Amazon Prime Video is bringing back the energy of Calvin’s iconic Chicago barbershop with a fresh cast and storyline. The new series, based on MGM’s hit film franchise, will star Jermaine Fowler as Travis “Trav” Porter, the grandson of Calvin, who strives to live up to his family’s legendary barbering legacy.
Joining Fowler are four dynamic talents:
The Barbershop films, first launched in 2002, became cultural touchstones for their mix of comedy, community, and social commentary. The new series promises to keep that same spirit alive. According to the official logline, while the barbers may be new, the shop remains just as lively, the debates just as heated, and the fades just as sharp. At Calvin’s, the haircut is only the beginning—the real magic lies in the conversations and connections that happen in the chair.
The casting of Roy Wood Jr. and Punkie Johnson brings late-night comedy credibility to the series, while Brett Gray and E.J. Bonilla add youthful and dramatic depth. Together, they represent a blend of humor, heart, and authenticity that aligns with the franchise’s legacy.
The Barbershop series is expected to premiere on Amazon Prime Video in 2026, with production already underway. Fans of the original films can look forward to a modern reimagining that honors the past while introducing new voices and stories.
With Jermaine Fowler leading the cast and this powerhouse lineup of actors joining him, the series is poised to deliver both laughs and heartfelt moments—ensuring that Calvin’s barbershop remains a cultural hub for a new generation.
Roy Wood Jr., Punkie Johnson, Brett Gray, and E.J. Bonilla have joined Jermaine Fowler in Amazon’s Barbershop series, bringing fresh energy to the iconic franchise while keeping the spirit of Calvin’s alive.
Hidden Gem Entertainment and Silver Lining Entertainment proudly announce that production has officially wrapped on the highly anticipated romantic comedy, The Soul Mate Experiment. Produced by Angela White, p.g.a., and written, directed, and Executive Produced by Tamera Hill, the film stars Erica Peeples, Brad James, David Banner, Teresa Celeste, and Cocoa Brown in a heartfelt and humorous exploration of modern love, connection, and commitment. The romantic comedy will also feature Rodney Perry, Tre Ryan, Keith Arthur Bolden, and Y’Anna Crawley.
Set in a world overflowing with dating apps, first-date jitters, and fears of commitment, The Soul Mate Experiment follows Tammy (Erica Peeples) and Vincent (Brad James), two strangers who decide to skip the small talk and take a leap of faith by agreeing to fall in love on their own terms. What begins as a bold social experiment quickly evolves into an emotional journey filled with laughter, revelations, and hard truths about what it truly means to love and be loved.
Alongside Tammy and Vincent’s whirlwind romance, the film delves into the complexities of marriage through Trey (David Banner) and Angie (Teresa Celeste), a couple confronting their own struggles during their fifth anniversary. As both relationships are tested by secrets and self-discovery, The Soul Mate Experiment invites audiences to reflect on whether love can truly defy convention.
The project marks another milestone for Tamera Hill, known for the Netflix feature Never Heard and the upcoming The Secret Between Us (Fall 2025). As the founder of Hidden Gem Entertainment, Hill continues to build a distinctive body of work through her production company. Her signature storytelling is rooted in authenticity, humor, and heart. These themes shine once again in The Soul Mate Experiment.
“The Soul Mate Experiment is a heartfelt romantic drama that explores whether love is destiny or design. Through laughter, healing, and the unexpected power of connection, it reminds us that sometimes the greatest experiment is simply following your heart,” said Tamera Hill. “I’m so excited to deliver a soulful, contemporary love story that authentically explores both singleness and married life.”
Produced by Angela White, p.g.a., a trailblazing force in independent cinema with over forty-five films to her credit. Next month, Angela celebrates the premieres of two Lifetime Original Movies she produced: Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love, debuting November 8th, and the two-part film event Friends and Lovers, premiering November 15th and 16th. The Soul Mate Experiment marks yet another powerful addition to her diverse body of work, continuing Silver Lining Entertainment’s mission to amplify diverse voices, empower underrepresented storytellers, and bring authentic, emotionally resonant stories to the screen.
“I truly enjoyed collaborating with a fellow African American woman who is passionate about telling universal stories that speak to the heart,” said Angela White. “Working on this film was a reminder of the power of representation and the beauty of shared vision.
The film is slated for release in February 2026, arriving just in time for Valentine’s season.
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss the huge win of the Dallas Cowboys over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, plus the effects of them playing a week after their devastating loss to player Marshawn Kneeland last week.
We also talk about all of the hottest topics in sports!
Special guests this episode are comedians Howie Bell, Maurice Smith, and Damien Jones!
#NBAPlayoffs #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency #NewYorkGiants #NewYorkJets #TheClevelandBrowns #TheSteelers #TheRams #Eagles #TheChiefs #Dak #DakPrescott #DallasCowboys #Eagles #PhiladelphiaEagles #philly #Cowboys
In This Special Episode of Box Seats, we will talk about the new Netflix Documentary ‘Being Eddie’ on legendary comedian Eddie Murphy!
We will also circle back to all of the hottest topics in sports, including week 11 in the NFL and more!
Special guests this episode were comedians Rodney Perry, Howie Bell, Maurice Smith, and Damien Jones! Watch the video above!
#NBAPlayoffs #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency #NewYorkGiants #NewYorkJets #TheClevelandBrowns #TheSteelers #TheRams #Eagles #TheChiefs #Dak #DakPrescott #DallasCowboys #Eagles #PhiladelphiaEagles #philly #Cowboys #BeingEddie #EddieMurphy
On August 20, 2025, comedian Reggie Carroll was shot and killed outside a residence in Southaven, Mississippi. The man charged in connection with the shooting was identified as Tranell Marquise Williams, a 38-year-old bodyguard who had worked closely with comedian Katt Williams during his tours. Carroll, 52, had also been touring with Katt Williams earlier that year, appearing on the Heaven on Earth Tour.
Authorities arrested Tranell Williams shortly after the incident, charging him with murder under Mississippi law. He has remained in custody since August 21, 2025.
For months, Williams remained silent about the events of that night. Now, he has broken his silence, as he gives an exclusive interview with FOX 13 where he claims captured the escalating confrontation before he pulled the trigger. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE!
This video marks the first time the public has been given a glimpse into Williams’ perspective of the incident.
Reggie Carroll was a well-known comedian from Baltimore and had joined Katt Williams on tour. Friends described him as a vibrant performer who had relocated to Mississippi to continue working with Williams. His death shocked the comedy community, leaving family and fans devastated.
Williams’ case is ongoing. He faces a murder charge and has been held without bond since his arrest. His first court appearance was scheduled for late August, and further hearings are expected as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare their arguments.
The release of the video could play a significant role in shaping the narrative of the case, particularly if Williams’ defense hinges on claims of self-defense.
As the case unfolds, the comedy world continues to mourn Carroll’s loss while awaiting clarity on whether Williams’ actions will be legally justified.
Comedians Kenan Thompson and Kevin Hart are bringing their signature humor to the world of sports with “Good Sports,” a new weekly talk show premiering November 25th on Amazon’s Prime Video. The 12-episode series promises a fresh, fast-paced blend of sports commentary, celebrity interviews, and comedic sketches — all delivered with the unfiltered energy fans have come to expect from the duo.
The idea for Good Sports was sparked by Hart and Thompson’s viral coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Peacock, where their off-the-cuff commentary and hilarious takes won over audiences. Amazon took notice, and now the pair are reuniting to bring that same chemistry to a broader sports landscape.
Filmed at the historic Culver Studios in Los Angeles, the show will stream globally every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, reaching viewers in more than 240 countries and territories.
Each episode of Good Sports will feature:
Hart and Thompson aim to celebrate sports culture in a way that’s inclusive, irreverent, and wildly entertaining. “Kenan and I are bringing our own playbook for Good Sports, and that’s a guaranteed win,” Hart said in a statement.
Produced by Hartbeat and Artists for Artists, Good Sports marks a strategic expansion of Prime Video’s sports and entertainment offerings. The show blends the excitement of sports with the spontaneity of sketch comedy, making it a must-watch for fans of both.
Thompson summed it up best: “Doing the Olympics with Kevin was wild, but this? This is next-level”.
With its unique format and powerhouse hosts, Good Sports is poised to redefine how fans engage with sports — one laugh at a time.
Scary Movie 6 is officially in production, and it’s bringing both new blood and beloved veterans back to the horror-comedy franchise. Directed by Michael Tiddes and produced by Miramax, the upcoming installment promises a nostalgic yet fresh take on the genre-spoofing series that first hit screens in 2000.
Joining the cast are Damon Wayans Jr. (New Girl), Kim Wayans (In Living Color), and Heidi Gardner, a standout from Saturday Night Live. Their roles are being kept under wraps, but their comedic chops suggest they’ll bring plenty of laughs and chaos to the rebooted storyline.
This marks a return to the franchise’s roots, with the Wayans family — Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory — back in creative control. They’ve co-written the script alongside longtime collaborator Rick Alvarez, reigniting the irreverent spirit that made the first two Scary Movie films cult classics.
Two franchise veterans are also making their comeback: Cheri Oteri, who played the sensationalist reporter Gail Hailstorm in the original Scary Movie, and Chris Elliott, remembered for his creepy caretaker Hanson in Scary Movie 2 and the eccentric Ezekiel in Scary Movie 4. It’s unclear whether they’ll reprise their original roles or take on new personas — but given the franchise’s unpredictable tone, anything is possible.
Other returning cast members include Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Regina Hall, and Anna Faris, ensuring that longtime fans will see familiar faces alongside fresh talent.
After more than a decade since the last installment, Scary Movie 6 is set to hit theaters globally on June 12, 2026. The film aims to parody the latest horror trends while honoring the legacy of the original series, which famously lampooned hits like Scream, The Ring, and Saw.
With production underway and a powerhouse cast assembled, Scary Movie 6 is shaping up to be a wild ride of satire, scares, and slapstick. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the franchise, this reboot promises to deliver the kind of outrageous comedy that only the Wayans can provide.
Acclaimed filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee is making bold moves in television with the development of two high-profile drama series: Need to Know, a spy procedural starring Taye Diggs, and Becoming Marlow Fin, a psychological mystery adapted from Ellen Won Steil’s novel. Both projects are being produced under Lee’s Blackmaled Productions banner as part of his first-look deal with Universal Television.
Need to Know, currently in development at NBC, reunites Lee with longtime collaborator Taye Diggs, known for his roles in The Best Man franchise and All American. Diggs will not only star in the series but also serve as an executive producer.
The show is inspired by true events and centers on a battle-hardened CIA veteran (played by Diggs) who is forced to partner with a brash young operative. Together, they run some of the agency’s most daring covert missions from a secret base in South Florida. The series promises a blend of high-stakes espionage, character-driven drama, and real-world intrigue.
The pilot was written by Alexander Maggio (FBI, Homeland), with Terence Paul Winter (The Equalizer, Boston Blue) set to take over as writer and executive producer if the show is picked up to series. Spycraft Entertainment is also on board as a producing partner, bringing authentic intelligence expertise to the project.
Lee’s second project, Becoming Marlow Fin, is in development at Peacock and is based on the debut novel by Ellen Won Steil. The drama unfolds during a live primetime interview with global superstar Marlow Fin, whose carefully curated public image begins to crumble as she recounts the mysterious disappearance of her sister. As the interview progresses, Marlow becomes the prime suspect in the case, and the audience is left to question what’s real and what’s a performance.
Des Moran (Tiny Beautiful Things, Bel-Air) is adapting the novel for television and will serve as executive producer alongside Lee, Steil, and Dominique Telson. The series promises a tense, character-driven narrative that explores fame, family, and the cost of secrets.
These two projects mark a significant expansion of Malcolm D. Lee’s television footprint. Known for his work on hit films like Girls Trip and Space Jam: A New Legacy, Lee is leveraging his cinematic storytelling skills to craft compelling, diverse narratives for the small screen.
With Need to Know and Becoming Marlow Fin, Lee continues to champion stories that center Black voices and experiences, while exploring genres ranging from espionage to psychological drama. Both series are poised to make a major impact when they hit screens — and further cement Lee’s status as a powerhouse in Hollywood storytelling.
Netflix is inviting a whole new generation to Hillman College, as the streamer officially orders the A Different World continuation to series. The single-camera comedy will have 10 half-hour episodes.
Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Bel-Air) will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Debbie Allen, who produced, directed, and acted in the OG series, will direct three episodes of the continuation, including the premiere.
The show will center on Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of Hillman College’s finest, Dwayne Wayne (played by Kadeem Hardison in the original series) and Whitney Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), as she enters her freshman year at their HBCU alma mater and finds the shadow of her parents difficult to escape. She sets out to build her own legacy – while having the time of her life – alongside a whole new generation of Hillman’s best and brightest.
The cast also includes Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel.
“It is such an honor to be a part of bringing back this iconic show, one that I grew up on and which had a profound impact on my life,” Pride shared. “I am so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine A Different World for beloved fans and new generations alike.”
Writers from the original series, Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood, return as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers and Tom Werner.
“A Different World changed everything for us,” said the Bythewoods in a joint statement. “It was where we got our start as writers and where we found each other. This show has always been a part of our love story. To return to Hillman now and help reimagine this world for a new generation feels like a continuation of that legacy – one rooted in love, purpose, and possibility.”
A Different World followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her new classmates at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. Though Bonet exited after one season, the show continued with the leading cast of Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Charnele Brown, Cree Summer, and Glynn Turman.
The retooled second season continued to follow the students’ lives, with the love story between Guy’s Whitley Gilbert and Hardison’s Dwayne Wayne at the center. Dwayne, famous for his glasses that flipped up, finally put a ring on it in the Season 5 episode “Save the Best For Last.” Though Whitley was adamant she didn’t want children, she discovers she’s pregnant in “When One Door Closes,” the penultimate episode of the series, and everyone is elated. However, things get somber when Dwayne reveals he’s accepted a job in Japan, where he and his wife will raise their family — in a different world.
The popular The Cosby Show spinoff ran for six seasons on NBC.
Although no returning cast from the original series have been announced, we previously noted that conversations had been ongoing with key members.
A report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reveals production will begin on February 5th and will run until April 27.
Source: Deadline
A long-running federal lawsuit against comedian and actor Katt Williams was dismissed.
The judge in the case said that arguments by women suing Williams that alleged it was a challenge to sue him within a legally-obligated time period due to his celebrity status were not valid to let the case continue.
The case was filed in 2022, a redo of an earlier case from 2016, where four women alleged Williams had assaulted, battered, falsely imprisoned, slandered, and intentionally distressed them emotionally.
Put simply, the lawsuit filed against Williams wasn’t served to him or a representative of his until 22 days after the statute of limitations had expired, thus rendering the case unable to proceed.
Despite the dates, the court case continued until Nov. 7, nearly three years after it began.
The delay in service created by how the plaintiff’s legal team filed the lawsuit was accompanied by what a federal judge called “multiple arguments that attempt to justify” it, but “none of these arguments have any merit.”
Court documents say the plaintiffs tried to argue that Williams’ status as a celebrity with private security made it difficult to serve him with the lawsuit and summons to appear in court.
However, the judge ruled that the four plaintiffs suing Williams could not use that as a reason for the delay, writing that it is up to the plaintiffs to exercise the “greatest possible diligence” in serving the defendant.
With that not having been done, in the court’s opinion, Williams’ motion for summary judgment was approved, and the court case was dismissed.
Now, the plaintiffs are on the hook for paying Williams’ legal costs.
The judge did not weigh in on the merits of the lawsuit’s claims against Williams.