Full Season Greenlight for ‘Poppa’s House’ and ‘NCIS: Origins’ – CBS Hits a Ratings High!

Ah, Monday nights—the ultimate battleground for television networks as they try to lure us away from whatever we had planned for a cozy evening at home. CBS, in a classic move, is shoring up its lineup with not just a sprinkle but a full-on shower of new programming. It seems that they've decided that what we really need is a heaping dose of the Wayans family and some nostalgic crime-solving with the fondly remembered NCIS: Origins.

So, here's the scoop: CBS has picked up its first-year comedy, Poppa’s House, starring the dynamic duo of father and son, Damon Wayans Sr. and Jr. Trust me, if anyone can perform funny family therapy through laughter, it’s these two. Coupled with the drama NCIS: Origins—which, let’s be honest, sounds like a fine vintage red wine—you have a Monday lineup that aims to redefine your after-work unwind.

As CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach eloquently put it, “NCIS: Origins has added a brilliant new dimension to the NCIS franchise…” Meanwhile, she praises Poppa's House for its “dynamic father/son chemistry.” Now, that’s just a fancy way of saying, “They have a lot of fun together, and it's adorable.” The comedy dances around familial antics while giving us relatable tales that tug at our heartstrings while simultaneously tickling our funny bones.

Yet, let’s not forget about the tight-knit Monday night gang! Poppa's House isn't the only new addition. It's joined by the lovable The Neighborhood and the evergreen NCIS. Can you imagine the conversations over dinner? “So, who’s cracking the jokes tonight? Oh, you know, just the Wayans.” Young Sheldon is tossing in a spinoff with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which also snagged a full-season pickup. And, speaking of relics, the network’s updated version of Matlock is already strutting confidently into the 2025-26 season. It’s as if CBS is saying, “We’re not just about the new; we’re bringing the classics back and giving them a makeover.”

The premiere of NCIS: Origins on October 14 has pulled in a whopping 9 million viewers—because who doesn’t want a trip down memory lane mixed with some crime drama? Meanwhile, Poppa’s House debuted a week later to a respectable audience of 6.41 million cross-platform viewers. It’s like CBS threw a party, and we all decided to show up with sweaters and snacks—even if we were initially skeptical about the invite.

Toss in supporting stars like Essence Atkins and Tetona Jackson in Poppa's House while Austin Stowell fills the shoes of a younger Gibbs (originally played by the remarkable Mark Harmon) in NCIS: Origins, and voilà! You've got golden-hour television that promises both chuckles and intrigue. It’s a colorful tapestry of cast and crew, including veterans like David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal, crafting this delightful chaos.

As you settle in this Monday, remember: it’s not just TV; it’s an experience. With the Wayans, a dash of nostalgia, and possibly a few unexpected twists, CBS is banking on laughter, drama, and a heartfelt journey—exactly what our Mondays needed.