Before The Wayans Bros. became a cult classic and one of Black television’s most beloved sitcoms, NBC passed on the project — for a reason that still stings.
According to Marlon Wayans, the now-iconic role of John “Pops” Williams, played by the late John Witherspoon, was deemed “too ghetto” by NBC executives during the early development stages of the show.
Appearing on Keke Palmer’s podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, Marlon didn’t hold back when explaining how Hollywood nearly erased one of TV’s most legendary father figures.
“We didn’t make it to NBC,” Marlon shared. “We did a table reading, and they thought [Witherspoon’s character] was too ghetto. And they wanted us to have a different father…like a Danny Glover type.”
Hollywood Tried to Tone Down “Pops”
The original concept for The Wayans Bros. was pitched with John Witherspoon already attached — a veteran comic actor with a one-of-a-kind style. But instead of embracing his distinct Black comedic voice, NBC reportedly suggested a more “palatable” father figure.
“We was like, ‘It’s John Witherspoon or it’s not,’” Marlon recalled. “We ain’t going to do the show.”
NBC’s response? Brutal.
“And they was like, ‘Well, negro, you’re not doing the show.’”
Marlon admitted they almost entertained the switch when the name Danny Glover came up.
“We was like, ‘Wait, hold on, Danny Glover, you say?’”
But something in their gut told them to hold the line. And that’s when fate — or something divine — stepped in.
✨ The WB Says Yes — and History Is Made
Just as NBC closed the door, the WB Network (now defunct) was launching and looking for bold, culturally resonant programming. The Wayans Bros. found its home there, and the rest is sitcom history.
“So, everything is God,” Marlon reflected. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And it’s not about the doors that close; it’s the ones that open up.”
Debuting on January 11, 1995, The Wayans Bros. ran for five seasons and more than 100 episodes, with a cast that included Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and, yes, John Witherspoon as the lovable, opinionated, always-hungry “Pops.”
The chemistry between the three stars and Witherspoon’s signature comedic delivery became the heartbeat of the series.
Witherspoon’s Legacy: “Pops” Was Real
What NBC dismissed as “too ghetto” became a generation-defining character that resonated deeply with Black audiences.
“Pops” wasn’t just comic relief — he was the blueprint for Black TV dads with edge, soul, and streetwise wisdom. His signature lines (“Bang! Bang! Bang!”) and no-nonsense parenting made him one of the most recognizable father figures on television.
Witherspoon, who also starred in Friday, Boomerang, The Boondocks, and Hollywood Shuffle, brought an authenticity that can’t be taught — and Marlon knew it.
“It’s the flavor of the show,” Marlon told Keke Palmer. “You don’t get that if you water it down.”
️ RIP to a Legend
In October 2019, John Witherspoon tragically passed away at the age of 77 due to a heart attack at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. His sudden death shocked Hollywood and devastated fans across generations.
To this day, he remains a comedic icon — and the very reason The Wayans Bros. is still so beloved in reruns and memes.
“Pops” wasn’t just a character. He was family to us.
️ Fans React: “NBC fumbled, WB understood the culture”
After the clip of Marlon’s comments went viral, social media quickly lit up with reactions — most of them calling out NBC’s tone-deaf take on Witherspoon’s role.
“Imagine calling JOHN WITHERSPOON ‘too ghetto.’ Y’all just didn’t get it.”
“This is why Black creators NEED control of their stories.”
“NBC wanted Danny Glover when they had the GOAT in front of them?!! The disrespect.”
Others praised Marlon and Shawn for holding firm.
“Marlon and Shawn choosing John Witherspoon over a network bag? That’s integrity. And it paid off.”
Full Circle: White Chicks 2 and Still Pushing Boundaries
Marlon also teased upcoming projects — including a long-awaited sequel to the 2004 cult classic White Chicks.
“It’s time,” he told The Pop Radar earlier this year. “We have the story. The world is ready.”
And even as he opens up about personal family struggles, including the complex journey of parenting a trans child (which he’s openly discussed with love and accountability), Marlon continues to show the depth and evolution of a comedian who’s always pushed boundaries — but never lost the heart.
Final Thoughts: “Too Ghetto” Became Timeless
NBC may have rejected John Witherspoon as “too ghetto,” but the WB Network embraced his brilliance — and in doing so, helped create one of the most memorable sitcoms in Black television history.
The Wayans Bros. remains a blueprint: raw, hilarious, unapologetic, and real. And it all started with a refusal to compromise culture for comfort.
Still love “Pops” to this day? Rewatching The Wayans Bros. on streaming? Drop your favorite line or moment in the comments and tell us: What made the show special for YOU?
