Building on the legacy established by the hit film series, the Prime Video adaptation centers on Travis 'Trav' Porter, portrayed by Jermaine Fowler. Trav endeavors to carry on the esteemed tradition of his grandfather, Eddie, a character famously brought to life by Cedric the Entertainer in the original movies. While the faces behind the chairs may be new, the spirit of Calvin's remains unchanged: a vibrant hub where sharp fades are matched only by sharper wit, and where the community gathers for far more than just a haircut.
The series boasts an impressive lineup of talent alongside Fowler, including Brett Gray, Punkie Johnson, Roy Wood Jr., E.J. Bonilla, Bresha Webb, Bokeem Woodbine, Tiana Okoye, and Langston Kerman. The show will also feature a roster of notable guest stars, with appearances by Zack Fox, Ego Nwodim, Diallo Riddle, Ziwe, Tituss Burgess, Comedian CP, Devon Walker, and Belmont Cameli, ensuring a steady stream of engaging characters and comedic moments.
Behind the scenes, the series benefits from the involvement of Marshall Todd, who co-wrote the original 2002 film. Todd serves as a writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Max Searle, bringing a crucial sense of continuity and authenticity to the adaptation. The production team is further bolstered by a formidable array of executive producers, including Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, Mike Stein, and Tiffany Brown for Hartbeat, alongside Bradley Gardner, Cameron Burnett, Autumn Bailey-Ford, George L. Tillman, Robert Teitel, Jermaine Fowler himself, and director Oz Rodriguez. The series is a collaborative effort from Amazon MGM Studios and MGM Television.
The 'Barbershop' universe first captivated audiences with its 2002 debut, starring Ice Cube as Calvin, and continued its success with sequels 'Barbershop 2: Back in Business' (2004) and 'Barbershop: The Next Cut' (2016). The franchise also expanded with the 2005 spin-off 'Beauty Shop,' led by Queen Latifah. This isn't the first time the concept has been adapted for television; Showtime previously launched a 'Barbershop' series in 2005, which featured Omar Gooding as Calvin but concluded after a single season. This new Prime Video series aims to reignite the magic, offering a fresh take on a beloved setting that continues to resonate with audiences.
Jermaine Fowler in Prime Video’s ‘Barbershop’ (Image: Elizabeth Sisson/Prime)