Paramount+ continues to bolster its comedy offerings with the announcement of a new half-hour series, Crutch, starring Tracy Morgan. Set to premiere on the streaming service later this year, the show is a spin-off of the popular CBS Networks comedy The Neighborhood and will see Morgan reprising his role as Francois “Frank” Crutchfield, a Harlem widower whose plans for an empty nest are upended when his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.
Crutch marks Morgan’s return to situational comedy and is produced by CBS Studios in association with A Bird and a Bear Entertainment, the production company co-founded by fellow comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer, who also serves as an executive producer on the show. The series is written and showrun by Owen Smith, who previously collaborated with Morgan on the sitcom The Last O.G.
In a statement, Cedric the Entertainer expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “I’m excited to be expanding our ‘The Neighborhood’ universe by producing a show with the legendary comedian Tracy Morgan. This new character is the close cousin to my character, Calvin Butler, and you will enjoy some of their many similarities.”
Morgan, known for his comedic prowess, added: “Crutch will be navigating the ups and downs of having his kids and grandkids back under one roof, and you know if I am doing this, there will be plenty of laughs along the way. I am so happy to be working with my brother Cedric the Entertainer and the amazing team we’ve assembled.”
The series will explore the challenges and comedic situations that arise as Crutchfield adjusts to having his family back under one roof, offering a fresh take on the dynamics of an extended family household. With a focus on humour and the unique personalities of the characters, Crutch is expected to resonate with viewers who have come to love the world of The Neighborhood.
Jeff Grossman, EVP of Programming at Paramount Streaming, emphasised the importance of this show: “Our subscribers love CBS’ The Neighborhood, so it’s a natural fit to bring Crutch to Paramount+. We can’t wait to see what the immense talents behind the show—Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, and Owen Smith—have in store for us.”
With a strong foundation in situational comedy and a talented team both in front of and behind the camera, Crutch is poised to be a welcome addition to the Paramount+ comedy slate, which includes popular titles such as Frasier, Colin from Accounts, and the dark comedy Tulsa King. The series will also join the lineup of acclaimed CBS comedies available on the streaming service, including Ghosts, Young Sheldon, and Bob Hearts Abishola.
