Poppa’s House’s Essence Atkins Talks Dating Nearly Every Wayans on Screen

On the subject of taking part in a love curiosity for somebody from the Wayans household, Essence Atkins is decided to catch all of them.

“I simply have to be Kim [Wayans’] love curiosity, after which I’ll have the trifecta,” Atkins, 53, joked throughout an unique interview with Us Weekly. “I’ve been the love curiosity of all of them. So at this level, I really feel sort of like an honorary member of the household.”

Atkins poked enjoyable at the way it additionally “feels a bit incestuous,” including, “However probably not. I like them a lot and I like working with them. It’s at all times such a pleasing, skilled and enjoyable expertise. I’d like to dispense it as drugs. Are you going by means of one thing troublesome? Work with the Wayans — you’ll really feel higher. It’ll deliver some therapeutic to your soul.”

The actress at the moment stars on CBS’ Poppa’s Home with Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., however it’s a household affair behind the scenes with Kim Wayans and Damien Dante Wayans directing a number of episodes, Shawn Wayans and Michael Wayans being credited as writers and Marlon Wayans showing within the Monday, March 24, episode as Damon Sr.’s onscreen brother.

Earlier than Poppa’s Home, Atkins performed Marlon’s ex-wife on his short-lived sitcom and Shawn’s girlfriend in Dance Flick.

“The reality of the matter is that it’s at all times going to be an instantaneous sure after I hear ‘Wayans.’ That is my sixth challenge with that household. I’ve met all of them at this level and labored with nearly all of them,” she shared with Us. “I actually wished to work with Damon Wayans Jr. once more [after Dance Flick] and I had at all times wished to work with Damon Wayans, in order that’s actually all I wanted to know. It was an instantaneous sure.”

Poppa’s Home, which premiered in October 2024, follows legendary discuss radio host Poppa (Damon Sr.), who has his viewpoint challenged at work when a brand new feminine cohost (Atkins) is employed. At dwelling, Poppa finds himself nonetheless parenting his grownup son (Damon Jr.), who’s attempting to pursue his ardour whereas balancing the obligations related to being a father and husband.

Atkins’s Ivy has been launched as a possible love curiosity for Damon Sr.’s Poppa — however she’s not in a rush to see them get collectively.

“Initially after we have been starting the sequence, we thought it will occur sooner. However I believe that there’s one thing actually stunning about them turning into buddies first and that they actually develop in respect for each other and admiration for each other,” Atkins defined. “Additionally in with the ability to see backstage of each other, they’ve slightly bit extra trepidation and slightly bit extra warning about leaping ahead.”

Atkins famous that each Ivy and Poppa are beginning to develop an “consciousness” of their connection, including, “He’s gaining an consciousness of like, ‘Properly, what do I get? It seems to be good, however what does the inspection report say whenever you purchase a house?’ That’s knowledge, and I believe that that results in a way more satisfying take when it truly occurs. It received’t really feel so jumped or rushed.”

She continued: “These characters have earned this closeness. We’ve seen them develop on one another. We’ve seen them get on one another’s nerves. I just like the tempo that we’re persevering with at. So far as how lengthy it can take, I don’t know. I positively assume that there’ll be moments this season the place you’ll be rooting for it to occur.”

Poppa’s Home airs on CBS Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the subsequent day on Paramount+.