A CBS sitcom in development from Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and comic Mike Epps is experiencing online backlash since it was announced, as it’s set against the backdrop of the wildfire-devastated area of Altadena, where residents are still reeling from this January’s deadly and destructive wildfires.
The project — which is in its early stages and has no cast attached beyond Epps, nor any on-air commitment from CBS — would follow two brothers who move in with their late grandmother’s caretaker when their plans fall apart as they try to sell her property in Altadena, an area of L.A. that saw major devastation in January’s deadly Eaton fire; that blaze, one of several over a few weeks in January across L.A., killed at least 19 people and destroyed over 9,000 structures. It would mark a return to broadcast TV for BET Studios principal Barris, who has focused on cable and streaming properties since Black-ish ended its run on ABC in 2022.
On Jan. 7, a Santa Ana wind event pushed very dry winds through Southern California’s mountains. Peak gusts were said to have reached 90 mph, and it’s believed they led a transmission line to become re-energized, igniting the fire that rapidly pushed into foothill communities — particularly Altadena. The fire spread to 14,000 acres by Jan. 10 and caused mass destruction, nearly wiping out Altadena’s downtown area. Residents looking to rebuild are now competing with their wealthy neighbors across L.A. also impacted by the eight blazes that torched the city that month as they fend off disaster capitalist land developers looking to scoop up land from the minority-heavy community.
The situation might not feel ripe for comedy hijinks as many in Altadena continue to struggle nine months after the deadly devastation. Since the development was announced via Deadline, some have expressed trepidation and disgust, while others hope that the show finds an appropriate balance of levity and pathos. The debate was ignited instantly in the announcement story’s comments section and spread across the web as many decried the premise of the show and expressed disdain around the idea of a sitcom using a tragedy and uphill recovery battle as fodder for laughs.
“Funny or too soon?” journalist and KBLA radio host James Farr wrote while posting about the series on Instagram, sparking debate in L.A. among his followers.
“Love them both but there’s not anything funny happening. I’m sure they’ll deliver intellectual humor with plenty of ‘message’ as a through line. However, I don’t know how I feel about it,” Farr said when asked about the in development show. “Great for keeping Altadena in the national conversation though.”
Comments on Farr’s post ran from outrage (“Way too soon!!”) to cautious hope. An Instagram user named Alegria Castro summed up sentiment on both sides of the debate, writing: “If it’s going to benefit the community of Altadena and the rebuild — Then it’s great! If not, too soon.”
A communications spokesperson for Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the 5th district of L.A. County, even weighed in to The Orange County Register, saying that they’d heard from constituents about the show and, “the majority have voiced feeling hurt this is in the works. The loss they’ve felt due to the Eaton fire feels still very raw for many.”
Barris’s Instagram post announcing the show’s development and premise also irked many of his followers. The showrunner defended himself and the project in response to one user’s criticism.
“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,” Barris commented. “I understand your fear but know that I only plan to do the best I can to make sure the world sees you.”