges his point of view. Jackson will portray Junior’s wife, Nina, who is described as loving, real, and detail-oriented.
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Atkins has worked with the Wayans family before, having previously starred in the NBC comedy series “Marlon.” She currently appears in the BET+ series “First Wives Club” and the ABC drama “The Company You Keep,” among other notable TV roles. Jackson most recently appeared in The CW series “Dynasty” and has a recurring role in the ABC comedy “Home Economics.”
The pilot was written by Kevin Hench and Wayans Jr., who will also serve as executive producers alongside Wayans and Ackerman. CBS Studios will produce the show.
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This is one of only two comedy pilots that CBS has ordered this season, with the other being based on the comic strip “JumpStart,” starring Terry Crews.