Paramount+ is expanding the world of the popular CBS sitcom ‘The Neighborhood‘ with a new spinoff series starring comedy icon Tracy Morgan. Titled ‘Crutch,’ the half-hour comedy has received a straight-to-series order from the streaming platform, bringing Morgan into the fold as a cousin to Cedric the Entertainer’s character, Calvin Butler.
In ‘Crutch,’ Morgan will portray Francois “Frank” Crutchfield, a widowed empty-nester residing in Harlem whose plans for a solitary life are turned upside down when his millennial son and free-spirited daughter, along with their children, move back into his home. The dysfunctional family dynamic promises to unleash a chain of comedic chaos and complications, setting the stage for Morgan’s trademark brand of humor.
While Morgan’s character, nicknamed “Crutch,” has previously made an appearance in ‘The Neighborhood’ during Season 4’s “Welcome to Bro Money, Bro Problems” episode, the spinoff will introduce him as a brand new character within the established universe. The series reunites Morgan with showrunner and writer Owen Smith, with whom he previously collaborated on the TBS sitcom ‘The Last O.G.’
‘Crutch’ will be produced by CBS Studios and is set to begin production later this year. The project boasts an impressive team of executive producers, including Cedric the Entertainer, Eric C. Rhone, Smith, Aaron Kaplan, and Wendi Trilling, alongside Morgan himself.
Expressing his excitement for the project, Cedric the Entertainer stated, “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 iconic roles in ’30 Rock’ and ‘The Last O.G.,’ shared his enthusiasm for the new venture, saying, “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 able to do this with my brother Cedric the Entertainer, Owen Smith, and the rest of the amazing crew we have put together. Get ready for your new favorite show!”
While an official premiere date for ‘Crutch’ has yet to be announced, the spinoff series joins Paramount+’s growing lineup of original comedies, including the highly anticipated ‘Frasier’ revival and ‘Colin from Accounts.’ Fans of ‘The Neighborhood’ and Tracy Morgan’s comedic genius can look forward to the expansion of this beloved universe, promising a fresh dose of laughter and familial hilarity.
