‘Poppa’s House’ Canceled: Damon Wayans Reacts in Heartfelt Tribute to Family & Crew
The party’s over at Poppa’s House. CBS has canceled the Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr.-led family comedy after one season, the network announced on Tuesday, April 22. Its upcoming Season 1 finale will now serve as a series finale. The network has also canceled the reality TV series The Summit after one season and has announced series orders for new programs Einstein and DMV. The former stars Criminal Minds‘ Matthew Gray Gubler, and the latter stars Tim Meadows and Harriet Dyer.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s to come in the rest of Poppa’s House Season 1, as well as what the cast had said about their hopes for the sitcom’s future and their reactions to the cancellation.
What has Damon Wayans said about the Poppa’s House cancellation?
View this post on Instagram
The Poppa’s House patriarch, Wayans Sr., reacted to the sitcom’s cancellation with a heartfelt tribute to his family, cast, and crew on Instagram (embedded above). He said working alongside son Wayans Jr. has been “one of the greatest joys of [his] life” and gave a special thank you to his family who worked on the series alongside the rest of the team.
“Creating Poppa’s House was such a beautiful journey. My heart is full as I say thank you to every single person who made Poppa’s House such a meaningful experience,” Wayans Sr. wrote on April 22. “To the incredible cast you brought so much heart, soul, and joy to every scene. It was an absolute honor to share the screen with you and create something special together. To the writers, producers, directors, and the entire crew you were the heartbeat of this show. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and for showing up every day with love and commitment. You made the set feel like home.”
“A very special thank you to my son, Damon Jr. working beside you has been one of the greatest joys of my life. And to my incredible family, siblings, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who showed up as writers, guest stars, and creative forces you made this journey even more meaningful,” he continued. “It’s such a blessing to have so much love on one set and to be able to create and laugh with family and friends. Though Poppa’s House is coming to a close, I’m walking away with deep gratitude, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories. This show gave me more than I could’ve ever imagined. To everyone who watched, supported, and believed in us thank you. Your love means everything. On to the next chapter, with nothing but love in my heart.”
Essence Atkins, who plays Ivy, shared Wayans Sr.’s post on her Instagram story, saying she’s “grateful” for her time on the show. See more fan reactions to the cancellation at the bottom of the page.
When is the Poppa’s House Season 1 finale?
Poppa’s House Season 1 comes to a close on Monday, April 28, at 8:30/7:30c on CBS. Titled “Magic Shine Again,” the episode will see Poppa (Wayans Sr.) preparing to reveal a big secret to Ivy (Essence Atkins). Meanwhile, Nina (Tetona Jackson) takes over Junior’s (Wayans Jr.) short film project.
Guest stars this season have included Marlon Wayans, Amara Wayans (Wayans Jr.’s daughter, who made her acting debut in the April 21 episode), Lamorne Morris (marking a New Girl reunion), Wendy Raquel Robinson, Vivica A. Fox, Tommy Davidson, Geoffrey Owens, and more.
Why was Poppa’s House canceled?
Poppa’s House was one of the only remaining shows with its fate up in the air at CBS after it renewed a handful of programming earlier this year. According to Deadline, Poppa’s House was reportedly asked to reduce its budget for renewal consideration. After premiering in October 2024, the sitcom got a promising full-season order in November alongside the NCIS prequel, NCIS: Origins, which was renewed for Season 2 in February 2025 alongside a collection of shows like Elsbeth, Fire Country (which is also getting a spinoff in Sheriff Country) and more. CBS did not cite a reason for Poppa’s House cancellation, but viewership and cost are typically the reasons any show gets axed.
As of the time of publication, The Equalizer is the last remaining CBS program that has yet to be renewed or canceled. CBS tested out a potential spinoff of The Equalizer in the Sunday, April 20, episode that guest starred Bosch‘s Titus Welliver and Juani Feliz, but CBS announced on April 22 that the spinoff is not moving forward, neither is The Neighborhood spinoff. The Equalizer‘s fate is still unknown.
The Wayans comedy was one of a handful of new shows that debuted in fall 2024 on the network. The other freshman programming was Matlock, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Watson, and Hollywood Squares, all of which have been renewed for second seasons.
FBI: International and FBI: Most Wanted were canceled while FBI was renewed, and there’s a new spinoff in that world, CIA, that just got a straight-to-series order from the network on April 22 with Tom Ellis set to star. The Neighborhood has been renewed for an eighth and final season and has a potential spinoff in the works. S.W.A.T. was canceled again after being saved and renewed for what turned out to be one last season.
The network also has one more comedy pilot, Zarna, with comedian Zarna Garg and executive produced by Mindy Kaling, in the works. The new CBS 2025-2026 season schedule will be announced on May 7.
What would have happened in Poppa’s House Season 2?
Damon Wayans and Essence Atkins in the ‘Poppa’s House’ Season 1 finale (Sonja Flemming / CBS)
Atkins previously teased to TV Insider that a romance was on the horizon for her character, Ivy, and Wayans’ Poppa. Ivy is a psychologist and relationship expert who was brought onto Poppa’s long-running but stale radio show to revitalize the show’s content. They ended up leaving the radio show together when the company went down an undesirable route for its programming plan. They started their own podcast and have been growing closer ever since.
As for Season 2 hopes, Atkins said, “There have been lots of ideas thrown around for what the evolution of that relationship looks like, and there’s some really great ideas on the table. And also just what I love is that as silly as we are on the show and as broad as the show gets in terms of a comedic flare, there is always grounded in it the heart of a story that comes from a real place. And so that will be maintained no matter what.”
“For me, I just hope to watch [Ivy] unravel and put herself back together again,” she continued. “I think Ivy is very much in her Humpty Dumpty phase. I can’t wait to see her fall completely apart and realize the value in exposure and realize the value of having your innards exposed and seeing who’s there to cover you and who’s there to help put yourself back together.”
Davidson, who was part of the original cast of In Living Color with Wayans Sr., previously told TV Insider that he’d love to return as his character, Jarnold, in future episodes. Marlon Wayans, who played a comedic version of himself (Melvin), also expressed interest in more involvement in the series.
Poppa’s House has been a big family affair since its inception. Kim, Shawn, and Michael Wayans are all on the production staff, and Wayans Sr.’s daughters, Cara Mia and Kyla Wayans, as well as Wayans Jr.’s daughters, Amara and Aniya Wayans, developed the story and script for the April 21 episode titled “Babygirl.” Amara has also been a stand-in for Atkins throughout the season before debuting as Natalie, the younger sister of her dad’s character, in “Babygirl.”
How have fans reacted to the Poppa’s House cancellation?
Viewers aren’t pleased that the show was axed. “Very upset about this,” one fan wrote on X/Twitter. “#PoppasHouse is hilarious and excellently written. I love a good crime related drama, but it seems WE can’t get a renewal for anything positive. Run The World is gone. Grand Crew is gone. Harlem is gone. Twenties is gone. What’s it gonna take? *Sigh*”
One fan is hoping Poppa’s House can be saved by another network such as BET. “@bet please Pick Up #Poppashouse For Another Season Or Seasons,” they posted on X. The same fan posted another plea hoping that the show will be renewed. “Yo @cbs i Feel Yall Made An Big Mistake For Canceling #poppasHouse Like How Yall Canceled East New York Last Year @Bet Need To Pick Up #PoppaHouse And Add Them To Their Lineup,” they wrote.
Another viewer wants Netflix to save it. “@Netflix hey…this is a good show! Season 2 on Netflix sounds good to me!” they wrote.
“I hate that #PoppaHouse is ending,” wrote another viewer. “I really like the show.”
“I’m highkey pissed at CBS,” another fan chimed in.
It’s disappointing news for many. “This some BS! Poppa’s House is hilarious!” another fan wrote. “Networks hate black sitcoms when they don’t fit a particular mold!”
One fan thinks Poppa’s House would thrive on another network. “Poppa’s House never made sense to me at CBS anyway though,” they said. “Only the cop or doc centered show thrive over there. Put that s**t on ABC where you can stream it the next day on Hulu and boom, success.”
What are your thoughts on Poppa’s House‘s fate? Sound off in the comments, below.
Poppa’s House, Series Finale, Monday, April 28, 8:30/7:30c, CBS
Conversation66 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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P
Nooooo 🙁 Poppa's House quickly became my comfort show, and I looked forward to watching it every week. Damon Sr. and Damon Jr. together were just magic. CBS, this was a mistake. I hope another network picks it up and gives this show another shot
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Poppas house is so good and funny! I am so upset they canceled it. It was one of the shows our family came together to watch . So sad about it . And I just heard they also canceled the neighborhood! We love that one too! Hmmm I wonder what they have in common to be canceled!
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C
I'm sad about it too! The Neighborhood will end at Season 8. Cbs had the sense to renew another Season
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O
The Wayans are too talented for CBS. PLEASE some one pick up this show, it is entertaining. This means you NBC.
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B
I am so upset. After literally laughing in hysteria at last nights episode baby girl to come here and see the show is now canceled is extremely upsetting. It’s ridiculous the shows they keep inches days. It started off slowly but over the course of 3-4 episodes in the show became hilarious. I’m really hoping Bet or Netflix can bring outback and we can prove them wrong with the success on another network.
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G
One of the best shows this I can’t believe it was cancelled
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O
Poppa's House had a fun balance of love and laughter. The comedic and accurate portrayal of an American multi-generational family with lovable and exasperating characters/relatives is a joy to watch. Junior's loving, imperfect yet perfect for them, marriage and relatable relationship with his dad and kids are a pick me up I didn't realize I needed. I hope this show is picked up. I have laughed out loud watching it.
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J
CBS is getting where it is NOT A GOOD programming station, I watched Poppa's House & it is a good sitcom. Not many is on tv these days & I have always liked the Wayans & especially when they had there show '' In living color'' it was hilarious!! it & the neighborhood is the 2 shows that me & my son watched every Monday.Save Poppa's house CBS!
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D
Every time I like a show it gets canceled.Maybe another network will take it on.Hopefully!!
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O
I think cancelling this show is a huge mistake, we need a lot more laughter and less violence. From the kids to the adults this shows cast seemed to be in tune with each other. Poppa’s House was funny, sweet, and meaningful, I am hoping another network picks it up. CBS is canceling this show just like they canceled So Help Me Todd. And yet Elsebeth, a show that is not very good, continues. Very Disappointing!!!
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C
I am devastated I loved this show and had it on my calendar the minute they started showing commercials for it earlier this year. As has been commented below I hope and pray someone else picks it up. Down on my knees praying for this show!
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R
Ticked at CBS for cancelling it. It was a funny show and I would get on Paramount Plus to watch The Neighborhood and Poppa's House at midnight every Monday night/Tuesday morning to watch them before bed. Bad choice, CBS!!
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Booo hiss. Bad plan cancelling Poppa’s House. I looked forward to 30 minutes of fun every week. The comedy timing of this cast is superb. I am not happy
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O
We are so upset. We cannot believe that CBS yet again cancels the really good shows. This is real life that we can relate to and it’s hilarious. I hope another network grabs it as we will def follow Poppas House and the Wayans family♥️
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B
ABC or NBC should pick this one up. The Wayans crew has a LONG history of solid comedy to back this show up.
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This is was great!
Hopefully someone else can pick it up.
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This is insane! The show should not be cancelled. I truly hope another network picks it up. It's one show that you can count on to be extremely funny and give feel good vibes. Come through Netflix!!!
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O
Im definitely sad that Poppa's house is being canceled. @Netflix, @BET, @ Amazon Prime, @Max. Please pick this show up. It deserves to have more season and content
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O
Please rethink. I love that show!! Love the Wayans. So talented. The show is real. Real life situations with comedy.
Hey Netflix! Here's a show worth saving!
Cancelled Poppas House but kept HollywoodSquares??
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I really hate to see this show go. But knew it was coming once they started messing with the time and days it would come on. This show had character and spirit that you just don't get with shows today. Damon Sr, and Damon Jr were absolute golden in this show. CBS just doesn't know good programming. These networks don't know how to give a show time to gain momentum. Instant gratification and ratings is what they look for. Definitely hope this show get picked up by another network asap.
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Absolutely LOVE THIS SHOW ITS HILARIOUS, HEARTFELT, PURE GOOD FAMILY COMEDY. No WAY should it have been canceled. NETFLIX ANYBODY PLEASE PICK THIS UP!
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This has been one of my favorite sitcoms! I am sad it is being canceled. Hopefully another streaming network will pick it up??!!! Especially loving the Billie Holiday episode! ♥️
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G
Love this show want them to keep this on tv love the Wayans look at this every Monday sence it came on seem like the good shows always go of air suspicious it just came out now it's got to go off the Wayans are my favorite comedians and actors
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B
Love poppas house.😞 There cancelled.
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Sorry to see it canceled!!
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I don't watch much TV but LOVED Poppa's House! We need more comedy on TV not cop-detective shows.
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The show is hilarious!! But I'm hoping Tyler Perry will get it to BET!! That would be amazing!! I look forward to watching my Monday Comedies!!
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O
SERIOUSLY??? This show is HILARIOUS! Damon Wayons Jr is even funnier than his dad (who is INCREDIBLE). Even the little kids on the show are Uber talented! CBS will now only have 3 good comedies. When The Neighborhood ends, it will only have 2. But they have 26 different versions of NCIS? Guess comedies aren't a good fit for the network that only supports realty shows and serious rubbage!
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R
Wow!!!! This is sad🥹 I really enjoyed this comedy why can't keep great art by 💪🏾🖤 last more 1 season 🤦🏾♀️
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G
This was one of my absolute favorite shows… yes please Netflix pick this up!!!!?
VERY UPSETTING
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O
We just read CBS is canceling Poppa's House! 😞 We are so disappointed. We watch it every Monday. So funny! We are hoping another network will pick it up! Bad mistake CBS.
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B
I really love the show it was funny and that's something this world needs now it was about family and a father and son showing love for each other something this world needs more of It was a clean show and so funny I just love the Wayans Family And may God watch over them as they move on to more things !_
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G
I'm sad that Poppa's House was canceled because I really enjoyed this show.
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O
So sad. Too few good comedies are on tv today. Should not have been cancelled
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B
In my opinion, it is really sad that any tv show that portrays black people in a positive way gets cancelled! Poppa’s house is an outstanding & positive show! CBS you should be ashamed!!
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R
We love this show! CBS sux. Maybe another network can pick it it up.
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B
Love the show...
Very disappointed it's bring cancelled..
Love the humor and characters...
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R
As a 60 something white male, I wasn't exactly the target demographic for Poppa's House, but I laughed every single episode and thought it was a really good show. Would love for it to get picked up by another source.
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G
Also 60. We grew up with shows like Good Times, What's Happening, and Sanford and Son, which were popular across the board, without any concerns about "target" demographics.
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R
That's a shame. The chemistry between the characters was great and it was well written, even if it did get a bit sappy at times. But, it kept me laughing!
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P
I liked the show, the chemistry between father and son was great. Think it needed another season for people to try it. Sad to see it go.
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O
The Wayans family have always provided quality programing. I love the comedy and the amazing base story. I can laugh and experience real life situations. Tough to come by in most programming. I hope another streaming service will pick up the show so they may continue this masterpiece.😔 😘😍💜❤️🧡💓💗💕
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U
I think CBS needed to keep Poppas House for a 2nd Season and maybe further.with it being a family oriented show with humor , this kind of show is needed . They have plenty of drama shows, and more serious shows on CBS but not many family oriented, or funny, comedy shows that are really funny and make you feel good. Get them back on
Please.
Bonnie Chamberlain
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R
That's CBS for you.. They'll rid themselves of family shows but continues voyeurism shows like "Big Brother" which has been shown without a flinch 50 years, why is hat still a thing? I guess when you get a lot of people together and dangle money in their faces, it creates juvenile tendencies, aren't we past that yet?
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G
I loved Poppa's House! It was hilarious but also promoted good family values. Please bring it back somewhere.
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O
Sometimes I would forget to watch the show but, I was sad that the show was only on for 30mins. I looked forward to this Monday and it wasn't on. Wow!!!
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G
yes i would def watch it if another service picked it up. I thought the pacing was a bit off but I also thought it would improve for season 2. i cared about the characters enough to continue watching.
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G
Don't take off Poppa's House! It's my reason for tuning in to tv ok n Mondays after the Neighborhood. If that can survive 7-8 seasons, this indubitably can!! Get rid of those cop, downer shows, Get with comedy, CBS! The viewers really need quality comic relief regularly! Wayans family is, has and always will deliver that!
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R
So sad to see this show is ending , it is one of the shows on television now that is so much fun and and good clean fun. All the performers are fantastic..
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C
Very disappointed! Love me some Wayans! Need this humor when everything and everyone is so serious! Sad 😔
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R
Just watched the finale. I hope BET picks this up. Love this show. We all need to laugh more!
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K
Wrong move CBS. The episodes got better and better as the season went along and to now learn that it has been canceled when it didn't really even have a chance to grow makes me sad. I looked forward to this show every week and if I missed a week, I was happy to stream episodes back to back. Hopefully the Wayans family will shop this around to other networks/streaming services so we can see more.
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P
I am so upset about this show. Best entertainment on TV.🤗😋🤗😘❤️😋🤗. Love the Poppas family. 😭😭😭
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O
I absolutely LOVE the Wayans family. They are royalty . I have been watching them and their careers for many many years now. I may have been the first ticket purchased to see “I’m gonna git u sucka” .. In loyalty - I watched Big Poppa’s house every week …. But it’s BAD. YES - Damon Sr. is his experienced amazing self - perfect . but Jr. …and the wife , and the “sassy” kids .. SOOOO BAD . It’s terribly unbelievable and terribly over and poorly acted . And bless her heart - - Amara … CRINGE- she’s beautiful and stunning but my God - I haven’t seen such bad acting since my daughter’s 1st grade play . I am ALL for nepotism and keeping the family in, but talent has to be the priority on a platform this large. I’m so sorry to see the show go , but i COMPLETELY understand why.
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I love the show I hope another channel picks them up I was really excited to see the new show
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C
I’m still trying to process this. I can’t understand how or why they can’t give black shows a chance especially when it is a positive family show. Love the Wayans Family. I am so disappointed in cbs. This makes no damn sense to me at all. Hoping and praying another network picks it up. The show deserves to go on. ABC, BET or NBC do the right thing!
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R
I didn't think Poppa's House would be my "cup of tea" when it first aired.
However, I really enjoyed watching it every week after I watched the first couple of episodes:)
I was shocked to find out it wouldn't be renewed as I was really looking forward to Season 2:(:(
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C
BAD MOVE CBS !! I am a white female 60 yrs old this show reminds me of the same comedies I knew and loved & grew up on, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, ( I had JJ and his DY- NO-MYTE!! poster hanging front and center of my bedroom wall!!)
The Wayans brought 30 minutes of laughter in and kept me wanting more, and got me thinking back to those old programs. It was wholesome fun, that we all ran to the couch to watch, just like my husband and I have been doing recently for Poppa's house. Such a shame to see this news keeping my fingers crossed 🤞 that another station will pick this up.
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F
I like the show and the Wayans Family… They so like my own Family.., Always, lol and snapping ..
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O
I’ve enjoyed Poppa’s House! What is going on at CBS.? Is Elon Musk working there now?? They have just been taking a chain saw to so many shows that I like!
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P
this is BS POPPAS HOUSE IS GREAT
QUIT GETTING RID OF THE HOOD COMEDY
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O
The son is just not that funny. Everyone else is tho
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G
It was a good show, and it would have been nice to see it continue. But Ivy and Poppa getting involved??? Maybe it's best it was cancelled.
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G
I tried to watch it. I had great expectations! Very disappointed..
. quit watching after a couple episodes.
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Trump/Musk DEI reduction orders could be a reason for the cancellation and may even include The Equalizer
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There's one of you in every village.
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