Wayans charms, but the CBS sitcom falters

Comedy legend Damon Wayans and his son Damon Wayans Jr. have teamed up for CBS' new family sitcom Poppa's House. Told from the perspective of father and son, topics such as career changes, parenthood and marital problems are covered. Featuring a star-studded cast (plus delightful guest stars) and a Wayans-filled writers' room that includes the older Wayans, Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Michael Wayans, the comedy has many hilarious moments. But “Poppa’s House” isn’t a home run. It takes several episodes for the series to really get going, and parts of the comedy are over-the-top and lean towards slipstick, which will no doubt deter some viewers from sticking around.

“Poppa's House” follows Poppa (the elder Wayans), a legendary but ill-tempered radio host at one of New York City's most popular R&B/Soul stations. Although he lives alone in his huge house, his adult son Junior (Wayans Jr.), daughter-in-law Nina (Tetona Jackson) and their two young children live next door. Therefore, they often use Poppa's home as an extension of their own house.

While Poppa tries to adjust to Junior and Nina's new upbringing, he also has to deal with massive changes at the radio station. The station has had enough of his grumpy demeanor and negative attitude and hires psychologist Dr. Ivy Reed (Essence Atkins) to bring a level of emotion to Poppa's talk show. Poppa initially resists Ivy's presence, but her persistence slowly changes his approach to his work and personal life.

As the series begins, the audience finds Poppa enjoying a quiet morning in his kitchen. Unfortunately, it's short-lived as Junior knocks on his window. Poppa has found success on her airwaves throughout his decades-long career, but his son hasn't been so lucky. Working in middle management at his father-in-law JJ's (Geoffrey Owens) foam roller company, Junior was forced to put his directing dreams on hold. Although Poppa encourages his son to do what he has to do until he can pursue his passion, he finds it difficult to follow his own advice when Ivy joins the show.

While “Poppa's House” is a bit rocky at first, the chemistry between the actors is excellent. The affection and closeness of the real father-son duo radiates beyond the screen. Their similar appearance also adds extra fun for the viewer. Additionally, Atkins and Jackson are incredibly funny, especially when they break away from the rambling jokes about Jackson's petite stature and Ivy's obsession with emotions.

“Poppa's House” starts out as one series but becomes something else entirely by the end of the third episode, making it difficult for viewers to get into the series. The relationship between the actors is good, but the opening episodes are marred by the buddy humor and Poppa's sexist and bitter attitude and way too many imitations of Junior. Still, by the end of Episode 3, “Podcast,” as Poppa and Ivy begin their podcast project, the audience can sense the writers trying to control the aspects of the series that have left them unbalanced. Thankfully, the humor works much better as the show progresses.

From episode 4, “School Days,” “Poppa's House” begins to gain more firm footing. As a result, Junior and Nina's son is accepted into a renowned private school. While the other grandparents, JJ and Junior's mother Catherine (a standout Wendy Raquel Robinson), happily embrace the change, Poppa isn't convinced by the academy. Full of witty banter between JJ and Catherine and sharp tirades between the ex-spouses, “Poppa's House” finds its rhythm. (Still, Junior's imitation of the principal's English accent is exaggerated.)

Despite its shaky beginning, “Poppa's House” has some nice elements. The Wayans' charm is magnetic and all the actors, including the children, are top notch. In the end you get the impression that the Wayans are having a lot of fun, but that doesn't always quite apply to the audience.

“Poppa's House” premieres October 21 on CBS, with new episodes released weekly on Mondays.