In the CBS sitcom Poppa’s House, Tetona Jackson masterfully brings Nina to life, creating a character who is equal parts relatable, lovable, and grounded. As the poised yet quirky wife of Junior (played by Damon Wayans Jr.), Nina is more than just a sitcom role—she’s the foundation of the Fulton family, embodying the modern Black mother with heart, humor, and charm. 

“It still hasn’t hit me yet,” Tetona says of her groundbreaking role. “It’s such an honor to bring that type of representation to the screen—a positive Black mother figure we don’t get that much of in sitcoms anymore.” Her reflection encapsulates Poppa’s House’s mission: delivering laughs while exploring the intricacies of family and generational growth through an authentic lens. 

Nina’s World: Heartfelt Representation in Every Scene 

For Jackson, Nina represents more than just a TV character; she’s the heartbeat of the Fulton family. “She knows how to wrangle everyone in,” Tetona explains. “But you get to see, throughout the season, she also is fun, and there’s an awkward quirkiness to her, which I love.” 

What makes Nina stand out, however, is her approach to family dynamics. As both a wife and mother, her character often takes the lead in addressing challenges with warmth and empathy. “I love her relationship with Junior because they’re able to work through everything,” Tetona says. “There’s never a blow-up, and if there is, they talk it out.” This depiction of calm, communicative problem-solving is a refreshing change in a genre often reliant on drama and conflict. “That’s one of the things I absolutely love about my character and the relationship she has with Junior,” Jackson adds. 

“Disciplinarian”: Exploring Parenting Through Generations 

One episode that stands out for Jackson is titled Disciplinarian, where the Fulton family tackles the universal question: how to discipline their child. “It’s one of my favorite episodes so far in terms of representation,” Tetona says. “You see two parents approach disciplining their child from different angles. Poppa offers his advice, Junior has his own way of handling things, and Nina brings her perspective too. It’s one of the reasons the show is so great—it gives you a glimpse of how parenting evolves across generations. But most importantly, it highlights the importance of communication and listening to one another.” 

Through three distinct lenses—Poppa’s traditional wisdom, Junior’s modern approach, and Nina’s balanced and thoughtful style—the episode masterfully explores the evolution of parenting while underscoring the power of dialogue. In many ways, Poppa’s House honors the legacy of classic Black family sitcoms like Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Moesha, delivering relatable humor and heartfelt lessons for audiences of all ages. 

Behind the Scenes: Tetona’s Journey to Nina 

Landing the role of Nina was no ordinary process for Tetona Jackson. While working on Good Trouble, she received a call for a rare straight-to-producers audition for what would become Poppa’s House. “I was ecstatic,” Tetona recalls. “At the time, there was no name for the show; I just saw that the Wayans were attached to it. Naturally, I was thrilled to audition for something they were a part of.” 

Her secret weapon? Authenticity. “You are playing a character, but you need to make it real and believable,” she says. Tetona’s heartfelt approach and her focus on “winning the room” set her apart. “That’s something I was able to do in the audition, and it worked,” Jackson explains. 

Living the Dream: Representation and Laughter on Set 

Critics have celebrated Tetona Jackson’s performance, praising her ability to deliver an authentic portrayal of Nina. Her on-screen chemistry with Damon Wayans Jr. has been especially applauded, as it elevates the show’s humor and emotional resonance. “Critics have lauded Jackson’s performance in Poppa’s House, noting her ability to bring a genuine and relatable presence to the screen. Her chemistry with co-stars, particularly Damon Wayans Jr., enhances the show’s appeal, offering a refreshing take on family sitcom dynamics.” 

For Tetona, being part of Poppa’s House is more than a job; it’s a milestone. “It’s a dream come true being part of the Paramount and CBS family,” she says. “Lucille Ball was on CBS, and she is the reason I wanted to become an actor. To be on the studio where Lucille Ball acted is amazing.” 

On the Set: Humor, Camaraderie, and Creative Collaboration 

Filming Poppa’s House is as much fun as it looks. “We usually rehearse for three days and then shoot on Thursday and Friday,” Tetona explains. “There isn’t a time we aren’t laughing or making each other laugh.” This infectious joy translates into the lively chemistry seen on-screen. 

Working alongside Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. is both inspiring and rewarding for Jackson. “This project is completely different from anything I’ve done before,” she shares. “It’s a comedy sitcom, and it’s shot with multiple cameras.” Though the series currently lacks a live studio audience, Tetona hopes to one day perform for one. 

Nina and Tetona: A Mirror of Growth 

Playing Nina has been a journey of personal discovery for Tetona Jackson. “I think I’m pulling from so many different aspects of my life,” she reveals. “There is a lot I have in common with Nina, and that’s what makes her so much fun to play.” 

The character has also taught Tetona valuable life lessons. “As I get older, I understand Nina more with her relationship to Junior. Now, if I was a girlfriend of Nina’s, I might tell her not to let some of those things slide. But through Nina, I understand that as you get older, you don’t have to fight every battle.” 

At Its Core: Family is Everything 

When asked to describe Poppa’s House, Tetona sums it up in one word: family. “Yes, it’s a comedy, and there are funny moments and sometimes tough conversations happening. But that’s what it means to be family,” she explains. “Through it all, the characters are here for each other and don’t give up on each other. That’s what family is all about.” 

By balancing humor and heart, Poppa’s House offers audiences a refreshing take on the family sitcom, while Jackson’s compelling performance as Nina ensures the series resonates deeply with its viewers. 

Poppa’s House airs new episodes on Mondays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+

Photography Credit: Addison O’Connor