Netflix has officially dropped the teaser for the seventh and final season of The Upshaws, the fan-favorite sitcom starring Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes, Kim Fields, and Jermelle Simon.
The final season premieres Thursday, January 15, 2026, and will bring 12 brand-new episodes to a close, wrapping up the story of one of Netflix’s longest-running Black-led comedies.
Created by Regina Hicks and Sykes, the show originally premiered in 2021 and was praised for its authenticity and relatability. Over the years, it developed a loyal fanbase and earned multiple renewals, becoming a staple in Netflix’s comedy lineup.
Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes, Kim Fields and the whole family are back for one last laugh ❤️
— Netflix (@netflix) December 9, 2025
The final season of THE UPSHAWS premieres January 15. pic.twitter.com/l3ePYvWxaX
But the road to the final season hasn’t been without its challenges.
Epps, who also serves as executive producer, recently opened up on The Breakfast Club about why the show is ending. He revealed that creative differences between co-creators Hicks and Sykes contributed to the decision.
“The Upshaws ended because the writers… just couldn’t see eye to eye,” he said. While acknowledging the strength of the writing team, Epps noted that diverging visions for the show’s direction created tension behind the scenes.
He also pointed to the aging of the cast’s younger characters as a natural endpoint. “If you really want to think about it, the kids got grown. We really couldn’t go no further because of that,” Epps explained.
📺 @TheRealMikeEpps opens up on the ending of the Netflix series 'The Upshaws' and how the writing overall prevented the show from continuing. “It ran its course, but I’m thankful.” pic.twitter.com/lNYWu3T8oC
— The Breakfast Club (@breakfastclubam) November 13, 2025
Still, he promised fans that the final season captures the spirit that made the show resonate in the first place. “In the end… you’ll see we end up getting it back.”
Despite the bumps, The Upshaws has left a mark with its balance of comedy and commentary. From co-parenting to career shifts, from money struggles to mental health, the series always found a way to make the everyday moments feel cinematic.
Photo Credit: Netflix
