Saturday, August 23, 2025

CBS Developing Kenya Barris–Mike Epps Comedy Set in Post-Wildfire Altadena

The series will spotlight Altadena’s recovery after the Eaton Fire and explore themes of family and gentrification

CBS is reportedly developing a half-hour multi-camera comedy from Kenya Barris and Mike Epps, set in Altadena in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. The untitled series will explore themes of family, displacement, and gentrification while spotlighting the community’s recovery.

Barris, creator of “Black-ish” (ABC, 2014–2022), returns to broadcast television as writer and executive producer. Epps will star and co-produce alongside his longtime collaborator Niles Kirchner. The series is being developed under BET Studios, where Barris is a principal, and co-produced by CBS Studios—both operating under Paramount Global’s TV Media division led by George Cheeks, chair of TV Media, who oversees CBS Network, CBS Studios, BET Studios and other television operations.

The show follows two estranged Black brothers who reunite to sell their late grandmother’s home to private developers. Their plans unravel when they discover the grandmother’s caretaker owns part of the property and refuses to sell, forcing the brothers to live together.

Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment joins the project as executive producer. Barris will produce through his Khalabo Ink Society banner. The collaboration represents a rare partnership between BET Studios and CBS Studios under Paramount Global.

The Eaton Fire began on January 7 at 6:18 p.m. in Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains and burned for 24 days before full containment on January 31. The series aims to bring national attention to Altadena’s post-fire recovery and has already prompted public comment online.

Announcing the show on Instagram, Barris wrote, “got something cooking up for y’all !!!!” In response to criticism from a commenter who said, “I can’t support this! Please find a better way to support the community than this! There are still too many people affected by the fires,” Barris replied:

“What way could you think of supporting it then by doing what I know how to do and trying to bring a light to a place that many have already forgotten. I understand your fear but know that I only plan to do the best u can to make sure the world sees you.”

Barris and Epps previously collaborated on the 2023 Netflix film “You People.” Epps currently stars in and executive produces Netflix’s “The Upshaws,” entering its fifth and final season. The show has earned 10 NAACP Image Award nominations, and Epps won Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in 2024.

No premiere date has been announced.