Is Average Joe Based on a True Story? The Netflix Series Explained

Wondering if Average Joe, the acclaimed BET+ series by Robb Cullen, is based on a true story? Look no further – the show has just been released on Netflix.

Despite producing several successful original content, Netflix’s biggest hits are usually acquired movies and TV shows. One prime example is The Super Mario Bros Movie, which remained on the top 10 chart for more than 35 weeks.

Despite being canceled, Suits became a streaming sensation years later and even made an appearance on the most recent Nielsen ratings, alongside House of the Dragon and The Boys.

This week, Average Joe Season 1 made its debut on Netflix after a successful stint on BET and its streaming platform. The show’s plot is nothing short of wild.

Average Joe is “loosely based” on a true story

The show Average Joe is loosely based on the life of its creator, Robb Cullen, incorporating dramatic elements along the way.

According to BET’s website, although Cullen has acknowledged being the source of inspiration for the series, he has chosen to remain secretive about the specific details. As a result, there has been much speculation about the true inspiration behind the show.

Despite the show’s release, Cullen revealed in an interview with Variety that his father was a conman and a record producer, which is a common trait among most record producers.

“Average Joe”creator Robb Cullen reflects on bringing the American dark comedy-drama television series to life. | Variety A Night in the Writers’ Room pic.twitter.com/1Tu4BKyt3C

— Variety (@Variety) June 15, 2024

He had a knack for discovering exceptionally talented children, and every parent hoped that their child would be the most gifted one. They would readily give him the money without hesitation, not realizing that they would never see him again.

“We were always on the move. Eventually, we ended up in New York where my dad made friends with a man, whom I will refer to as the Russian. This man was known as the muscle for a powerful family. After my dad’s recent passing, I received a call from the Russian who expressed his desire to discuss my father.”

At a diner, Cullen was met by the Russian who proceeded to reveal that his father had “taken advantage of many people before his death.”

Cullen was clueless about the topic at hand, prompting the Russian to demand, “Just tell me where the f**king money is, Rob.”

What is the series about?

Average Joe centers around Joe Washington (played by Deon Cole), a working-class plumber who uncovers the fact that his deceased father had taken money from the Russian mafia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWitM3oDDBI

BET+ Original | Average Joe | Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWitM3oDDBI)

The amount at stake is not a mere few thousand dollars, but rather a whopping $10 million and a Lamborghini. As expected, the owners are determined to recover everything, leading Joe, his family, and friends on a desperate race to uncover the truth and retrieve the millions, according to the synopsis.

The cast of the show includes Tammy Townsend, Malcolm Barrett, Cynthia McWilliams, and Michael Trucco as well.

Following its June 2023 release, the series received an impressive 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes. TIME Magazine described it as “fast-paced and addictive, showcasing stellar performances and a darkly humorous tone.”

Entertainment Weekly also commended the show, as evidenced by their review which stated: “With a likable cast, Average Joe delivers a unique mix of heart-pumping crime thriller, clever wit, and complex family dynamics.”