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The Wayans Bros.
GenreSitcom
Created by
Starring
Theme music composer
Opening theme
ComposerTom Rizzo
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes101 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Production locationsWarner Bros. Studios,
Burbank, California (taping location)
Camera setupVideotape; Multi-camera
Running time21 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkThe WB
ReleaseJanuary 11, 1995 (1995-01-11) –
May 20, 1999 (1999-05-20)

The Wayans Bros. is an American sitcom television series that aired on The WB from January 11, 1995, to May 20, 1999. The series starred real life brothers Shawn and Marlon Wayans, comedian John Witherspoon, and Anna Maria Horsford (season 2 onward).

Premise

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Shawn and Marlon Williams (Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans) are brothers who live in an apartment on 117th Street in Harlem. Shawn owns a local newsstand, where he and his brother Marlon work on a daily basis. Their father, John "Pops" Williams (John Witherspoon), owns a diner called Pops' Joint, where Marlon once worked (during season 1). Formerly located in Harlem, the restaurant was later moved downtown into the fictional Neidermeyer Building, in Rockefeller Center, where Shawn's newsstand is located and Dee Baxter (Anna Maria Horsford (onwards from Season 2)) works as a security guard.[1]

Cast

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Main

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  • Shawn Wayans as Shawn Williams, a womanizing, stylish and responsible young bachelor and Marlon's older brother. He is an owner of his own local newsstand.
  • Marlon Wayans as Marlon Williams, Shawn's dimwitted, immature, sex crazed, unsanitary and lazy younger brother, who also works at the newsstand. Marlon usually serves as the comic foil to big brother Shawn, often at times getting himself, or Shawn into tight spots. Marlon cuts his hair in the Season 3 episode "Grandma's in the Hiz-House".
  • John Witherspoon as John "Pops" Williams, Shawn and Marlon's dysfunctional tacky father, who owns his locally famed diner, which is right by Shawn and Marlon's newsstand.
  • Anna Maria Horsford as Deirdre "Dee" Baxter (seasons 2–5), the tough security guard and Shawn, Marlon and Pops' close friend.
  • Lela Rochon as Lisa Saunders (season 1)
  • Paula Jai Parker as Monique (season 2, episodes 1–11)
  • Jill Tasker as Lou Malino (season 2, episodes 1–7)

Recurring

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Episodes

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Main article: List of The Wayans Bros. episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
113January 11, 1995 (1995-01-11)May 24, 1995 (1995-05-24)
222September 6, 1995 (1995-09-06)May 15, 1996 (1996-05-15)
322September 4, 1996 (1996-09-04)May 14, 1997 (1997-05-14)
422September 17, 1997 (1997-09-17)May 20, 1998 (1998-05-20)
522September 17, 1998 (1998-09-17)May 20, 1999 (1999-05-20)

Production

[edit]

The Wayans Bros. was the first of the four sitcoms that aired as part of the original Wednesday night two hour lineup that helped launch the network (along with Unhappily Ever After, The Parent 'Hood, and the short-lived Muscle). While in development, the series' working title was initially supposed to have been Brother to Brother before the name of the series changed to The Wayans Bros.[2]

In the show's second season in 1995, Pops' Joint (the restaurant owned by Shawn and Marlon's father, John "Pops" Williams) was moved into the Neidermeyer Building where the location was changed from Harlem to Rockefeller Center, Manhattan.

While the series did not end on a cliffhanger, it was cancelled in 1999 due to declining ratings and was not given a proper finale. In the horror comedy film Scary Movie (2000), Shawn Wayans' character, while furiously stabbing another character to death, breaks the fourth wall and says: "And The Wayans Bros. was a good show, man! It was a good-ass show, and we didn't even get a final episode!"

Theme music and opening sequence

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The show's official opening title began with Shawn and Marlon on the steps of a brownstone apartment building, donning afros and wearing 1970s preppy attire, moving in rhythm to an accompanying satirical music piece that's supposed to have a 1970s-style "urban" sitcom theme song feel. Marlon forcefully smacks the camera, and then segues into "the real opening" of The Wayans Bros.

The scene then cuts to them with their normal clothes and trying to help an old woman who gets hit by a bus. The camera then shows the brothers inside the bus with the title of the show underneath them. The "second half" part of The Wayans Bros. theme song was changed twice throughout its four-year run (1995–1999). In the first two seasons, the show's theme song was A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation".

In the third season, the theme song changed to a four-second hip hop beat. In the final two seasons, the show's theme song was changed again to a regular hip hop instrumental beat (which was produced by the Wayans Bros. & Omar Epps). In Brazilian reruns of seasons one and two episodes that have aired in SBT in 2015, this version replaced the seasons one and two sequence with the season three sequence.

Syndication

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Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution handles syndication distribution of the series. In September 1999, after the series was cancelled by The WB, the series began airing in off network syndication nationwide.

The first season DVD cover for The Wayans Bros.

At that same time, Chicago based national cable superstation WGN began airing reruns of the series, airing the series until 2002 (when its broadcast syndication run also ended); WGN (both the local Chicago feed and the national superstation feed) aired The Wayans Bros. in first run form from 1995 to 1999, when WGN (whose local Chicago feed was an affiliate of the network) carried WB programming nationally to make The WB available to markets where a local affiliate did not exist (The Wayans Bros. is one of three WB series to have aired on WGN in both first run and syndication form; The Parent 'Hood, 7th Heaven, and Sister, Sister being the others).

In 2006, reruns began airing on BET, after a four-year absence, where it ran until 2007. In 2007, reruns of the series aired on Ion Television where it ran until 2008. Since then, several Viacom networks, including MTV2, VH1, and BET Her have run the series in continuous rotation. As of 2023, reruns air frequently on VH1. It has also aired on Dabl, airing from May 6 to September 30, 2024 and made its return on October 6, 2025.[3] All five seasons of the show were available to stream on HBO Max and BET+, but as of 2025, it isn't available on any streaming service.

Home media

[edit]

Warner Home Video released Season 1 of The Wayans Bros. on DVD in Region 1. Warner Archive subsequently released Seasons 2 to 5 on DVD in Region 1.[4][5][6][7]

DVD name Ep # Release date
The Complete First Season 13 February 8, 2005
The Complete Second Season 22 May 9, 2017
The Complete Third Season 22 November 7, 2017
The Complete Fourth Season 22 January 22, 2019
The Complete Fifth Season 22 March 26, 2019
The Complete Series 101 February 4, 2025[8]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Wayans Bros.

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Wayans Bros. is an American sitcom television series that premiered on Television Network on January 11, 1995, and ran for five seasons until its finale on May 20, 1999, producing 101 episodes in total. The series stars real-life brothers and as the fictional Shawn and Marlon Williams, two polar-opposite siblings living together in a one-bedroom above their father's in , , as they pursue success amid everyday chaos, romantic entanglements, and family dynamics. Created by , , Leslie Ray, and David Steven Simon, the show was executive produced by figures including Eric L. Gold and, in later seasons, Phil Kellard and Tom Moore, under . The ensemble cast also prominently features as the brothers' wisecracking father, John "Pops" Williams, who owns the diner and often dispenses tough-love advice, alongside as their no-nonsense mother, Deirdre "Dee" Baxter, a bank loan officer. Recurring characters like the brothers' street-smart friend White Mike (played by ) and bossy neighbor Lou Malino (played by ) added to the ensemble's comedic interplay. As one of The WB's flagship programs targeting younger audiences, The Wayans Bros. exemplified the network's early emphasis on African American-led comedies, alongside shows like and , contributing to the expansion of Black representation in prime-time television during the . The series blended humor, , and cultural references to urban life, earning praise for its family-centric storytelling while occasionally drawing criticism from advocacy groups for perpetuating in its portrayals of Black characters. Its enduring popularity is evident in syndication reruns and streaming availability, cementing the Wayans brothers' status as comedy trailblazers.

Premise and Format

Core Concept

The Wayans Bros. centers on the daily lives and misadventures of two brothers, Shawn and Marlon Williams, who reside in a modest above their father's in , . Shawn, the more responsible and ambitious older brother, works at a local newsstand, while Marlon, his impulsive and fun-loving counterpart, takes on odd jobs like work, often dragging Shawn into chaotic schemes in pursuit of quick success and . Their father, John "Pops" Williams, runs the Pops' Joint downstairs, serving as the gruff patriarch who dispenses street-smart advice amid the brothers' constant bickering and failed get-rich-quick ideas. This setup establishes a classic family framework, where the home above the bustling becomes a hub for comedic conflicts arising from generational clashes and urban living challenges. The show's humorous tone combines , antics, and sharp-witted dialogue to highlight , with Shawn frequently playing the to Marlon's wild escapades, leading to exaggerated mishaps in everyday situations like job hunts or social outings. In its inaugural season, the family structure emphasizes the core trio of the brothers and Pops, with inclusion of extended relatives such as their cousin , who appears in storylines involving family gatherings and support. This initial dynamic portrays a tight-knit African American household navigating economic pressures and personal growth in a vibrant city environment. At its heart, the series explores enduring themes of brotherhood through the Williams siblings' unbreakable bond despite their differences, parental guidance via Pops' no-nonsense wisdom, and cultural humor rooted in the rhythms of African American family life, including community ties, resilience against urban hardships, and celebratory takes on Black cultural norms. These elements create a relatable portrait of familial love and loyalty, often punctuated by laugh-out-loud scenarios that reflect the joys and frictions of multigenerational living. Following season 1, the family evolves with new recurring members like girlfriend Lisa Saunders, but the foundational premise of the brothers' shared home and diner life persists throughout the run.

Seasonal Developments

The first season of The Wayans Bros. centered on the Williams family dynamics, with the brothers Shawn and Marlon engaging in lighthearted, youthful antics that highlighted their sibling rivalry and everyday misadventures in their apartment building. The comedic focus remained on the brothers' immature behaviors and family interactions, often revolving around their work at the newsstand in the Niedermeyer Building lobby and interactions with Pops, their father. Following the conclusion of season 1, the character of Deirdre "Dee" Baxter was introduced in season 2 as the family's close friend and a in the Niedermeyer Building, who moves in to help manage the brothers' chaotic lives and serves as a no-nonsense disciplinary figure. This change expanded the family structure, adding Dee as a maternal influence who often clashed with Shawn and Marlon while enforcing rules at home and in the building. From season 2 onward, the tone of the series shifted toward more , emphasizing workplace humor at the newsstand and the brothers' , alongside explorations of adult responsibilities such as financial struggles and career aspirations within the urban environment of the Niedermeyer Building. The addition of Dee's character brought a layer of domestic discipline, balancing the brothers' antics with accountability, while the overall narrative incorporated more ensemble interactions among building residents. In the final seasons, the series placed greater emphasis on romantic subplots for both brothers, including Shawn's ongoing relationships and Marlon's pursuits, intertwined with external family conflicts like disputes with extended relatives and building neighbors, building toward a that resolved key tensions through reconciliations and comedic closure on their growth. These developments allowed the show to evolve from pure comedy to a broader examination of young adulthood, relationships, and family bonds.

Cast and Characters

Main Roles

The central characters of The Wayans Bros. are the titular brothers, Shawn Williams and Marlon Williams, played by real-life siblings and , respectively. Shawn is portrayed as the responsible, conservative older brother who manages his newsstand and often acts as the voice of reason amid the chaos. In contrast, Marlon serves as the free-spirited, immature younger brother whose impulsive schemes and antics provide much of the show's and humorous mishaps. Their father, John "Pops" Williams, is brought to life by as a gruff yet affectionate who owns the "Pops' Joint" in the lobby of Harlem's Niedermeyer Building, where the brothers work at Shawn's adjacent newsstand and much of the action unfolds. Pops dispenses folksy wisdom and sarcastic commentary, grounding the family's dynamic while contributing to the generational humor through his eccentric, no-nonsense demeanor. Starting in season 2, joins as Deirdre "Dee" Baxter, the tough, outspoken security guard at the Niedermeyer Building who evolves into a surrogate family member, offering sharp wit and discipline to balance the brothers' antics. Her no-nonsense personality drives comedic conflicts, particularly in interactions with Marlon's schemes. In season 1, the ensemble included as Lisa Saunders, Shawn's girlfriend and a key romantic interest who adds relational tension and support to the family setup. In season 2, portrayed Lou Malino, the initial security guard at the building, whose role was recast with Dee later in the season, shifting the group's interpersonal dynamics.

Supporting and Recurring Roles

The supporting and recurring roles in The Wayans Bros. enriched the series' comedic dynamics by introducing characters who frequently entangled themselves in the ' schemes, often providing through contrasting personalities and outsider perspectives. Thelonious "T.C." Capricornio, portrayed by , was a sharp-dressing and friend to the brothers, appearing in multiple episodes across seasons 2–5 and frequently joining their misadventures with his scheming enthusiasm. His interactions added layers of con-artist humor, clashing with the brothers' improvisational antics. White Mike, the quirky best friend of the brothers, offered an outsider's contrast to their worldview; played by in seven episodes in seasons 1 and 2, the character was a hip, culturally confused white guy navigating black urban life. This role highlighted cultural clashes for comedic effect, with White Mike's misguided attempts at "fitting in" fueling subplots involving misguided schemes and social . Grandmama, played by as Grandma Ellington, brought generational sass and wisdom to select episodes in seasons 3 and 4, appearing in 10 installments where her overbearing yet loving presence sparked family conflicts and humorous generational gaps. Drawing from DuBois's iconic persona, the character delivered sharp one-liners and disciplinary moments that grounded the brothers' youthful chaos. Other recurring figures included Jermaine "Big Hugg" Hopkins as Dupree, a homeless man who becomes a friend in later seasons, adding heartfelt subplots. Diner patrons such as Reggie (Joel Murray, season 1) provided brief but memorable outsider commentary in early episodes, enhancing the neighborhood ensemble feel. These roles, typically appearing in 10-20 episodes each, bolstered the episodic by supporting subplots that amplified the main cast's humor without overshadowing the core.

Production

Development and Creation

The Wayans Bros. was co-created by real-life brothers Shawn and , building on their experiences from the sketch comedy series , where they honed their comedic style targeting young, urban audiences. The siblings pitched a family-oriented loosely inspired by their own upbringing in a large household, focusing on the antics of two mismatched brothers navigating life in alongside their father. and Jane Milmore contributed to the early development by writing the pilot script and serving as executive producers for the first season. Initially developed for NBC, the pilot was ordered and filmed in 1994 under then-entertainment president , marking an early attempt to bring the Wayans' vision to network television. However, after a table read, NBC executives deemed John Witherspoon's depiction of the family patriarch "too ghetto" and "too country," proposing a recast that the Wayans brothers rejected in solidarity with the actor. This standoff led NBC to pass on the project, prompting the brothers to shop it elsewhere. The WB Television Network quickly acquired the series for its inaugural 1995–96 season, positioning it as a flagship Black-led sitcom to anchor the upstart network's lineup aimed at younger demographics. The premise was refined to emphasize physical humor, sibling rivalry, and cultural authenticity, drawing from the Wayans' stand-up routines and sketch work to appeal to urban youth. Over its run, the show produced 101 episodes across five seasons, reflecting strong initial commitment from the network.

Filming and Crew

The Wayans Bros. was primarily filmed at in , where the interior sets, including the central location of Pops' Joint diner, were constructed to evoke the bustling atmosphere of a , eatery despite the West Coast production base. The diner set, owned by the character Pops Williams, served as the primary filming hub for many episodes, featuring a classic design with checkered floors, booths, and a counter to mimic East Coast urban aesthetics. The series employed the standard multi-camera sitcom format, shot before a live to capture authentic reactions and energy, which contributed to its fast-paced comedic timing and integration. Directors rotated throughout the run, with John Bowab helming the most episodes at 31, followed by Buzz Sapien with 15; other notable directors included , who contributed several installments starting in 1996 and brought his experience from other Black-led sitcoms, as well as Gerren Keith, , and himself. The writing team, led by co-creators and alongside Leslie Ray and David Steven Simon, handled much of the scripting, with early seasons featuring contributions from and Jane Milmore, and later input from Rick Hawkins and Phil Kellard. This collaborative approach allowed the brothers to infuse personal experiences from their New York upbringing into the humor while adapting to weekly production demands. Production faced logistical adjustments due to the Wayans brothers' concurrent film commitments, including Shawn and Marlon's roles in Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) and Marlon's role in The Sixth Man (1997), which occasionally influenced episode scheduling and scripting to accommodate their availability. Cast chemistry developed steadily over the five seasons, bolstered by the live-audience format that encouraged improvisation and rapport among the leads. Cinematography was overseen by director of photography Joe Pennella, whose work emphasized dynamic lighting and quick cuts to heighten the physical comedy and ensemble interactions central to the show's style. Post-production, including editing and sound mixing, was handled at Warner Bros. facilities, ensuring seamless integration of the multi-camera footage with the live audience responses.

Episodes and Broadcast

Episode List

The Wayans Bros. consists of 101 episodes broadcast over five seasons from January 11, 1995, to May 20, 1999. The series featured 13 episodes in season 1 and 22 episodes in each of seasons 2 through 5.

Season 1 (1995)

The first season establishes the core premise, centering on brothers Shawn and Marlon Williams as they balance life above their father's diner in , with thematic focuses on family integration, , and initial career pursuits amid comedic mishaps.
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
11Goop-Hair-It-Is & & Joseph P. TerryJanuary 11, 1995
22First ClassPhil BeaumanJanuary 18, 1995
33I'm Too Sexy for My BrotherShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonJanuary 25, 1995
44Free WallyLeslie RayFebruary 1, 1995
55Popeye's Return (a.k.a. )A.J. Marchisello & February 8, 1995
66Pops Moves InShelley JensenPhil BeaumanFebruary 15, 1995
77Afro CabDavid Steven SimonFebruary 22, 1995
88The Best ManShelley JensenLeslie RayMarch 1, 1995
99Def Jammin' & March 8, 1995
1010Brother, BrotherShelley JensenPhil BeaumanMarch 15, 1995
1111Road TripDavid Steven SimonMarch 22, 1995
1212A Country Shelley JensenLeslie RayMarch 29, 1995
1313You Shouldn't Have to LieLeslie RayMay 24, 1995
The season premiere "Goop-Hair-It-Is" (also known as the pilot) introduces the Williams family and their daily antics at the diner.

Season 2 (1995–1996)

Season 2 expands on the brothers' career pursuits, incorporating more romantic subplots and family conflicts, while highlighting their efforts to succeed in business and personal relationships.
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
141Shawn Takes a New StandShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonSeptember 6, 1995
152Fatal SubtractionPeter BonerzPhil BeaumanSeptember 13, 1995
163Blood Is Thicker Than WatercolorShelley JensenLeslie RaySeptember 20, 1995
174Two Men and a BabyPeter BonerzA.J. MarchiselloSeptember 27, 1995
185LootShelley JensenShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansOctober 4, 1995
196The Odd CouplePeter BonerzDavid Steven SimonOctober 11, 1995
207RooftopsShelley JensenPhil BeaumanNovember 1, 1995
218Three on a CouchPeter BonerzLeslie RayNovember 8, 1995
229Dateless in MiamiShelley JensenA.J. MarchiselloNovember 15, 1995
2310Pops' SecretPeter BonerzShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansNovember 22, 1995
2411Close Encounters of the Marlean KindShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonDecember 6, 1995
2512Man in the MirrorPeter BonerzPhil BeaumanDecember 13, 1995
2613Psycho SantaShelley JensenLeslie RayDecember 20, 1995
2714To Catch a ThiefPeter BonerzA.J. MarchiselloJanuary 3, 1996
2815Hearts and FlowersShelley JensenShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansJanuary 10, 1996
2916Glove StoryPeter BonerzDavid Steven SimonJanuary 17, 1996
3017The Return of Crazy LouShelley JensenPhil BeaumanFebruary 7, 1996
3118A Hero's WelcomePeter BonerzLeslie RayFebruary 14, 1996
3219Saving Ryan's PrivatesShelley JensenA.J. MarchiselloFebruary 21, 1996
3320Get the Fonk Outta HerePeter BonerzShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansFebruary 28, 1996
3421Mama, I Gotta ChupaShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonApril 17, 1996
3522At Face ValuePeter BonerzPhil BeaumanMay 1, 1996

Season 3 (1996–1997)

The third season delves deeper into family integration through guest appearances and holiday specials, alongside the brothers' ongoing comedic struggles with career ambitions and personal growth.
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
361Shelley JensenDavid Steven SimonSeptember 18, 1996
372Missing: DalmationPhil BeaumanSeptember 25, 1996
383Shelley JensenLeslie RayOctober 2, 1996
394Grand DadA.J. MarchiselloOctober 9, 1996
405Cuz in a HazShelley Jensen & October 16, 1996
416Mom's AwayDavid Steven SimonOctober 30, 1996
427My Crazy ValentineShelley JensenPhil BeaumanNovember 13, 1996
438The Return of the TemptonesLeslie RayNovember 20, 1996
449Goin' to the NetShelley JensenA.J. MarchiselloNovember 27, 1996
4510Drama for Yo' Mama & December 11, 1996
4611Yule Be the Death of MeShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonDecember 18, 1996
4712Boyz in the WoodsPhil BeaumanJanuary 8, 1997
4813A Simple JukeShelley JensenLeslie RayJanuary 15, 1997
4914A.J. MarchiselloJanuary 22, 1997
5015The Cold WarShelley Jensen & February 5, 1997
5116Uncle SteveDavid Steven SimonFebruary 12, 1997
5217Dee's Shelley JensenPhil BeaumanFebruary 19, 1997
5318Prom NightLeslie RayFebruary 26, 1997
5419House of CardsShelley JensenA.J. MarchiselloMarch 12, 1997
5520House of Cards & March 26, 1997
5621I Do...Shelley JensenDavid Steven SimonApril 23, 1997
5722Three the Hard WayPhil BeaumanMay 14, 1997
Notable in this season is the episode "I Do...," featuring guest star as a neighborhood bully who forces Marlon into a comedic marriage scenario.

Season 4 (1997–1998)

Season 4 emphasizes career pursuits and evolving family dynamics, with episodes exploring , relationships, and through humorous lenses.
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
581Marlon's ReturnJohn BowabDavid Steven SimonSeptember 24, 1997
592The Chicago WayPhil BeaumanOctober 1, 1997
603Pops' DaughterShelley JensenLeslie RayOctober 8, 1997
614John BowabA.J. MarchiselloOctober 15, 1997
625Pimp of the Year & October 29, 1997
636Movin' on OutShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonNovember 5, 1997
647Unspoken TokenJohn BowabPhil BeaumanNovember 12, 1997
658The Last FightLeslie RayNovember 19, 1997
669How to Make a KillingShelley JensenA.J. MarchiselloDecember 10, 1997
6710John Bowab & December 17, 1997
6811In the DoghouseDavid Steven SimonDecember 17, 1997
6912Raging MarlonShelley JensenPhil BeaumanJanuary 7, 1998
7013The Son of MarlonJohn BowabLeslie RayJanuary 14, 1998
7114Dee's Dee-lemmaA.J. MarchiselloFebruary 4, 1998
7215Independence DayShelley Jensen & February 11, 1998
7316Help a Brother OutJohn BowabDavid Steven SimonFebruary 18, 1998
7417The Rich GirlPhil BeaumanFebruary 25, 1998
7518Do You Know the Way to ?Shelley JensenLeslie RayMarch 4, 1998
7619The Play's the ThingJohn BowabA.J. MarchiselloApril 29, 1998
7720Fire & May 6, 1998
7821The Parent TrapShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonMay 13, 1998
7922John BowabPhil BeaumanMay 20, 1998

Season 5 (1998–1999)

The final season shifts toward resolution of character arcs, focusing on family unity and career culminations.
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
801Brother Can You Spare a Dime?John BowabDavid Steven SimonSeptember 18, 1998
812Six Degrees of MarlonPeter BonerzPhil BeaumanSeptember 25, 1998
823Pops' CampaignShelley JensenLeslie RayOctober 2, 1998
834Romeo & J'LeetaJohn BowabA.J. MarchiselloOctober 9, 1998
845Ho's on FirstPeter BonerzShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansOctober 16, 1998
856Escorting Ain't EasyShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonNovember 6, 1998
867The KissJohn BowabPhil BeaumanNovember 13, 1998
878The Engagement Man Always Rings TwicePeter BonerzLeslie RayDecember 11, 1998
889Busta Saves the DayShelley JensenA.J. MarchiselloJanuary 8, 1999
8910Pops Gets EvictedJohn BowabShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansFebruary 11, 1999
9011Crazy 4 UPeter BonerzDavid Steven SimonFebruary 18, 1999
9112Green CardShelley JensenPhil BeaumanMay 13, 1999
9213The WeddingJohn BowabLeslie RayMay 20, 1999
9314Big BrotherPeter BonerzA.J. MarchiselloJanuary 21, 1999
9415Wedding StoryShelley JensenShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansFebruary 25, 1999
9516Pops' Last HurrahJohn BowabDavid Steven SimonMarch 4, 1999
9617The SkunkPeter BonerzPhil BeaumanMarch 11, 1999
9718Hip Hop PopsShelley JensenLeslie RayFebruary 25, 1999
9819Everybody Loves ShawnJohn BowabA.J. MarchiselloApril 1, 1999
9920DreamgirlPeter BonerzShawn Wayans & Marlon WayansApril 8, 1999
10021The LetterShelley JensenDavid Steven SimonApril 15, 1999
10122Nightmare on Melissa's StreetJohn BowabPhil BeaumanMay 20, 1999
The series finale "The Wedding" concludes major storylines with a focus on family celebration and the brothers' growth. Viewership numbers for individual episodes are not comprehensively documented in , though the series maintained solid performance for , with household ratings typically around 2.0-3.0 during its run.

Original Airing and Ratings

The Wayans Bros. premiered on network on January 11, 1995, with its series finale airing on May 20, 1999, after five seasons totaling 101 episodes. The debuted as a cornerstone of the fledgling network's inaugural Wednesday-night lineup at 8 p.m. ET, alongside other comedies like The Parent 'Hood, helping to launch 's primetime programming block aimed at younger audiences. Over time, the show's scheduling shifted to accommodate network expansions, moving to Thursdays in the 1997-98 season before settling on Fridays for its final two years, where it anchored a comedy block reminiscent of ABC's TGIF but tailored to urban demographics. In its debut season, The Wayans Bros. performed solidly for a new network, contributing to The WB's early growth in the competitive landscape. The series enjoyed strong popularity during its run, particularly appealing to viewers and boosting the network's visibility among diverse audiences. This success helped solidify The WB's reputation for urban-targeted programming, paving the way for similar Black-led comedies like The Steve Harvey Show and The Jamie Foxx Show, which joined the lineup and expanded the network's Thursday and Friday comedy blocks. By the fifth season, viewership had stabilized amid increasing competition from established networks, leading to the show's conclusion after its planned finale. The series' consistent performance demonstrated its role in establishing as a viable alternative for diverse comedy programming during the mid-1990s.

Music and Visuals

Theme Song

The theme song for The Wayans Bros. evolved across its five seasons, reflecting the show's hip-hop influences and the brothers' creative input. In seasons 1 and 2 (1995–1996), the opening used an instrumental version of "" by , an upbeat jazz-rap track that captured the urban energy of life central to the series. For season 3 (1996–1997), the theme shifted to a short hip-hop instrumental beat, maintaining a rhythmic, city-inspired groove without vocals. In seasons 4 and 5 (1997–1999), it became "Gimme a High-Five (The We're Brothers Song)," co-produced by , , and , composed by Alan Cohn, and performed by Shawn and Marlon Wayans in a lively R&B/hip-hop style featuring rap verses that humorously highlight brotherly bonds, family dynamics, and urban fun—lyrics like "We're brothers, we're happy and we're singing and we're colored / Give me a high-five" emphasize camaraderie and joy. These variations, particularly the later original track's catchy hook and playful lyrics co-developed with the Wayans brothers, enhanced the show's memorable identity, often syncing with the brothers' animated antics in the opening sequence for comedic effect. The theme's infectious energy has been noted for bridging '90s sitcom humor with hip-hop culture, occasionally echoed in the Wayans family's subsequent projects.

Opening Sequence

The opening sequence of The Wayans Bros. consists of a roughly 30-second montage showcasing clips of the main cast in recurring settings, including the family-owned and street scenes, culminating in a title card displaying the show's name alongside rolling credits for key production personnel. In its inaugural season, the sequence adopted a mock home-video style, parodying low-budget production; Shawn and appear on the exterior steps of a apartment building, dressed in period afros and attire, with clutching a script as he directs Shawn through an over-the-top acting bit before abruptly smacking the camera lens and declaring a cut to the "real" opening, which transitions into the faster-paced clip montage. Subsequent seasons evolved the format with more dynamic editing cuts for heightened energy, occasionally incorporating brief guest star appearances to highlight crossover appeal, while annual updates ensured inclusion of new cast members, such as the addition of as security guard Dee Baxter starting in season 2. The visuals synchronize with the theme song's rhythm to amplify comedic timing, using cartoonish quick transitions and subtle skyline overlays to underscore the series' vibrant urban family comedy tone and build viewer anticipation for the episode's humor.

Distribution and Availability

Syndication History

Following the end of its original broadcast run on The WB in May 1999, The Wayans Bros. entered off-network syndication in the fall of that year, with episodes airing on local stations affiliated with networks including Fox, The WB, and UPN. In March 2013, BET secured syndication rights to the series through a licensing deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, allowing reruns to air on BET and its sister channel Centric alongside other classic Black sitcoms like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Martin. This deal helped sustain the show's visibility among audiences nostalgic for 1990s urban comedy, contributing to its cult status, as evidenced by anniversary retrospectives highlighting its enduring humor and family dynamics. By the 2020s, The Wayans Bros. experienced renewed availability through digital platforms and broadcast networks. Reruns have aired regularly on , a multicast network targeting African American viewers, with episodes scheduled daily on affiliates as of 2025. The series was available for free ad-supported streaming on in the early 2020s. It was also accessible on subscription services including Max (from 2020 until removal on January 18, 2025) and BET+ (until removal by 2025). As of November 2025, no major subscription streaming services host the show, though digital purchase options persist, complementing its availability in syndication on networks like . International distribution has been limited, with past airings on channels such as Trouble in the during the early 2000s. Syndication efforts have occasionally faced interruptions due to challenges with rights for the show's theme and incidental tracks, leading to sporadic gaps in availability on certain networks, though these have not prevented ongoing revivals in streaming formats.

Home Media Releases

Warner Home Video released the first season of The Wayans Bros. on DVD on February 8, 2005, containing all 13 episodes across two discs in Region 1. Warner Archive Collection followed with manufactured-on-demand releases for the remaining seasons: season 2 on May 9, 2017; season 3 on November 7, 2017; season 4 on January 29, 2020; and season 5 on March 26, 2019, each featuring 20-22 episodes on three discs. On February 4, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment issued The Wayans Bros.: The Complete Series on DVD for the first time, compiling all 101 episodes from the five seasons across 14 discs, with no Blu-ray edition available. The complete series set includes bonus features such as bloopers, outtakes, and a tribute to , though earlier individual season releases lack substantial extras beyond the episodes themselves. Digitally, episodes of The Wayans Bros. became available for purchase on platforms including Apple TV (iTunes) and Amazon Prime Video starting in the late 2010s, with partial seasons offered. The full series streamed on HBO Max from 2020 until its removal on January 18, 2025. As of November 2025, no major subscription streaming services host the show, though digital purchase options persist, complementing its availability in syndication on networks like Dabl. The home media releases have achieved modest commercial success, driven by nostalgia for WB sitcoms, with the 2025 complete series set praised in reviews as a worthwhile throwback for fans despite the delayed full availability. Home video distribution rights remain with .

References

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