Classic Comedy Returns With Full Series Release

Read Time:5 Minute, 10 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
The Wayans Bros.
–

Genre: Comedy, Sitcom
Year Released: 1995 – 1999, DVD complete series 2025
Runtime: 50 hours, 50 mins (101 episodes)
Creator(s): Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Leslie Ray, David Steven Simon
Cast: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Lela Rochon, Paula Jai Parker, Jill Tasker
Where To Watch: releasing on DVD for the first time on February 4, 2025; order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: The mid-1990s introduced audiences to a sitcom that took the classic buddy-comedy format and infused it with an infectious energy that set it apart. THE WAYANS BROS. showcased the comedy talents of two real-life siblings, bringing a mix of slapstick humor, sharp dialogue, and a fast-paced dynamic that kept viewers entertained. The series stood out for its ability to blend absurdity with sincerity, giving its characters both outrageous antics and moments of real emotion. After years of scattered reruns and limited home media availability, the complete series has finally landed on DVD, offering it all in one collection for longtime fans and those discovering it for the first time.

At its core, the show revolves around the brothers with completely different approaches to life, working through the ups and downs of everyday struggles in New York City. One is structured, ambitious, and determined to build something for himself, while the other thrives in chaos, embracing an unfiltered enthusiasm for fun and mischief. Their constant clashes—and occasional moments of understanding—give the show its pulse. The dynamic is further amplified by the presence of their father, whose over-the-top reactions and larger-than-life personality create some of the show’s most memorable moments. The setting offers plenty of opportunities for run-ins with eccentric customers, unpredictable mishaps, and larger-than-life schemes that rarely go as planned.

The first season establishes the core relationships and comedic timing, leaning into the banter and physical comedy that would become the series’ signature. The interplay between the two leads is natural, owing to their real-life relationship, and their quick comedic timing keeps the pacing fast.

As the show moves into its second season, the characters start evolving, and the supporting cast shifts to reflect the growing world around them. Certain characters exit, while new ones bring fresh aspects to the story, keeping the show from feeling stagnant. The humor remains a mix of exaggerated slapstick and quick-witted dialogue, never taking itself too seriously but still feeling grounded in the relationships it builds.

By the third season, the show fully embraces its strengths, embracing absurdity while keeping the characters relatable. The writing tightens, giving way to some of the series’ best moments. Guest stars add variety to the episodes, introducing new foils for the brothers and keeping the comedy fresh. The show never feels like it’s settling into repetition, always finding a new way to surprise its audience.

The fourth season sees the characters tackling new life hurdles, leading to some of the series' more unconventional storylines. The brothers remain in one disastrous situation after another, but their attempts to carve out their paths add depth to the comedy. Whether it’s business ventures gone awry or misguided attempts at reinvention, each episode keeps the humor alive while allowing the characters to grow. Their father remains a constant, delivering some of the show’s biggest laughs with his no-nonsense attitude and exasperation at his sons’ schemes.

Heading into the final season, the show remains as energetic as ever, though there’s an underlying sense that it’s reaching the end of its run. While it never gets the grand conclusion it deserves, it still delivers the same humor and ridiculous scenarios that fans had come to love. The show doesn’t go for dramatic send-offs or forced emotional beats—it stays true to itself, ending as chaotically and hilariously as it began.

Throughout its run, THE WAYANS BROS. garnered a mix of reactions. While some critics dismissed its over-the-top style, others appreciated its ability to deliver pure comedy without pretension. The chemistry between its leads truly set it apart—something that can’t be forced or manufactured. The energy between the two made every scene engaging, whether they were bickering over small frustrations or teaming up for yet another ill-advised scheme. The series embraced its silliness, never attempting to be something it wasn’t, and that commitment to its identity makes it stand out even today.

THE WAYANS BROS. reminds us of what makes great comedy work. It doesn’t overcomplicate itself or try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it delivers fast, clever, and unapologetically goofy humor in a way that feels effortless. Its characters may not always make the best decisions, but they’re endlessly entertaining, and their antics never fail to bring a laugh. Whether watching for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, this series continues to deliver exactly what it set out to do—make people laugh.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.