INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis got its first look Wednesday at a native son's effort to rebuild his community.
Comedian Mike Epps and his wife, Kyra, premiered their new HGTV show "Buying Back the Block" for guests at The Living Room Theaters in the Bottleworks District.
The couple bought six homes Mike lived in while growing up in Indianapolis. The series documents their journey to renovate the homes in an effort to get them ready to sell at an affordable price.
The couple joined others on the red carpet Wednesday, then took part in a panel discussion before a screening.
"We love this city. It's a growing city, and we expect it to grow more. We want to be part of these neighborhoods and the people," Mike said.
On Tuesday, Mike was behind the counter of a McDonald's restaurant on North Michigan Road, where he was honored for working for the fast food chain when he was growing up in Indianapolis.
"It taught me sportsmanship, believe it or not, even though it's not a sport. It taught me how to work with people at a young age," Epps said.
Epps also encouraged young Hoosiers.
"Our youth need to see that it's OK to start at a level like this because this is not only a job, this is a learning experience," Epps said.
Two years ago, Epps recorded a stand-up special for Netflix at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, and he returned to Indianapolis last spring to perform at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with Cedric the Entertainer.
Last Thanksgiving, Epps teamed up with philanthropist Amp Harris to hand out turkeys to families in the community.
In addition to the HGTV premiere, "Buying Back the Block" can also be streamed right now on Max.