While the original films were no stranger to controversy, the series uses humor to more deeply explore a variety of issues related to the contemporary African-American community, including drug abuse, entrepreneurship, local politics, and the use of the N-word. Continuing from the events of Barbershop 2, the series makes several minor changes. Isaac's surname is changed from Rosenberg to Brice. The Nigerian-born Dinka is renamed "Yinka", as Yinka is an actual Nigerian name, while Dinka is not. Additionally, Dinka was naive and slightly overweight, while Yinka is well-educated and muscular. Ricky, the reformed criminal, is replaced by a more hardened ex-con, Jen's distant relative Romadal Dupree. Finally, Isaac and Jimmy each harbor a crush on Terri.
Cast and characters
Omar Gooding as Calvin Palmer, Jr. Calvin is the owner of Calvin Jr.’s Barbershop, first opened in 1958 as "Calvin’s Barbershop" by his father Calvin Palmer, Sr. He and his wife Jen have a son, Cody.
The character was first portrayed in the original Barbershop film by Ice Cube.
Gbenga Akinnagbe as Yinka. An immigrant from Nigeria, Yinka fled that country to escape local sectarian violence. He is by far the most well-educated employee at the barbershop.
The character was first portrayed in the original Barbershop film by Leonard Earl Howze.
Anna Brown as Jen Palmer. Jen is a homemaker, and has studied hotel management in community college. She and her husband Calvin have a son, Cody.
The character was first portrayed in the original Barbershop film by Jazsmin Lewis.
The character was first portrayed in the original Barbershop film by Troy Garity.
Leslie Elliard as Jimmy James. A former employee at the barbershop, Jimmy quit to pursue a career in local politics. Jimmy goes to great lengths to appear more important than is actually the case. He is politically conservative, and considers Calvin to be his best friend.
The character was first portrayed in the original Barbershop film by Sean Patrick Thomas.
Barry Shabaka Henley as Eddie Walker. The oldest employee at the barbershop, Eddie was hired by Calvin Palmer, Sr. on Independence Day 1967. As explained in Barbershop 2, Eddie prevented the shop from being looted or firebombed during the riots following Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination in 1968. In return, Calvin Sr. decreed that Eddie would never again have to pay rent for his chair. Eddie often tells tall tales about his past, and frequently complains that the current generation has no values or sense of history.
The character was first portrayed in the original Barbershop film by Cedric the Entertainer.
Toni Trucks as Terri Jones. Terri is the only female barber at Calvin Jr.’s. She is very quick to anger, and her short temper affects almost all of her interpersonal relationships.
The character was first portrayed in the original Barbershop film by Eve.
Dan White as Romadal Dupree. Romadal is a distant relative of Jen Palmer, who convinced Calvin to hire him. He is an ex-con who was recently released from prison, and is feared throughout the South Side. He has no real skills as a barber.
Unlike the other major characters, Romadal originated on this series.
