Poppa’s House has come to an end after just one season — but did the CBS show find a way to get Damon Wayans Sr. and Essence Atkins together first?
During the series finale, which aired on Monday, April 29, Poppa (Wayans Sr.) realized he has feelings for Ivy (Atkins) and was determined to tell her how he felt. But his attempts to find the right moment led to him nearly missing his shot when Ivy’s ex-husband (played by Atkins’ former Half & Half costar Coby Bell) reentered the picture.
A case of mistaken identity made Ivy think a romantic note from Poppa was actually from her ex. But by the next day, Ivy realized it was Poppa declaring his feelings for her in the sweet letter. Ivy attempted to tell Poppa that she wanted to be with him, which is when they were interrupted by Poppa’s ex, Lola.
Ivy chose not to tell Poppa how he felt but he seemed conflicted about rekindling a romance with Lola. The final episode of the show ended with Poppa caught between Ivy and Lola.
Poppa’s House, which premiered in October 2024, followed legendary talk radio host Poppa, who had his point of view challenged at work when a new female cohost (Atkins) was hired. At home, meanwhile, Poppa found himself still parenting his adult son (Damon Wayans Jr.), who was trying to pursue his passion while balancing the responsibilities associated with being a father and husband.
Before CBS canceled Poppa’s House after one season, Atkins, 53, spoke exclusively to Us Weekly about how she wanted to see Ivy and Poppa’s love story play out.
“Initially, when we were beginning the series, we thought it would happen sooner. But I think that there’s something really beautiful about them becoming friends first and that they really grow in respect for one another and admiration for one another,” Atkins shared with Us in February. “Also, in being able to see behind the curtain of one another, they have a little bit more trepidation and a little bit more caution about leaping forward.”
Atkins noted that Ivy and Poppa were becoming aware of their connection, adding, “He’s gaining an awareness of like, ‘Well, what do I get? It looks good, but what does the inspection report say when you buy a home?’ That’s wisdom, and I think that that leads to a much more satisfying take when it actually happens. It won’t feel so jumped or rushed.”
Despite the onscreen chemistry, Atkins didn’t want the sitcom to rush her character’s shot at a potential romance.
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“These characters have earned this closeness. We’ve seen them grow on each other. We’ve seen them get on each other’s nerves,” she added. “I like the pace that we’re continuing at. As far as how long it will take, I don’t know. I definitely think that there will be moments this season where you’ll be rooting for it to happen.”
Atkins, however, wasn’t the only one in the running for Wayans Sr.’s heart on the show. Vivica A. Fox had a guest stint on Poppa’s House in March — and she also pitched a possible long term connection.
“I’m waiting on that call to be very honest with you,” Fox, 60, told Us in response to our theory about a love triangle between her, Atkins and Wayans Sr., 64, on the show. “Because at first it wasn’t written and we did the table read and he was like, ‘Oh no, I’m writing some more. We’re not seeing you just once. No way.’”
She continued: “So I hope I get the invitation to come back. I would welcome it with open arms. I really would.”
Poppa’s House is available to stream on Paramount+.
