THE UPSHAWS

COMEDY

USA

2021-2025

THE UPSHAWS is an American television sitcom created by Regina Y. Hicks and Wanda Sykes. In June 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, with the first part being released on June 29, 2022. The second part of the second season premiered on February 16, 2023. In October 2022, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on August 17, 2023. In December 2023, the series was renewed for a 10-episode fourth season, also called part 6. The six-episode fifth part of The Upshaws, the second half of season 3, premiered on April 18, 2024. In June 2024, the series was renewed for a 12-episode fifth and final season, also called part 7. THE UPSHAWS consists of 60 episodes of 30 minutes.

STORY: A working-class African American family in Indiana struggles to make it work and make it right with no blueprints. Bernard "Bennie" Upshaw Sr. (Mike Epps) is the patriarch of the Upshaw family, Regina's high-school sweetheart (Kim Field) and eventual husband. He is the owner of Bennie's Garage. Lucretia Turner (Wanda Sykes) is Regina's older sister who has an antagonistic relationship with Bennie. Aaliyah Upshaw (Khali Spraggins) is Bennie and Regina's eldest daughter. Kelvin Upshaw (Diamond Lyons) is Bennie and Tasha's (Gabrielle Dennis) son who is the same age as Aaliyah, who calls Kelvin her "Ghetto Twin". He was conceived when Bennie thought he and Regina were on a break. Bernard "Bennie" Upshaw Jr. (Jermelle Simon) is Bennie and Regina's eldest child and only son together. He has a strained relationship with his father, who wasn't there for him until he was 16.

GAY COUPLE STORYLINE: In Season 3, Bernard Upshaw Jr. (Jermelle Simon) reconnects with his ex-boyfriend, Hector (Dewayne Perkins), after realizing that life is too short to worry about what other people think. The two decide to give their relationship another shot and meet up at a bar. Their storyline explores love, acceptance, and personal growth.