Kenya Barris and Mike Epps Team Up for Hilarious New Brothers Comedy Set in Post Wildfire Altadena at CBS

Move over sitcom reruns and crime procedurals — CBS is bringing in a new comedy. Acclaimed creator Kenya Barris and stand-up legend Mike Epps are joining forces for a brand-new series that’s already raising eyebrows. The yet-untitled brothers comedy set in post-wildfire Altadena is in development at CBS and promises to deliver the kind of moments that made hits like Black-ish and The Upshaws running.

If the names Kenya Barris and Mike Epps don’t already have you clearing space in your DVR, let’s get you up to speed.

Kenya Barris is the mastermind behind the Emmy-nominated Black-ish universe and Netflix’s #blackAF. His brand of comedy is smart. Meanwhile, Mike Epps has carved out his own legendary status in stand-up comedy, film, and sitcoms, most recently as the star and executive producer of Netflix’s The Upshaws.

Together, these two comedy powerhouses are cooking up something fresh and unexpected for network TV — and yes, it’s set in Altadena, a scenic California suburb known for its laid-back vibes and, recently, its brush with devastating wildfires.

What’s This Show About Anyway?

While details are still under wraps (because Hollywood loves a good mystery), here’s what we do know: the series will follow two brothers navigating life, family, and rebuilding in the aftermath of a wildfire that upended their community.

It’s part family comedy, part social commentary, and all parts potentially hilarious.

Why Altadena and Why Now?

Let’s face it: most sitcoms play it safe with settings. New York apartments. LA studios. Suburban everytowns with identical strip malls. But this show dares to go somewhere specific — Altadena — and even more, it situates itself in a moment of rebuilding after real-life wildfires have rocked California communities.

With climate change no longer a plot device but a real backdrop for daily life, the show taps into modern anxieties.

CBS Goes Bold With Its Comedy Slate

CBS may be best known for crime shows and multi-cam sitcoms where everyone’s clapping for the laugh track, but this project suggests a strategic shift. By bringing on Kenya Barris and Mike Epps, CBS is banking on cultural relevance and unfiltered comedy to keep audiences engaged. If this series takes off, it could mark a turning point in how the network approaches original content.

What We’re Still Waiting For

• An official title (please let it be as chaotic as the concept)

• Cast announcements beyond Barris and Epps

• A premiere date or even a pilot order

• Behind-the-scenes peeks (we’re nosy, CBS)

But even without those details, the buzz is real. And let’s be honest — we trust this duo to bring the goods.

So keep your eyes on CBS’s upcoming slate.