Marlon Wayans Reveals NBC Passed on ‘The Wayans Bros.’ Due to John Witherspoon Being ‘Too Ghetto’

John WitherspoonPhoto byJean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

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Marlon Wayans has shared some surprising details about the early challenges behind his hit TV show, The Wayans Bros. In a candid interview on Club Shay Shay, Wayans revealed that NBC originally passed on the sitcom because they felt John Witherspoon, who played their father, was “too ghetto.”

The Rejection from NBC

Wayans recounted that NBC declined to pick up The Wayans Bros. because they had concerns about Witherspoon’s image. “They didn’t want John Witherspoon,” Wayans explained. “They thought he was too ghetto, too country, and too Detroit. They didn’t want him as our father.”

Photo byPhoto by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Despite NBC's stance, Wayans and his brother, Shawn, were adamant about keeping Witherspoon in the role. “Me and Shawn was like, ‘We don’t want no other father,’” Wayans said. NBC, however, insisted on a replacement: “Either you replace the father, or you don’t get on our air,” they told the brothers.

Shawn Wayans and John WitherspoonPhoto byStephen Shugerman/Getty Images

A New Opportunity at WB

After NBC’s rejection, the Wayans brothers took the show to the newly launched WB Television Network in 1995. WB was much more receptive to their vision. “They was like, ‘We’ll take it... but you gotta take John Witherspoon,’” Wayans recalled. The network agreed, and The Wayans Bros. became the first show ever aired on the WB network, eventually running for five seasons from 1995 to 1999.

Conclusion

Wayans' story highlights the obstacles creators often face when bringing their vision to life. The show’s ultimate success is a testament to the brothers’ commitment to casting Witherspoon, who went on to become an iconic part of the sitcom’s success.