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All About the Washingtons

All About the Washingtons is an multi-camera comedy television series created by Jeremy Bronson that premiered on Netflix on August 10, 2018. The autobiographical stars hip-hop pioneer Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and his real-life wife Justine Simmons as fictionalized versions of themselves, portraying the couple as Joey and Justine Washington navigating family dynamics, business ventures, and everyday chaos after Joey retires from his successful career. The series draws inspiration from the Simmons family's experiences, blending humor with themes of , , and post-fame life. Key cast members include as their daughter and as son , along with Leah Rose Randall and Maceo Smedley as their younger twins. Produced by Simmons Lehman Productions in association with and , the show features ten episodes in its single , emphasizing positive messages about family unity and personal growth amid comedic mishaps. Despite its lighthearted take on celebrity family life, All About the Washingtons received mixed reviews for its predictable format and was canceled by after one season in . The decision not to renew highlighted the platform's selective approach to multi-camera comedies during that period, though the series remains available for streaming and continues to appeal to fans of the Simmons family from their earlier reality show .

Overview

Premise

All About the Washingtons is an sitcom that follows the lives of Joey and Justine Washington, a married couple navigating significant life transitions in their professional and family spheres. The central premise revolves around Joey, a legendary hip-hop artist who retires from his decades-long career under the stage name MC Joe Speed, stepping back from to support his wife's aspirations. This shift enables Justine to launch her entrepreneurial ventures, while the couple manages the complexities of raising their family of teenagers and young adults. Key conflicts in the series stem from the challenges of post-fame adjustment, where Joey grapples with a loss of professional identity and newfound domestic responsibilities, contrasted against Justine's rising ambitions in . Parenting a diverse brings additional tensions, particularly in addressing generational differences amid their evolving family roles. These dynamics highlight the strains of balancing personal growth, , and familial harmony in a high-profile yet grounded setting. The show's tone blends humor with relatable family drama, drawing on autobiographical inspirations from the real-life experiences of and Simmons to depict everyday chaos, retirement's unexpected hurdles, and the nuances of cultural identity in a post-hip-hop era. As a , it emphasizes lighthearted scenarios rooted in authentic relational and societal shifts, avoiding overt spectacle in favor of intimate, comedic explorations of modern family life.

Background

The series All About the Washingtons draws its origins from the real-life experiences of Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, a founding member of the influential hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., and his wife Justine Simmons, capturing aspects of their family dynamics following Rev Run's semi-retirement from music in the early 2000s after the group's disbandment due to the death of DJ in 2002. This autobiographical foundation reflects the Simmons' transition from a high-profile music career to focusing on family life, ministry, and entrepreneurial pursuits, including Rev Run's Phat Farm clothing line and other business ventures. Set against the cultural landscape of the late 2010s, the series explores themes central to African American communities, such as the interplay of Black family structures, the enduring legacy of hip-hop culture, and the pursuit of entrepreneurship amid evolving societal roles. These elements highlight the challenges and joys of post-fame domesticity for prominent figures in hip-hop, emphasizing resilience and legacy-building in Black households. Prior to its formal announcement, the project aligned with 's growing emphasis on family-oriented comedies featuring real-life celebrity dynamics, as seen in their expansion of original content like Fuller House around 2016-2018. The series was officially revealed by on June 14, 2018, with a premiere set for August 10, 2018. This built briefly on the Simmons family's earlier visibility through MTV's (2005-2009), which documented their daily life and paved the way for scripted adaptations.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

The main cast of All About the Washingtons centers on the Washington family, led by real-life couple Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Justine Simmons in fictionalized roles that draw heavily from their personal experiences. Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons portrays Joey Washington, a retired icon and former MC Joe Speed, who navigates the challenges of domestic life and fatherhood after stepping away from his storied music career. Justine Simmons plays Justine Washington, Joey's ambitious wife who pursues her entrepreneurial ambitions by launching a business amid the family's evolving dynamics. The core is rounded out by emerging young actors as the Washington children: as Veronica, the eldest daughter and college student exploring her artistic path; Nathan Anderson as Wesley, the older son and aspiring musician; Leah Rose Randall as Skyler, the gifted younger daughter; and Maceo Smedley as Daevon (middle name Gilbert), the energetic youngest son. Casting for the leads prioritized , with the Simmons duo embodying heightened versions of their real-life personas to ground the series in relatable transitions, while the younger performers were selected for their ability to convey genuine teen perspectives on growth and change.

Recurring and Guest Cast

The recurring cast of All About the Washingtons features supporting characters who appear in multiple episodes to flesh out dynamics and subplots, such as romantic interests and professional connections tied to the Washingtons' legacy. Fouse portrays , Veronica Washington's boyfriend, in five episodes, contributing to storylines exploring teenage relationships and tensions within the household. His role adds layers to Veronica's arc by introducing external influences on her independence and social life. DJ Ruckus appears as himself in two episodes, serving as a acquaintance who highlights Joey Washington's past fame through nostalgic interactions and event cameos. Adain Bradley plays , a recurring in Justine's business ventures, appearing in two episodes to underscore her entrepreneurial pursuits and the challenges of balancing with career ambitions. Notable guest stars bring celebrity flair and humor to single-episode appearances, often providing outsider commentary on the Washingtons' celebrity status and domestic chaos. Arsenio Hall guest stars as himself in two episodes, offering comedic insights into Joey's retirement from hip-hop and the adjustments of fame. Daymond John appears as himself in the series premiere, "Sip Stop Hooray," where he advises Justine on her business ideas, injecting entrepreneurial humor and real-world hip-hop business perspectives into the narrative. Tim Meadows also plays himself in one episode, contributing lighthearted banter that pokes fun at Joey's nostalgia for his music career. Deon Cole guests as Darnell Bell in "You Got the Chills," portraying an old rival of Joey's to explore themes of past grudges and reconciliation in the entertainment world. These roles enhance the show's comedic tone by contrasting the family's everyday issues with the glamour and rivalries of their hip-hop roots.

Episodes

Season Structure

The first and only season of All About the Washingtons comprises 10 half-hour episodes, released simultaneously on on August 10, 2018, following the streaming service's binge-release model that allows viewers to watch the full season at their own pace. This format, common for original series during that period, encouraged immediate immersion into the family's dynamics without weekly serialization. The season's thematic arc centers on the Washington family's navigation of retirement's aftermath, emphasizing family bonding and individual personal growth; it builds progressively from the initial struggles of adjustment and disrupted routines to eventual resolutions centered on entrepreneurial ventures and deeper relational harmony. This progression underscores the show's exploration of post-career life transitions within a multigenerational household, aligning with its core premise of balancing legacy, business, and domestic chaos. Episodes were directed by a rotation of four directors—Don Scardino, Kimberly McCullough, Linda Mendoza, and —ensuring varied visual styles while maintaining narrative consistency. The writing was handled by a consistent team led by creator Jeremy Bronson, who co-wrote several installments alongside contributors like Andrew Reich, fostering a unified comedic tone throughout the season.

Episode Summaries

The first season of All About the Washingtons comprises 10 episodes, all released simultaneously on on August 10, 2018. The scripts were penned by creator Jeremy Bronson and his writing , including contributors such as Venokur, Marlena , and . Direction was handled by a quartet of filmmakers— (four episodes), Linda Mendoza (three episodes), (two episodes), and (one episode)—focusing on the Washington family's adjustments to Joey's retirement and Justine's entrepreneurial pursuits. Episode 1, "Sip Stop Hooray," introduces the household as Joey adapts to retirement and a more hands-on home life, while launches her career with a bold new product idea centered on convenience. Key events highlight the initial tensions between Joey's laid-back vibe and Justine's ambitious drive, setting up themes of in a celebrity . Episode 2, "U Can't Crash This," follows as she secures a high-profile dinner invitation that tests her networking skills; meanwhile, daughter Skyler grapples with a pivotal life choice, and Veronica uncovers a disturbing secret about her boyfriend's living space. The installment explores social pressures on the teens and the surprises of adult relationships within the family's dynamic. Episode 3, "They Call Me Too Nice," features Joey imparting essential business wisdom to amid her growing ventures, as son Wes encounters challenges in teamwork on a school project, and Daevon works to refine his for an upcoming event. It emphasizes lessons in collaboration and personal growth, with Joey's guidance bridging generational gaps. Episode 4, "Yo! Bum Rush ," sees old friend Arsenio urging Joey toward a potential music comeback, prompting reflections on his past fame; Daevon navigates a struggle, and Justine experiments with an unconventional promotional tactic for her business. The episode delves into temptations of returning to the spotlight and the risks of innovative in a family context. Episode 5, "Please Hamper, Don't Hurt ‘Em," brings the family to host an unexpected guest, leading Joey to impart a key life lesson to Daevon; Skyler, in turn, gears up for important academic milestones that shape her future path. Themes of and underscore the Washingtons' supportive yet . Episode 6, "Papa Said Log You Out," opens with Joey announcing promising news that excites the household, while Justine battles backlash from an online critic; Veronica steps in to help Skyler confront a sudden . It addresses the impacts of scrutiny and sibling solidarity in overcoming personal hurdles. Episode 7, "You Gots the Chills," puts Veronica in hot water over a mishap, as Joey faces off against a former adversary from his days, and Justine devises a scheme to bond more closely with Wes. The narrative highlights conflicts from past rivalries and the efforts to nurture family connections amid modern distractions. Episode 8, "Follow the Leaker," sparks a disagreement between and Joey regarding Veronica's romantic entanglements; Wes and Daevon collaborate on a meaningful endeavor, while Skyler organizes an extravagant gathering for friends. Parental clashes and teen initiatives drive the episode's focus on trust and creative teamwork. Episode 9, "Pranksta's Paradise," tracks Wes as he embarks on a budding relationship, prompting Skyler to plot playful retaliation against a sibling; Joey and assist neighbor Malik in resolving a childcare crisis. Lighthearted pranks and community support illustrate the blend of youthful romance and familial responsibility. The , Episode 10, "Snow Diggity," traps the children indoors during a severe storm that fosters unexpected unity; Joey readies himself for an unconventional professional opportunity, and delves into a long-buried secret. It culminates major arcs around , reinvention, and uncovering hidden histories, resolving key tensions from the Washingtons' transitional year.

Production

Development

The development of All About the Washingtons began in 2016 when creator Jeremy Bronson pitched the multi-camera comedy to ABC, securing a pilot production commitment with a penalty attached. After ABC ultimately passed on producing the pilot, the project was shopped to other networks and landed at Netflix, which issued a straight-to-series order for 10 episodes on November 17, 2017. The series was produced by Simmons/Lehman Productions, , and , with Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Justine Simmons serving as executive producers alongside Bronson and Andrew Reich. Bronson's vision transformed the autobiographical elements of the Simmons family's real-life dynamics—previously showcased in their reality series —into a scripted format, placing greater emphasis on entrepreneurial pursuits amid family life as an empty-nester couple navigates business ventures and adult children returning home.

Casting Process

The casting process for All About the Washingtons began with the selection of its lead actors, Joseph and Justine Simmons, who were announced as fictionalized versions of themselves in November 2017 to leverage their real-life chemistry and authenticity in portraying a family navigating retirement and new beginnings. This decision aligned closely with the show's development vision of an autobiographical rooted in the Simmons' personal experiences. Auditions for the younger family roles followed, with emerging talent cast to portray the children.

Filming Locations and Techniques

The production of All About the Washingtons utilized a multi-camera setup, a standard format for traditional sitcoms that allows for efficient filming of scenes with multiple angles simultaneously. The series employed live audience filming to capture authentic comedic timing and reactions, though it did not emphasize this element as prominently as some contemporaries, occasionally blending in elements for consistency. Techniques included quick cuts to heighten humor in dialogue-driven sequences, enhancing the fast-paced family dynamics. Additionally, the show integrated music cues drawn from Rev Run's catalog, reflecting the protagonist's background as a retired rapper and adding rhythmic energy to transitional moments.

Release

Marketing Strategies

Netflix initiated pre-premiere campaigns for All About the Washingtons with a date announcement teaser released on June 14, 2018, which featured Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons introducing the series and emphasizing its autobiographical family dynamics inspired by his real-life experiences. This was followed by the full trailer on July 18, 2018, that highlighted the show's family-oriented humor, portraying Simmons as a retired hip-hop icon navigating domestic life alongside his wife Justine, thereby capitalizing on his longstanding fame from Run-D.M.C. and MTV's Run's House. These video promotions were strategically timed to generate buzz in the weeks leading to the August 10, 2018, premiere. Promotion efforts extended to , where and the cast leveraged Simmons' established platform—built through decades in and —to share teasers and behind-the-scenes content, reaching his substantial audience of followers interested in entertainment. A key component involved 's "Strong Lead" initiative, which included Rev Run and Justine Simmons in the "A Great Day in " promotional video debuted during the 2018 ; this campaign recreated the iconic 1958 jazz photo with 47 talents to underscore the platform's commitment to diverse storytelling and relatable narratives. The marketing targeted families seeking wholesome comedy, hip-hop enthusiasts drawn to Simmons' legacy, and Netflix's core viewers of lighthearted sitcoms, with a strong emphasis on to appeal to underrepresented audiences through authentic portrayals of familial life.

Premiere Events

All About the Washingtons premiered on Netflix with its full first season of 10 episodes released simultaneously on August 10, 2018. The series was made available globally across Netflix's international markets, with audio and in multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, and French to accommodate diverse audiences. Two days prior to the streaming debut, Netflix hosted a private screening and premiere party on August 8, 2018, at Madera Kitchen in , attended by the cast, including Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Justine Simmons, as well as press and industry figures such as Netflix Ted Sarandos. The event featured a where the Simmons family participated in interviews, discussing the autobiographical elements of the show and their transition from reality TV to scripted comedy. As a Netflix original, All About the Washingtons was distributed exclusively through the streaming platform, with no traditional broadcast television tie-ins or syndication deals at launch. Following its cancellation after one season in October 2018, the series remained available solely on Netflix as of 2025, without expansion to other streaming or broadcast platforms.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

"All About the Washingtons" received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its , with an Tomatometer score of 40% on based on five reviews. The series also holds an average rating of 4.9 out of 10 on from 825 user ratings (as of November 2025). In contrast, the audience score on is 94%, indicating stronger appeal among viewers. Critics praised the show's authentic portrayal of family life, particularly its emphasis on warmth and positive dynamics within a Black household, drawing from the real-life experiences of stars Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons and Justine Simmons. Common Sense Media highlighted the series' uplifting messages about parenting and familial support, noting the likable cast and guest appearances that enhanced its family-oriented appeal. The chemistry between the Simmonses as Joey and Justine Washington was often cited as a strong element, providing a relatable foundation amid the sitcom's domestic scenarios. However, the series faced significant criticism for its lack of sharp humor and reliance on predictable plots, which many reviewers found formulaic and uninspired. described it as a multicamera that adheres rigidly to genre conventions, with tame content and infrequent jokes that fail to engage. Decider echoed this sentiment, calling the setups and punchlines overly familiar and unlikely to elicit substantial laughs, while noting the artificial contributes to a dated feel. Characters were frequently deemed underdeveloped, with the young actors performing adequately but the overall ensemble lacking depth beyond surface-level interactions. Comparisons to the Simmonses' prior reality series "" underscored a perceived lack of in transitioning to scripted .

Cancellation and Impact

Netflix announced the cancellation of All About the Washingtons on October 18, 2018, following the release of its 10-episode first season two months earlier. The decision came amid reports of insufficient viewer traction for the multi-camera sitcom. The show's non-renewal was primarily due to low viewership numbers and mixed critical reception, evidenced by its 40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on a limited number of reviews. Netflix, expanding its comedy offerings during this period, found the series unable to expand beyond an initial audience interested in the Simmons family's prior reality TV fame and hip-hop roots. In terms of legacy, All About the Washingtons represented an early attempt by to diversify its scripted content with a Black-led centered on retired artists navigating domestic life, though its abrupt end curtailed broader influence on the genre of celebrity sitcoms. Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons has maintained a prominent presence post-cancellation, including producing the documentary Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story. No additional seasons or spin-offs have been produced, and the series continues to be available in Netflix's catalog.

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