A “Barbershop” TV series has been greenlit at Amazon Prime Video, per Variety.
The reimagined series stars Jermaine Fowler as lead, embodying the role of Travis “Trav” Porter. Fowler’s character is determined to carry on his family legacy by stepping into his grandfather’s role at Chicago’s famous barbershop once known as “Calvin’s.
The Daily Show alum Roy Wood Jr. is set to play Robert, an ex-con trying to rebuild his life behind the barber chair, and Brett Gray will play the outspoken Kofi. The series is written and executive-produced by Marshall Todd, co-writer of the original Barbershop movie. A premiere date has yet to be revealed.
The official description states the show “revolves around Travis ‘Trav’ Porter (Fowler), who endeavors to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a legendary barber at the iconic ‘Calvin’s’ barbershop in Chicago. And while the barbers are new, the shop remains just as lively, the customers just as argumentative, and the fades are still the dopest in the city — because at Calvin’s, the community comes together for way more than just a haircut.”
This is now the second “Barbershop” TV series. Showtime previously aired a sitcom based on the films with Omar Gooding in the lead role, though it lasted for just one season. The first “Barbershop” film was released in 2002 followed by sequels in 2004 and 2016. There was also the spinoff film “Beauty Shop” starring Queen Latifah in 2005. The three main films have grossed nearly $200 million worldwide.
Since wrapping his run as a Daily Show correspondent two years ago, Wood has taped a Hulu comedy special and hosted three seasons of CNN’s Have I Got News for You.