Damon Wayans returning to the Scary Movie franchise in 2026 is a massive deal for those of us who grew up quoting the "Wassup!" commercials and watching the Wayans family basically invent the modern parody genre. For the uninitiated, the Wayans family is comedy royalty. From In Living Color to White Chicks, they’ve been the masters of taking pop culture and roasting it until it’s unrecognizable.

But here’s the thing: comedy in 2026 looks a lot different than it did in 2000. Our kids are laughing at Skibidi Toilet and calling things "Ohio" when they’re weird. The Wayans humor is built on slapstick, physical comedy, and—let's be real—a lot of crude jokes that might make a modern HR department sweat.

The 2026 Scary Movie comeback is leaning heavily into that 90s nostalgia, but it's also going to be taking aim at the horror hits of the last few years. Think parodies of M3GAN, Smile, and maybe even some TikTok horror trends.

When a legacy actor like Damon Wayans makes a comeback, it usually triggers a "trickle-down" effect in your household's streaming habits. You start watching the new movie, your kids see the trailer on YouTube, and suddenly they're asking to watch the "old ones."

Before you hit play on the original Scary Movie, remember that these films were the peak of "gross-out" humor. We’re talking sexual references, drug use, and every bodily fluid joke imaginable. It’s not "brain rot" in the sense of mindless scrolling, but it’s definitely not Bluey.

Ask our chatbot about age-appropriate comedies for your specific kids

If you want to introduce your kids to the genius of Damon Wayans without having to explain some very awkward jokes, here is how to navigate the catalog:

This is the gold standard for Wayans family content. It’s a sitcom that deals with real parenting issues but through Damon’s specific lens of "tough love" and sarcasm. It’s great for ages 10+ and actually provides some decent conversation starters about discipline and family dynamics.

If your kids like physical comedy and silly voices, this is the one. Damon plays a hard-nosed Marine forced to lead a group of young cadets. It’s PG-13, mostly for some language and "cartoonish" violence, but it’s a classic "underdog" story that usually lands well with middle schoolers.

A lot of people forget this one! It was an animated series created by Damon Wayans based on his childhood. It’s much more grounded and "kid-friendly" than his other work, focusing on a boy growing up in Harlem. It's a great pick for ages 7-12 if you can find it on streaming.

This is for the older teens (15+). It was a revolutionary sketch show, but like most comedy from the early 90s, some of the sketches have aged... interestingly. It’s a great way to show kids where stars like Jim Carrey and Jennifer Lopez got their start, but definitely requires some "that was a different time" context.

Your kids might find the Wayans' style of parody a bit "cringe" at first because it's so high-energy and theatrical. Today's digital humor—the stuff they see on TikTok or Roblox—is often more surreal or deadpan.

However, the core of what Damon Wayans does is actually very similar to what creators do today: they take something popular and flip it on its head. If your kid likes watching "Expectation vs. Reality" videos or MrBeast parodies, they’re already participating in the same lineage of comedy that Damon helped build.

The new Scary Movie is being produced in a world where "everything is a meme." Expect the movie to feel very fast-paced.

Content Warnings to Watch For:

If you’re looking for something that builds actual skills or offers a more wholesome experience while you wait for the R-rated nostalgia to pass, consider shifting the family focus to something like Stardew Valley for some "cozy" time, or Zelda: Breath of the Wild for an epic adventure that doesn't involve bathroom jokes.

If you do decide to watch some of the older, milder Wayans content with your kids, use it as a bridge:

Q: Is the new Scary Movie (2026) appropriate for kids? No, it is expected to be rated R. Like the previous films in the franchise, it will likely feature heavy crude humor, sexual references, and language that isn't suitable for children or younger teens.

Q: What is the best Damon Wayans movie for a 10-year-old? Major Payne is generally the best entry point. It’s PG-13 and focuses on slapstick humor and a "misfit" story that kids that age can relate to, though you should expect some mild language.

Q: Where can I stream My Wife and Kids? As of 2026, My Wife and Kids is frequently available on platforms like Hulu or DisneyPlus depending on your region. It remains one of the most family-friendly ways to enjoy Damon Wayans' comedy.

Q: Why is Damon Wayans coming back to Scary Movie now? The 2026 comeback is part of a larger trend of 90s/2000s nostalgia. After years away from the franchise, the Wayans family is returning to reclaim the parody genre they helped popularize, likely targeting both original fans and a new generation of viewers.

Damon Wayans is a legend for a reason, and his return to the big screen in 2026 is a fun moment for those of us who remember the "Golden Age" of parody. While the new Scary Movie might not be the "family movie of the year," it’s a great excuse to look back at his more accessible work like My Wife and Kids.

Just remember: keep the R-rated stuff for after the kids are in bed, and maybe keep a dictionary handy for when your kid tries to explain why a Wayans sketch is "low-key mid" compared to a Roblox meme.

Check out our full guide on navigating 90s nostalgia with modern kids