Netflix’s hit sitcom The Upshaws just dropped the new trailer for Part 5, which is due to hit the streamer this month. The family is putting in the work every day to achieve their dreams, not without a share of laughs along the way.
The returning series stars Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Gabrielle Dennis, and Wanda Sykes and follows a working-class Black family that has dealt with a real issue—infidelity—but is working through it all to solidify their family.
According to the synopsis:
Bennie Upshaw (Mike Epps), the head of a Black working class family in Indianapolis, is a charming, well-intentioned mechanic and lifelong mess just trying his best to step up and care for his family — wife Regina (Kim Fields), their two young daughters (Khali Spraggins, Journey Christine) and firstborn son (Jermelle Simon), the teenage son (Diamond Lyons) he fathered with another woman (Gabrielle Dennis) — and tolerate his sardonic sister-in-law (Wanda Sykes), all without a blueprint for success. But the Upshaws are determined to make it work, and make it to the next level, together. In this upcoming part, the Upshaws continue to ride life’s ups and downs, including new jobs, bigger dreams, health struggles and some major life surprises but still hanging on with the love that comes with family.
Epps and Sykes are executive producing with Regina Hicks along with Page Hurwitz, Niles Kirchner, Annie Levine, Jon Emerson, and Mark Alton Brown. Hicks and Sykes are showrunners and series creators.
Part 5 comes to Netflix on April 18, but the series was already renewed for the sixth part, hitting the streamer later this year.
The much-anticipated animated reboot of the classic Norman Lear sitcom Good Times will hit Netflix on April 12. It promises a blend of nostalgia, modernity, and social commentary. Spearheaded by showrunner and executive producer Ranada Shepard, the series aims to pay homage to its iconic predecessor. At the same time, it hopes to address contemporary issues through the lens of the Evans family in Chicago’s South Side.
The series promises a fresh take on the iconic Evans family, bringing new humor and social commentary to the screen. With an ensemble cast featuring J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Yvette Nicole Brown (Community), Jay Pharoah (Saturday Night Live), Marsai Martin (Black-Ish), Gerald “Slink” Johnson (Black Jesus, GTA V), and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola (Ironheart), fans are eager to see what this modern adaptation has in store. Here’s what we know about the revival.
Premiering in 1974, Good Times focused on the Evans family, residing in a Chicago housing project, navigating the challenges of poverty and systemic racism with humor and resilience. Led by Esther Rolle and John Amos as Florida and James Evans, the cast also included Jimmie Walker as JJ Evans, Ja’net Dubois as Willona Woods, and Bern Nadette Stanis as Thelma Evans. The show addressed pressing social issues while delivering unforgettable laughs.
The animated series follows the latest generation of the Evans family as they navigate life in one of Chicago’s last remaining housing projects. Led by cab driver Reggie (played by J.B. Smoove) and his ever-aspirational wife Beverly (portrayed by Yvette Nicole Brown), the family faces the challenges of urban life head-on. Joining them are their teenage artist son Junior (Jay Pharoah), activist daughter Grey (Marsai Martin), and the youngest member, drug-dealing infant son Dalvin (Gerald “Slink” Johnson).
Opting for animation over live-action, Shepard emphasizes the creative freedom it affords. Departing from the constraints of reality, the animated format allows for imaginative storytelling, including surreal sequences like interactions with a cartoonish rendition of Elon Musk. Moreover, it facilitates a return to the iconic apartment 17C, serving as a symbolic anchor for the enduring legacy of the Evans family.
Like its predecessor, the animated Good Times series promises to tackle relevant social issues with wit and insight. Moreover, each episode delves into a thematic exploration, ranging from elections and poverty to women’s empowerment and technology. Through the lens of the Evans family, the series offers a universal perspective, blending humor with insightful commentary overall. As the logline suggests, “the more things change, the more they stay the same,” highlighting the enduring relevance of the Evans family’s story. “… and keeping your head above water in a system with its knee on your neck is as challenging as ever. The only thing tougher than life is love, but in this family, there’s more than enough to go around,” it continues.
The original Good Times, created by Mike Evans and Eric Montes and executive-produced by Norman Lear, broke ground in the 1970s as television’s first Black two-parent family sitcom. However, the animated reboot, backed by Norman Lear’s Act III Productions, Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media (who are reportedly behind an upcoming Mac Dre documentary), Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door, and Sony Pictures Television, serves as a spiritual sequel, focusing on the fourth generation of the Evans family. Furthermore, Lear’s involvement, including a cameo appearance in the eighth episode, underscores his lasting influence on the series. Ranada Shepard serves as executive producer and showrunner, ensuring that the series stays true to its roots while offering something new to audiences.
The casting of Good Times reflects a commitment to both talent and diversity. J.B. Smoove and Yvette Nicole Brown lead the pack as Reggie and Beverly Evans, while Jay Pharoah and Marsai Martin lend their voices to the younger generation. Additionally, Slink Johnson and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola round out the cast, bringing their own flair to the vibrant characters.
Conclusion
Netflix subscribers won’t have to wait long to watch the entire season of Good Times. All 10 episodes will be available for streaming on April 12, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of the Evans family at their own pace. Whether it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a fresh take on a beloved classic, the animated series promises to deliver laughs and poignant moments alike.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation for Good Times continues to build. With its talented cast, relevant themes, and creative team behind the scenes, the animated series is poised to make a splash on Netflix. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original sitcom or discovering the Evans family for the first time, Good Times offers something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to join Reggie, Beverly, and the rest of the gang for a new chapter in their comedic journey.
Jake Paul will fight Mike Tyson in a boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and streamed live on Netflix. The streaming platform announced the July fight on social media to the surprise of the sporting world. The fight, which will likely be fought as an exhibition match, comes in the midst of Paul taking his boxing career more seriously. The last time that Tyson fought was an exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr in November 2020.
“Mike Tyson is one of the biggest icons in boxing history and Jake Paul is one of the biggest disruptors in boxing history. Saturday, July 20 will be pure drama in the ring in Texas. We are thrilled to partner with Most Valuable Promotions for this historic event and we can’t wait for these two to face off for fans all across the world on Netflix,” said Gabe Spitzer, VP of Sports Nonfiction at Netflix. The event will be the latest sports offering from the streaming giant. There has been previously been the Netflix Slam for tennis and the Netflix Cup for an F1/PGA crossover.
However, Tyson is not the only boxing legend Paul is coming for. Paul took aim at Canelo Alvarez after beating Ryan Bourland with a first-round TKO in Puerto Rico. “Hey, Canelo, stop ducking. I know you want it. I’m repping Puerto Rico; you’re repping Mexico. So, it’s Puerto Rico versus Mexico,” Paul said. It’s not the first time that Paul (9-1) has called out Alvarez (60-2-2). However, Canelo told the YouTuber-turned-boxer to “stay in his lane” the last time Paul made such a challenge.
However, Paul’s MVP event in his adopted island home was not all good news. MVP was forced to scrap Amanda Serrano’s Puerto Rican homecoming just minutes before the fight was meant to begin. Serrano was deemed unfit to fight due to an eye injury sustained on Friday. “She wanted to fight, but the doctor didn’t allow her to fight, because of the problem in the left eye. I assume the fight will be rescheduled and we will sanction the fight,” WBO President Paco Valcarcel said. MVP offered full refunds and promised to pay out Serrano’s opponent’s purse.
It’s long been suggested that Beyonce outshone her Destiny’s Child co-members during their time together as a group, but regardless of what’s happened in the past, Kelly Rowland is front and centre right now. On Friday (February 23), Tyler Perry’s latest film, Mea Culpa, will debut on Netflix. Starring Rowland as a criminal defense attorney who takes on a case of an artist accused of murdering his girlfriend. As with most good dramas, lust and passion raise issues between the client and his lawyer, who finds herself living a double life while attempting to evade too much danger.
The multi-talent acts opposite Trevante Rhodes, who manages to reel her in with his expert tactics of seduction. Earlier this week, Rowland and her co-star were speaking with the media about their work, at which time she found herself shutting down unrelated questions from a journalist. When chatting with V-103 Atlanta about her movie, the black-haired beauty was taken aback by an inquiry about Beyonce. “Your sis just dropped a whole new couple of songs, and it’s my understanding that Renaissance II may or may not be country-based, and then there’s a rumor going around that Renaissance III may be rock-based or a DC reunion,” he speculated.
“That is her business to talk about, not mine,” Rowland stated. When a co-host attempted to step in and diffuse the situation, the “Kisses Down Low” hitmaker doubled down. “Ask them. I’m here talking about ‘Mea Culpa,’ out Feb. 23rd. That’s what I’m most excited about right now,” she said with a laugh.
Is watching Kelly Rowland in Mea Culpa a part of your upcoming weekend plans? Check out the Netflix Original’s juicy trailer ahead of Friday’s streaming premiere above, and let us know if you think it has the potential to be some of Tyler Perry’s best work in the comments.
The press tour for The Vince Staples Show has been an absolute treasure trove of hilarious quotes and sharp insights from the show’s creator and star, Vince Staples. For instance, he’s revealed why the show only has five episodes (one was cut due to rain on the scheduled filming day), the fact that he failed a ton of auditions and even took acting classes to hone his comedic timing (watch the interview above), and why there weren’t any actual “jokes” in the show, despite it being uproariously funny.
However, one thing he didn’t share was whether the show would get a second season.
There’s a good reason for that, of course: Vince doesn’t know. As with most Netflix shows, its renewal is dependent on a complex set of criteria held by the streamer, which could include anything from the number of viewers or hours watched to “vibes” (when in doubt, assume the latter. CEOs don’t be knowing what they doing, it’s just that nobody ever tells them “no”). Still, Vince knows the show has a better chance if it does well early, prompting fans on Twitter to “hit that double thumbs” because “peer pressure works.”
The Vince Staples Show is now streaming on Netflix. The semi-autobiographical show follows the trials and tribulations of the 30-year-old actor and rapper. “Who’s Vince Staples? Well, that’s a tricky question. He’s kind of famous, but he’s not. He’s kind of rich, but he’s not. He’s also kind of a criminal. But he’s… not? Follow him on his daily adventures, where anything that can go wrong usually does,” read Netflix’s synopsis for the show.
Meanwhile, the show has already proven a hit with fans. While many viewers are still early in the season, they are already taking to social media to express their approval. One fan even went as far as to say that the show needed more episodes. Furthermore, another common thread amongst viewers was a favorable comparison to Atlanta, Donald Glover’s hit series that is some of the best television of the last decade.
Will Donald Glover Appreciate Atlanta Comparisons For The Vince Staples Show?
However, will Glover appreciate the comparisons to Atlanta? It’s not something he has been a fan of in the past. While promoting Mr. & Mrs. Smith in early February, Donald Glover ended up taking shots at Lil Dicky. When asked if he thought he was more talented than the rapper and Dave creator, Glover was brutally honest. “Yeah. I mean, I think he’s a really nice guy. I’m just conceited.” In the two weeks since the Vanity Fair video aired, things haven’t turned into an all-out beef between the two actors/rappers.
However, it’s not the first time that Glover has spoken on comparisons between his work and Dicky’s. In 2022, Glover told Interview Magazine that he “liked” Dave but it “bothered him” when it was compared to Atlanta. “You have to think of it like food. Dave is a good burger you should eat fast because the ingredients are fresh. [It’s a show] by a guy who didn’t study at a culinary school, but paid close attention to other burger spots and has the plug on good ingredients. I think in entertainment or art it’s important to know the difference between things. Like, Anthony Bourdain wasn’t pretentious, but he definitely knew the difference between a dry aged wagyu and a smash burger. Neither is better or worse than the other. They’re just different experiences,” Glover said.
I’ve always liked Vince Staples as an artist. & his new show on Netflix further justifies my appreciation of what he does. & it’s filling a void in an Atlanta-less world
The Vince Staples Show is the latest in a continuum of rap-centric comedies going back to the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. While fans have already made comparisons to two of hip-hop’s most recent dark comedies, Atlanta and Dave, based on TVSS‘ loopy trailer, a preview of all five episodes establishes it as its own, unique thing.
Vince Staples himself also did as much during a recent press junket to talk about the five-episode effort and how The Vince Staples Show both builds on the foundation laid by its predecessors and strives to subvert the expectations they may have built in viewers’ minds. Longtime Uproxx readers may remember that one of Vince’s first forays into the comedic format for the screen was our Snapchat show F*#! That. Those fans will be happy to know that all of his sharp sensibilities remain intact in The Vince Staples Show. Meanwhile, despite ony having a few minutes with the Long Beach-bred superstar, he was able to go in-depth with Uproxx about the inspirations behind the show, what he hopes viewers take away from the experience, and why his hometown will always be a co-star in his work.
So when I’m watching the show, of course I’m from Long Beach/Compton, so I’m pointing at the screen like Leo DiCaprio the whole time. What does it mean to you to be able to put Long Beach on a screen like this, and what do you hope people take away from The Vince Staples Show about Vince Staples and Long Beach?
I think it’s very important to show the city in a unique light. I feel like a lot of the times people just think it’s just grimy and desolate all the time.
And growing up, I felt like it was a beautiful place and I just wanted to paint the suburban aspects of the city. Even though it does have its pitfalls and its issues, the scenery is very unique. And I feel like the takeaway for me is just… It’s all up to interpretation.
A lot of things in the show that we sprinkled throughout, I just hope people pay close attention to things that are going on and pick up on some of the Easter eggs and some of the B-stories.
[The show is] painting a new perspective of how people see things and just trying to show them what it actually looks like versus what it might seem like from their vantage point.
Originally, The Vince Staples Show was a YouTube thing, and then you got the opportunity to take it to Netflix. Why did you want to do it as a miniseries as opposed to a more traditional format?
That’s just the opportunity that we got, so we just try to make the best out of the opportunity. Hopefully, it performs well and we are able to keep it going. That’s kind of how we got situated over here with Netflix, and I think it came out good. I feel like no matter how it ends up, we gave a round story and gave it some closure, some context. So I think we’ll be good either way.
There are comparisons to Atlanta on Twitter after the trailer dropped. What are some of the advantages and drawbacks of having something that helps people contextualize what you are doing with your show?
I feel like when you alleviate ego, it is really no drawback. I think that’s an extremely successful show. It changed a lot. It’s had a lot of impact on film and television, just culture in general. So for people to even compare to something that is that coveted and I’m just grateful for it. So it’s a really, really great starting point.
Now I have a plot question, regarding the character “White Boy” from Episode 5. To quote Thugnificent, what did you do to make him that mad?
It’s really just more so commentary on the cycle of growth and what it’s like to grow up in this environment. So if you kind of think about that, then it opens up a lot of questions. You never really know the reason, and I think that was important to frame it in that way. I think that’s why it was important to showcase that Vince did not remember, or know who this person was and nobody else did. And there’s a lot of that in the show if you kind of get into the weeds of it. It was a commentary on how we all are the same, and still don’t like each other.
What’s something that you always wanted to talk about in one of these interviews that you never got a chance to? If you were to write the question for you, what would you want to ask?
I would honestly draw a blank, bro. I’m not really, the question kind of guy, but I appreciate just people’s interests and people’s perspective. That’s why you make these things: to have a commentary, a back-and-forth, [because] someone else’s perspective might not necessarily be mine.
So, every time somebody asks a question, it opens up the way that I view the project or the way that I view the things that I create as well. But if it was up to me, man, I could never do that.
Finna listen to this Nas “I Gave You Power” since y’all keep talking about it in regards to the power ballad that is “When Sparks Fly”. Stay tuned.
While Vince Staples has a bit of a reputation for being a mischief-maker, the rollout for his upcoming Netflix series The Vince Staples Show has shown that he’s taking this endeavor seriously. After spending the past few weeks heavily promoting the show on his social media accounts and even going out into the streets to proselytize its eventual realease on February 15, he’s making sure that everyone gets a chance to see it — even those without Netflix accounts.
“The streets saying they don’t have @Netflix accounts but don’t you fret,” he wrote on Twitter. “We doing a FREE screening for the trenches of Los Angeles !!! Follow the link to link and build. AND WE GOT POPCORN.”
The streets saying they don’t have @Netflix accounts but don’t you fret. We doing a FREE screening for the trenches of Los Angeles !!! Follow the link to link and build. AND WE GOT POPCORN https://t.co/IQvYBKkbh5
The screening will take place next Monday, February 12 at 7 pm at Brain Dead Studios on Fairfax Ave. The one-screen theater has been a fixture of the community for a very long time (Uproxx attended the premiere of Guapdad 4000’s short film Stoop Kid there a couple of years ago).
The Vince Staples Show has its origins as a series of YouTube shorts the Long Beach rapper used to debut new music. Only two episodes of the original concept were produced before Netflix picked up the miniseries, which follows Vince through a series of day-in-the-life vignettes showcasing his wry humor and the unexpected zaniness of being a semi-famous rapper.
The Vince Staples Show premieres on Netflix on 2/15.
Jenna Ortega, a rising star in Hollywood, has captivated audiences with her remarkable acting talent and versatility, leading to a net worth of $5 million by 2024, as reported by NewsCase. Ortega’s career, marked by significant roles in television and film, showcases her ability to embody a wide range of characters, from comedic roles in family sitcoms to complex characters in dramas and horror films. Her trajectory in the entertainment industry is a testament to her dedication, skill, and the profound impact she has made in a relatively short time.
Breakthrough Roles & Career Highlights
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 06: (L-R) Devyn Nekoda, Liana Liberato, Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega and Courteney Cox attend the world premiere of Paramount’s “Scream VI” at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on March 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Jenna Ortega’s breakthrough came with her role in the popular TV series Jane the Virgin, where she showcased her talent at a young age. Since then, Ortega has taken on diverse roles that have expanded her range and solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most promising young actresses. Notable performances in You, The Fallout, and as the titular character in Wednesday have been critically acclaimed, demonstrating her ability to lead and carry complex narratives.
Rising Influence In Hollywood
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Jenna Ortega accepts the Most Frightened Performance Award onstage during the. 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards at Barker Hangar on June 05, 2022 also in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Beyond her acting achievements, Ortega’s influence extends to fashion and social advocacy, where she has become a role model for young fans. Her presence at major events and fashion choices have garnered attention, making her a trendsetter among her peers. Additionally, Ortega’s willingness to speak out on important issues reflects her understanding of her platform’s power and her commitment to using her voice for positive change.
While primarily known for her acting, Ortega has explored other avenues in the entertainment industry, including voice work and involvement in the production aspects of her projects. These ventures indicate her interest in all facets of filmmaking and her ambition to have a well-rounded understanding of the industry. As she continues to evolve her career, Ortega’s ventures beyond acting will likely contribute to her growth as an artist and entrepreneur.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 10: Jenna Ortega attends the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards at. The Beverly Hilton on January 10, 2023 also in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Overall, Jenna Ortega’s career is on an upward trajectory, promising further success in acting and beyond. Her choice of roles and projects moving forward will undoubtedly shape her legacy in the entertainment industry. As Ortega continues to captivate audiences with her performances and engage with her passions outside of acting her influence and impact are set to grow, marking her as a significant figure in Hollywood for years to come.
Last month, Vince Staplesannounced and subsequently shared the first trailer for his new Netflix series. The show is fittingly called The Vince Staples Show and Vince himself stars in it. The project began as some promotional material for his music following his FM! project and lived online in the wake of its release. But there seems to be more untapped interest in Vince’s blend of dry humor and tackling very serious subject matter. He’s already flexed his acting skills with a role in the sitcom Abbot Elementary, which has fans hyped to see how he performs in his own show.
There’s only one problem though, watching the show is going to require a Netflix subscription. Many online in the comments of his posts about the show expressed desire for an alternative way to see the show. Now Vince has answered, albeit for only a select few. “The streets saying they don’t have @Netflix accounts but don’t you fret. We doing a FREE screening for the trenches of Los Angeles !!! Follow the link to link and build. AND WE GOT POPCORN” he tweeted. The post came attached to a link where fans can sign up for a waitlist to get tickets to the screening, which takes place next week. Check out the post below.
The streets saying they don’t have @Netflix accounts but don’t you fret. We doing a FREE screening for the trenches of Los Angeles !!! Follow the link to link and build. AND WE GOT POPCORN https://t.co/IQvYBKkbh5
Vince’s last album RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART dropped back in 2022. Though he hasn’t released any new material of his own since then that doesn’t mean he’s been quiet. Last year, he teamed up with The Alchemist for the newest edition of his special Craft Singles series. The physical-only song was sold exclusively on vinyl via The Alchemist’s story.
It wasn’t the only time Vince teamed up with The Alchemist last year either. He also lent two guest verses to the producer’s collaborative album with Earl Sweatshirt Voir Dire. What do you think of Vince hosting a free screening of his new show for those that don’t have Netflix? Do you plan on watching The Vince Staples Show when it drops? Let us know in the comment section below.
(@FDLsage) 
