Is Netflix’s Average Joe Based on a True Story? Detailed Explanation

Netflix’s new docuseries Average Jan has turned quite a few heads with its recent release, making viewers wonder about its reality. The answer is that it vaguely based on true events of the scandalous life of Robb Cullen’s father. Cullen’s father is renamed Joe Washington (played by Deon Cole) in the show that debuted on August 15.

Average Jan is a black comedy based on Washington’s alleged shady involvement with the Russian mafia. It also discusses his money-extortion habits and his life before his death. Finally, it explains the ordeal that led to Cullen paying for his father’s mistakes.

Returning to the fact that it is a true story, Cullen confirmed on BET’s website that the show is “loosely based on his own life.” However, he refrained from confirming to viewers which parts of the story are true and which are fictional. Additionally, BET’s website claims,

“He (Robb Cullen) has been tight-lipped about the specific details. This has led to speculation about what inspired the show…”

Keep reading to discover insightful details about the gripping, dark comedy that Average Jan and how true it is.

What is Netflix’s The Average Joe’s storyline?

According to Netflix’s official synopsis, Average Jan is based on the life of Joe Washington – a plumber, and his startling discovery about his father’s debt to the Russian mafia. However, Washington’s father stole no small amount of money, he stole $10 million. Moreover, he also stole a Lamborghini from them.

Throughout all of this, Washington remains in the dark about his father’s misdeeds, even after his death. Until the Russians came knocking and demanded what they were owed. Since Washington’s father was long dead, it was up to him as his son to pay old debts or watch his loved ones taken from him.

The cast of Netflix’s Average Jan

The twisted black comedy stars a roster of seasoned actors. These are:

1. Dean Cole as Joe Washington
2. Ashley Olivia Fisher as Jennifer Washington
3. Tammy Townsend as Angela Washington
4. Cynthia Kaye McWilliams as Cathy Montgomery
5. Malcolm Barrett as Leon Montgomery
6. Ashani Roberts as Sergeant Pam Talford
7. Pasha D Lychnikoff as Nicolai Dzhugashvii
8. Chris Petrovski as Dmitri Dzhugashvili
9. Darin Toonder as Stan Harris
10. Patti Tippo as Winny Harris

Likewise, Average Jan has an abundance of actors who make the series what it is – a disturbing experience for the viewers.

Who was Robb Cullen’s father in the Netflix series The average citizen?

Shortly after Netflix announced the show’s release earlier this year, Cullen spoke to Variety on June 15 about the show. He emphasizes the truth of the story and reflects on his father’s criminal activities. Cullen breaks down the facade of his father as a respected record producer. He stated emphatically:

“My father was a con man. He was a record producer, but he was a con man…like most record producers…”

Furthermore, he kept repeating that parents would be proud and excited to hear that their child was gifted. In light of this, he adds that while he did draw talented groups of children, it was ultimately the parents who were deceived. Cullen said:

“They would give him the money without a second thought and they would never see him again!”

Cullen revealed that his family moved frequently, but he didn’t specify specific locations. However, he does have one significant memory from the time after moving to the Big Apple. Cullen claimed it was the place where his father met a Russian man.

Shortly after this meeting, his father died. Cullen said that not long after, the same alleged Russian asked to meet him at a local restaurant. There, Cullen learned about his father’s debts and the seriousness of the situation. Cullen recalled the Russian’s chilling words, saying:

“Just tell me where the damn money is, Rob!”

Where can you watch The average citizen?

The series was originally set to premiere on BET+ in 2023. Now, it’s also streaming on Netflix. Average Jan currently has one season and 10 adrenaline-fueled episodes. Since the recent release of the series on Netflix, the story and characters have made the series incredibly popular.

Will there be a Netflix season 2? The average citizen?

After a resounding success with season 1, Average Jan will return for season 2. However, no official release date has been set yet. However, according to Deadline, filming for the new season will take place between September and December. Furthermore, the cast and crew are reportedly filming the upcoming season in South Africa.

Average Jan has already made a strong impression on viewers who are eagerly awaiting a new season.

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