Big Age

by Kenya Barris, Danny Segal, Isaac Schamis

From visionary creator Kenya Barris (beloved TV sitcom Black-ish and the podcast Unusual Suspects). Starring comedy legends Jenifer Lewis, Cedric the Entertainer, and Niecy Nash-Betts, Big Age follows recently retired couple Dot and Butch Watts' reluctant relocation to their new Floridian home, Sunset Gardens, a senior community that is anything but relaxing.

In Barris' retirement community, Dot and Butch encounter a parade of unforgettable personalities pushing their fifty-year marriage to the limit. There's Ethel (Nash-Betts), Butch's flirtatious ex-flame; spiritually possessed neighbors; pesky pill-pushing couples; and the ferociously competitive Stevenator.

Through its blend of outrageous comedy (key party, anyone?) and touching revelations, Big Age explores what it means to grow older without growing old at heart. As the Watts learn to embrace their quirky new world, they discover that senior living can be delightfully thrilling—if you let it. Crank up the volume and buckle in; growing old is not for the faint of heart.



Jenifer Lewis as "Dot”

Cedric the Entertainer as "Butch"

Niecy Nash-Betts as "Ethel"

Diarra Kilpatrick as "Maggie"

Miles Brown as "Trevor"

P. J. Byrne as "John”

Sophie Hayden as "Mimi"

Nana Visitor as "Cassava"

Michael Harney as "Stevenator"

Jim Meskimen as "Bill"

Jane Gennaro as "Jill"

Ezra Knight as "Freddy"

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published February 5, 2026

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible really continues to push the envelope on audiobooks and I love it. I saw this preview for a full cast narration and decided to give it a go and I loved it. To me, this was almost exactly like a sitcom, but an audio edition instead. While I loved the idea of watching a heart warning satire , I cant find it in me to actually sit down for the show. So this was a perfect medium for me. The voice acting themselves was extremely rich and vivid. It was enough to make me feel like I was really watching it while I went about my day.
I also enjoyed the story itself. Dot and Butch take on a retirement home, albeit reluctantly. With themes of finding yourself alone and in a long term marriage, it was really enjoyable. It was very light hearted with just enough subtle importance to make you appreciate the growth. The characters also had me laughing out loud several times.
I would recommend it to anyone and would definitely listen to a sequel.

[Carrey 🍓 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Audible Original Big Age was an absolute comedic ride. I was laughing from start to finish.

The story unfolds in an episodic format, very much like a sitcom or an old time radio show, complete with immersive, interactive audio elements that make it feel very dynamic.

The plot centers on Dot and Butch, a married couple whose daughter, Maggie, moves them into a Florida retirement community called Sunset Gardens. Butch, ever the optimist, embraces the change. Dot, on the other hand, is resistant from the start and even more so when she discovers that Butch’s first love and ex-girlfriend, Ethel, also happens to live there.

What follows is a series of chaotic, hilarious scenarios involving Dot, Butch, and the eclectic residents of Sunset Gardens.

🌅⛲️🌴 🌅⛲️🌴 🌅⛲️🌴 🌅⛲️🌴

Overall, I had a great time with this one. It was funny, charming, and quite entertaining.

My one gripe? Dot herself. While I appreciated that every character had a distinct personality and comedic presence, I just couldn’t fully warm up to her. She grated on me more often than not. She was tolerable at times, but there were moments when I found her completely insufferable.

Despite that, the supporting cast more than made up for it. I especially loved the new age, metaphysical hippie grandma; I could absolutely see myself turning into her one day at a retirement home.

At the end of the day, if you love comedy and ensemble chaos, I definitely recommend giving this a listen. It had me laughing from episode one.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❌/5.

[Kesia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll always enjoy the multitude of character narrations and the background music and sounds. It add so much depth to the story. Overall, the actual story wasn’t too interesting to me. It was nice to get a perspective of aging and the nuances of an aging couple. The plot itself didn’t truly capture my interest.

[R. Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extreemply enjoyable listen that 4 stars doesnt even seem high enough. I loved the sharp and funny banter throughout the whole story... I dont think I wasnt smiling at any point of this one!! I was completely invested from start to finish of this one!!

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. Great humor and wonderful narrators (I’m a sucker for a full cast!) It was essentially a short story about nothing and about everything. It was like a long episode of a T.V. show. It was totally worth it though.

[Darwin Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious from start to finish😂

[GetLitWithRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hilariously entertaining audiobook that kept my attention from start to finish. It was funny, yes, but also so realistic in the way it explored relationships, ambition, and adulthood.

Every character brought something meaningful to the story, and the narration made them feel even more alive. Honestly? I would absolutely watch this as a TV show. Add Jenifer Lewis, Cedric the Entertainer, and Niecy Nash-Betts to the cast and it’s already a winning combo.

I definitely need more. It ended in a way that leaves room for a sequel, and I’m hoping the story continues because I’d happily dive back in.

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio review:
Full Cast Duet Narration including Jennifer Lewis, Cedric the Entertainer, and Niecy Nash-Betts

Tropes:
Married couple antics
Senior living chaos
Quirky neighbors
Flirty exes
Mischievous adventures

Dot and Butch Watts move into the senior community Sunset Gardens, expecting peace and quiet—only to find chaos, intrigue, and laughter at every corner. From outrageous parties to touching revelations, Big Age proves life is far from over once you hit retirement. I was cracking the whole time. I swear Audible originals are so good.

[RB · Rating 5 out of 5]

It began slowly for me at first, but because I like the cast, I was pleasantly surprised as I laughed throughout the chapters. Jennifer Lewis is truly the grand dame in all that she does, Cedric the Entertainer was as funny as ever, and Niecy Nash-Betts as the "aged ingenue" was the perfect spice along with the cast of seniors who epitomized who we could all be at that age- it was a hoot and a whole bunch of fresh air to listen to. A definite day brightener.

[Jessica Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving it! I enjoyed hearing something that touched on how WE older folks are living; family, love, jealousy, insecurity etc ... changes of the emotional rollercoaster of LIFE! I laughed, I sighed because I could totally relate to just about everything going on. Just because one gets old doesnt mean they don't go through all the emotions.

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dot and Butch are a couple in their later years, married a half century and they are in a rut. Their daughter finds a place in a retirement home. Although Butch likes the idea, Dot does not! When Ethel, Butch's first love turns up to be living in the same home, things get a little nasty. It's a funny story! Loved the full cast narration!

[Roxanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had great voice acting, fully developed, and fleshed out characters. Even the supporting characters were memorable.
I laughed out loud and had a good time while important issues like community, reinviting yourself in the winter of your years, maintaining intimate relationships and addressing unresolved feelings were discussed.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impeccable cast of narrators in this funny and being honest with oneself look about getting older. Jenifer Lewis and Niecy Nash-Betts are the best and you
can never go wrong with anything they are involved in.

[Briana Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop, this was so cute and so funny. I legit found myself laughing out loud at work today listening to this, it was that good!

I hope there's more where these came from, especially since it ended with that cliffhanger?!?!?!

I NEED more!

[Makaylareads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cutest little comedy about a 78-year old and her husband who move into a retirement community after they both were left on the ground for hours due to a fall. Absolutely LOVED the drama, the side characters were juicy. I loved how it ended on a cliffhanger, I hope there is more.

[Kamilah Hall Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw Jenifer Lewis and Cedric The Entertainer I immediately had high expectation. I love both of my St. Louis natives and I was expecting to be laughing a lot. Not so much. It was a decent story and if it wasn’t for their performance I wouldn’t have made it through the 3 hours.

[Hosea Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the actors and actresses in the book. Their voices carried the story. Their were some funny parts, serious parts about age and acceptance. But overall the story was just ok. A solid read if you like the people who voice the characters.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious shenanigans when a septagenarian couple married for 50 years moves into an assisted living home with the husband's old high school sweetheart, who's single. Cedric the entertainer is great as one of the narrators.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline and characters are all relatable whether you are witnessing your parent(s) aging or have been there done that. Most of the story is humorous but there are a few that will make you stop and push back a tear. Kenya Barris has done an amazing job with this one.

[Dosha (Bluestocking7) Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cedric the Entertainer was hilarious! I enjoyed all of the characters, but I looked forward to him the most. Easy quick listen that made me smile a lot and laugh too.

[Emily Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This interactive audio was so good. I definitely enjoyed it so much! A must listen

[Ladybugcain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was funny!! Great writing and story line was very relatable. Should have a part 2. Would recommend.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable and well performed, but I couldn't get past how much I disliked Dot. Or "Butch" as a name for a grown ass man.

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great audiobook. Jenifer Lewis, Cedric the entertainer, & Niecy Nash killed the voice acting

[Sami Danley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and cute. I loved listening to these stars narrate the main characters. I love these Dolby freebies. It's like listening to a movie in the next room.

[Caron Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it’s Jenifer Lewis, it’s always five stars

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Trinna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never laughed so hard listening to a book! It was fun and a great escape. And of course you can’t go wrong with Cedric, Jennifer Lewis and Niecy Nash as narrators. I hope there is a sequel!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining listen, full cast Audible original drama.