CBS just dropped four sneak peek clips from an upcoming Poppa’s House episode—and it’s one big Wayans family reunion you won’t want to miss.
Marlon Wayans is stepping into Poppa’s House for a guest appearance that brings both business and chaos. He’ll share the screen with big bro Damon Wayans and nephew Damon Wayans Jr. in the March 24 episode of the hit CBS sitcom. And if that wasn’t enough to get your nostalgic heart pumping, he’s also reuniting with longtime friend and former Marlon co-star, Essence Atkins.
Marlon plays Melvin—described as “rambunctious,” but let’s keep it real: he’s that uncle. You know the one. Charming, full of wild ideas, and always just one pitch away from convincing you to invest in something… questionable. Melvin shows up with yet another “can’t-miss” business venture, and while Poppa (played by Damon Sr.) warns Junior (Damon Jr.) to steer clear, Junior’s gotta learn the hard way. But underneath Melvin’s smooth talk and hustle is a big heart and genuine love for his family—something that mirrors the Wayans’ real-life bond.
Turns out, this character came straight from Marlon’s own creative vault. He told TV Insider that he pitched the idea himself: “I want to come on your show and have some fun!” When Damon Sr. asked if he had a character in mind, Marlon hit him with, “Everybody Loves Melvin.” And just like that, the episode was born. Damon loved the pitch and wrote it up himself. According to Marlon, “It was just that simple.”
And let’s talk about the reunion that Black TV lovers have been waiting on: Marlon and Essence Atkins back on screen together! Their chemistry has always been undeniable—whether on Marlon or The Haunted Hathaways—and it’s clear that bond hasn’t skipped a beat.
“Essence is like family,” Marlon shared. “She’s one of the most underrated actresses in the game. She listens, she elevates every scene, and she just makes everyone around her better. I told Damon from the jump, ‘You’re gonna love her. You’ll never say I was right because I’m your baby brother, but you’ll know I was.’” (FYI: Damon lovingly calls him “Ugly.”)
Essence also shared how heartwarming—and hilarious—it was to be on set with Damon and Marlon. “They’re almost 12 years apart,” she said. “You see that big-brother-little-brother energy clear as day. And with Kim Wayans directing the episode? It was full-on Wayans energy—so much love, so many laughs.”
Essence even got a sweet shoutout from Damon himself, who told her, “You understand him really well,” referring to Marlon. She responded, “Exactly. That’s why we’ve worked together so many times.” (Poppa’s House marks their sixth collaboration.)
In this episode, Melvin also sets his sights on Ivy (played by Atkins), who may or may not be catching feelings for Poppa. That love triangle? Yeah, we’re here for the drama.
If you’ve been watching Poppa’s House—which premiered in October and quickly scored a full-season pickup—then you already know it centers on Poppa (Damon Sr.), a legendary talk radio host adjusting to life with a bold new cohost (Atkins) and an adult son (Damon Jr.) who’s chasing dreams while juggling dad and husband life.
And now, with Melvin thrown into the mix, you can expect an episode full of shenanigans, heart, and just the right dose of chaos.
Catch the family affair when Poppa’s House airs Monday, March 24 at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.