The new BET+ series, "Average Joe," has generated buzz for its darkly comedic take on a ripped-from-the-headlines story. The show follows Deon Cole as Joe Washington, a blue-collar plumber whose life is turned upside down when he learns that his deceased father lived a wild double life. Joe's pops stole money from the Russian mafia, and now they're pressing Joe for the money his father stole.

The show's creator, Robb Cullen, has said that it's loosely based on his own life. However, he's been tight-lipped about the specific details. This has led to speculation about what inspired the show.

One possibility is that Cullen's father lived a double life. This would be a devastating revelation for any child, even if it didn't involve the mafia. The knowledge that a parent had lied to you in such a dramatic way would be difficult to process. If Cullen experienced this, it's understandable why he would want to explore it in a TV show.

Another possibility is that Cullen's father was involved in criminal activity. This would give the show a "Breaking Bad"-esque vibe. The show's setting in Pittsburgh's Hill District, a historically Black neighborhood, also adds to this comparison.

Of course, we may never know for sure what inspired Average Joe. However, the show's darkly comedic tone and gripping storyline make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.