Prime Video is heading back to the shop. Ahead of its annual upfront presentation, the streamer has officially ordered a new series adaptation of Barbershop, with comedian and actor Jermaine Fowler (Ricky Stanicky, Superior Donuts) in the lead role. Marshall Todd, co-writer of the original 2002 hit film, will return to write and executive produce, joined by Max Searle (Neon, Dave) as co-showrunner and EP.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios in partnership with Hartbeat, Prominent Productions, and Chicago-based State Street Pictures, the new series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Set once again in the heart of Chicago, the new Barbershop follows Travis “Trav” Porter (Fowler), a young man stepping into the clippers of his grandfather—a legendary figure at the original Calvin’s barbershop. While the faces have changed, the arguments, energy, and sharp fades remain very much alive. Calvin’s continues to be more than a barbershop—it’s the beating heart of the community.
“The television adaptation of this iconic film franchise is in excellent hands with co-showrunners Max Searle and Marshall Todd,” said Vernon Sanders, global head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. “We couldn’t be happier with their collaboration and hard work to bring Calvin’s to life for a new generation on Prime Video.”
This marks the second television adaptation of the Barbershop brand. The first, a half-hour Showtime sitcom starring Omar Gooding, aired in 2005 but lasted just one season. The original 2002 film was a breakout hit, spawning sequels in 2004 and 2016, plus the Beauty Shop spinoff in 2005 starring Queen Latifah. Combined, the films have grossed nearly $200 million worldwide and remain cultural staples.
Fowler, an accomplished stand-up comedian, broke out on CBS’s Superior Donuts and has since built a wide-ranging screen resume. His TV credits include A Murder at the End of the World (FX), Friends of the People (truTV), and upcoming roles in Crutch at Paramount+ and Only Murders in the Building Season 5. On the film side, he’s appeared in Coming 2 America, Sorry to Bother You, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Ricky Stanicky.
He is repped by UTA, Entertainment 360, and Yorn Levine.
The Barbershop series joins Amazon’s growing push into franchise IP following its acquisition of MGM. Other MGM-based series currently in development include new takes on RoboCop and Poltergeist, while a Legally Blonde prequel is in production.
No official word yet if the series will be shot in Chicago. Stay tuned to Reel Chicago for further updates.
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