EXCLUSIVE: Black-ish creator Kenya Barris is returning to broadcast television with a multi-camera comedy at CBS starring Mike Epps, which is executive produced by Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment.
Created and written by Barris, the comedy comes from BET Studios, where Barris is a principal, and is co-produced by CBS supplier CBS Studios. This marks a rare collaboration between the two studios which are now part of Paramount Chair of TV Media George Cheeks’ portfolio.
In the untitled half-hour, after wildfires sweep through Altadena, two estranged Black brothers — one played by Epps — reunite to sell their late grandmother’s house to private developers. But when they learn her caretaker now owns part of the home and refuses to sell, they’re forced to live together and confront their differences — and what community, legacy, and family really mean.
Altadena, a diverse area known for its strong Black community and culture, was devastated by the January 2025 Eaton fire, which killed at least 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, with thousands of residents losing their homes and most of their possessions.
There had been speculation that Epps and Barris may be playing the two brothers but only Epps is attached as an actor for now. Barris is executive producing through his Khalabo Ink Society. Also executive producing are Epps and his producing partner Niles Kirchner as well as Kaplan.
The comedy reunites Epps with Barris after the comedian appeared in Barris’ 2023 Netflix movie You People. It marks Barris’ return to broadcast where he created and executive produced the praised ABC comedy seres black-ish, which spawned a franchise for Disney.
Epps star in and executive produces Netflix’s sitcom The Upshaws, which is heading into its fifth and final season. It has been nominated for 10 NAACP Image Awards, with Epps winning for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in 2024. He is repped by UTA, Artists First and Yorn Levine Barnes.
Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society has The Vince Staples Show for Netflix and Diarra From Detroit for BET+, both renewed for a second season, and recently produced the Amazon MGM movie The Underdoggs. The company is in various stages of development on several series, including Group Chat, a collaboration with Kim Kardashian based on LaLa Anthony’s best-selling book The Love Playbook, which has a pilot order at Hulu; The Book of Jose, which chronicles the life of rapper Fat Joe; and a limited series about the life and legacy of legendary comedian Richard Pryor.
Barris is repped by WME and has a new management company, LBI Entertainment. He is also with Yorn Levine Barnes.
