The Barbershop franchise is officially making the leap to television. Amazon Prime Video has set an October 20, 2025 start date for filming its new Barbershop series in Chicago, with production headquartered at Cinespace Studios.
A Return to Calvin’s Legendary Shop
The series picks up the legacy of the beloved film franchise, following Travis “Trav” Porter (Jermaine Fowler) as he works to continue his grandfather’s legendary legacy at Calvin’s barbershop. While the barbers may be new, the shop promises the same sharp fades, spirited debates, and sense of community that made the original films a cultural touchstone.
Creative Team Behind the Series
The creative force behind this adaptation is impressive:
- Marshall Todd, co-writer of the original Barbershop film, serves as writer and executive producer.
- Max Searle joins as co-showrunner and executive producer.
- Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Mike Stein executive produce via Hartbeat Productions, alongside Tiffany Brown as co-EP.
- Cameron Burnett and Autumn Bailey-Ford executive produce for Prominent Productions.
- Bradley Gardner of Busy B Entertainment joins as executive producer.
- Chicago’s own George L. Tillman and Robert Teitel of State Street Pictures, the original driving force behind the franchise, return as executive producers.
- The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
Jermaine Fowler Takes the Lead
Star Jermaine Fowler brings comedic talent and proven screen presence to the role of Trav. Fowler first broke out in CBS’s Superior Donuts and has appeared in Coming 2 America, Sorry to Bother You, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Ricky Stanicky. His television credits include A Murder at the End of the World, Friends of the People, and the upcoming Only Murders in the Building Season 5.
Franchise Legacy
The Barbershop franchise first debuted in 2002, spawning sequels in 2004 and 2016, as well as the 2005 spinoff Beauty Shop starring Queen Latifah. Collectively, the films have grossed nearly $200 million worldwide.
Now, more than two decades later, Amazon Prime Video is betting that the heart, humor, and cultural significance of Calvin’s shop will connect with a new generation of viewers.
What’s Next
With filming set to begin October 20 in Chicago, fans won’t have to wait long to see how this modern continuation reshapes the Barbershop legacy for television. The series will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
