Comedy legend Damon Wayans and his son, Damon Wayans Jr., are teaming up for CBS’ new family sitcom, “Poppa’s House.” Told from the perspective of father and son, it covers topics such as career changes, parenthood and marital problems. With a stacked cast (plus wonderful guest stars) and a writer’s room filled with Wayans, including the senior Wayans, Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans and Michael Wayans, the comedy has many hilarious moments. But “Poppa’s House” is not a home run. The show takes several episodes to get going, and parts of the comedy are over-the-top and verge on slipstick, which will undoubtedly deter some viewers from sticking around.

“Poppa’s House” follows Poppa (the older Wayans), a legendary but crabby radio host at one of New York City’s most beloved R&B/Soul stations. Although he lives alone in his enormous house, his adult son Junior (Wayans Jr.), his daughter-in-law Nina (Tetona Jackson) and their two young children live next door. As a result, they often use Poppa’s house as an extension of their own home.

As Poppa tries to adjust to Junior and Nina’s new parenthood, he also has to deal with huge changes at the radio station. Fed up with his gruff attitude and negative attitude, the channel hires psychologist Dr. Ivy Reed (Essence Atkins) to add a touch of emotion to Poppa’s talk show. Poppa initially resists Ivy’s presence, but her persistence slowly changes his approach to his work and personal life.

As the series begins, the audience sees Poppa enjoying a quiet morning in his kitchen. Unfortunately, it is short-lived when Junior knocks on his window. Poppa has succeeded in his decades-long career on their airwaves, but his son hasn’t been so lucky. Junior works in middle management at his father-in-law JJ’s (Geoffrey Owens) foam roller company and is forced to put his film directing dreams on the back burner. Although Poppa encourages his son to do what he needs to do until he can move forward with his passion, he struggles to follow his own advice when Ivy joins the show.

Although “Poppa’s House” is a bit rocky at first, the cast has great chemistry. The affection and closeness of the real-life father-son duo radiates from the screen. Their similar looks also add a layer of fun for viewers. Plus, Atkins and Jackson are incredibly witty, especially when they break away from the elaborate jokes about Jackson’s small stature and Ivy’s obsession with feelings.

“Poppa’s House” starts off as one show, but by the end of the third episode it becomes something completely different, making it challenging for viewers to immerse themselves in the series. The relationship between the actors is good, but the first episodes are bogged down by bro-humor, Poppa’s sexist and bitter mentality and way too many impersonations of Junior. Still, by the end of Episode 3, “Podcast,” when Poppa and Ivy launch their podcast venture, audiences can sense the writers trying to reign in the aspects of the series that had thrown it off balance. Fortunately, the humor works much better as the show progresses.

In episode 4, “School Days,” “Poppa’s House” begins to gain more solid footing. In the episode, Junior and Nina’s son is accepted into a prestigious private school. While the other grandparents, JJ and Junior’s mother Catherine (an excellent Wendy Raquel Robinson), are eager to embrace the change, Poppa isn’t convinced by the academy. Full of funny quips between JJ and Catherine and sharp zingers between the ex-spouses, this is the moment when ‘Poppa’s House’ finds its rhythm. (Still, Junior’s imitation of the director’s English accent is an exaggeration.)

Despite its shaky start, “Poppa’s House” contains some nice elements. The charm of the Wayanses is magnetic and all the actors, including the children, are of the highest standard. Ultimately, it feels like the Wayanses are having a lot of fun, but that doesn’t always fully translate to the viewing audience.

“Poppa’s House” premieres on CBS on October 21, with new episodes airing weekly on Mondays.