Damon Wayans Jr. was part of the ensemble cast ofHappy Endings, and his real-life father, Damon Wayans Sr., had a one-episode guest appearance on the show. Wayans Sr. played Brad’s father, a veteran in town for some medical tests in season 1, episode 5, “Like Father, Like Gun.” From their stilted early interactions to their tender heart-to-heart at the end, the Wayans father and son stole the episode from theHappy Endings' best characters.
Over a decade later, the Wayans are reprising their roles as a father-son pair inPoppa’s House, a show Wayans Sr. co-created.Poppa’s Houseis built around the comedic chemistry the Wayans naturally share, giventhe Wayans family’s long history in show business. Given how talented they are separately and together, it is surprising it took over a decade since theirHappy Endingsepisode for Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr. to get their own sitcom where their dynamic can play out every week.
Damon Wayans Jr.’s Sitcom Wives Push Father And Son To Have Closer Relationships
Wayans Sr. is probably more similar to his radio DJ character Poppa than he was to the uptight veteran he played inHappy Endings, but both characters have a similar relationship with their sons. Like many men inthe best sitcoms, Poppa fromPoppa’s Houseand Francis Williams fromHappy Endingsshare a resistance to vulnerability, putting up an emotional wall that keeps them from having the deepest relationships they could with their sons. InPoppa’s House, season 1, episode 8, “Wig,” Poppa’s best friend dies and Poppa dresses and behaves erratically in his attempts to avoid grieving or crying.
Poppa’s Househas other Wayans family members writing for the show. Damon Wayan Sr.’s sister Kim Wayans directed two episodes and wrote another; brother Shawn Wayans wrote an episode; and son Michael Wayans wrote an episode.
Wayans Jr.’s characters inHappy EndingsandPoppa’s Housewould prefer more emotionally honest relationships with their fathers, but they are forced to take action about it at the insistence of their wives. InHappy Endings, Brad’s wife Jane (Eliza Coupe) orchestrates the right opportunity for them to say “I love you” for the first time. Nina (Tetona Jackson), Junior’s wife inPoppa’s House, is constantly a mediator between father and son, helping them build a closer relationship over time.
Why It Took So Long For The Wayans To Do A Sitcom Together
The Wayans Were Busy With Television And Other Projects
The Wayans had fantastic chemistry playing a father-son duo inHappy Endings, but it would take 13 years for them to share the screen again. Until recently, both of the Wayans, especially Wayans Jr., had been committed to other projects that prevented them from having a reunion sooner. Damon Wayans Jr. starred in hit sitcomsHappy Endings,New Girl, andHappy Togetherfrom 2011-2019. Because he was so busy, Wayans Jr.‘sCoach had to be replaced inNew Girl. At the same time, Wayans Sr. was in the TV series adaptation ofLethal Weapon.
Major Roles Of Damon Wayans Sr. And Damon Wayans Jr. FromHappy EndingsToPoppa’s House
2011
2016-2019
2023
2024-
2011-2013
2011-2018
2014
2018-2019
Derrick #2 (5 Episodes)
ThePoppa’s Housepilot, co-written by Wayans Sr., was ordered by CBS in February 2023, so perhaps Wayans Sr. was inspired to write a project for himself with all production shut down during Covid, and he had time to think about what he would like to do next. With theHappy Endingepisode as proof of concept, the Wayans had to create a project that would bring them back together, playing a father and son team. With the full season pickup ofPoppa’s Housein November 2024 (perDeadline) there will be more of the Wayans coming to screens soon.
Happy Endings
Cast
Happy Endings is a sitcom created by David Caspe that aired for three seasons on the ABC network. Starring Eliza Coupe and Elisha Cuthbert and sees six best friends try to keep their group dynamic together when two of them start having issues.
