It’s been a while since I sat down to watch a proper sitcom. You know, the kind of show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet somehow manages to keep you hooked with relatable characters, family drama, and plenty of laughs. When I stumbled upon The Upshaws, I honestly didn’t expect too much. I thought it might be just another sitcom trying to survive in today’s world of fast paced dramas and edgy thrillers. But to my surprise, this show turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I needed ! a funny, heartfelt, and refreshing comedy.
At first, I’ll be real with you, it felt a little corny. The pilot didn’t immediately pull me in, and I wasn’t sure if I would even continue. But because I’ve seen plenty of shows where the first episode isn’t the best representation, I decided to give it another shot. And I’m glad I did. By the time I got into a few more episodes, I was laughing out loud much more than I expected. The jokes started to land, the chemistry between the characters started to shine, and soon enough, I found myself bingeing the series with my partner @yugadi over just a few nights.
The Cast That Makes It Work
What truly makes The Upshaws stand out is it’s cast. This isn’t just another sitcom with a bunch of unfamiliar faces trying too hard, this show brings together some comedy heavyweights and sitcom veterans who know exactly what they’re doing.
Mike Epps plays the role of Bennie Upshaw, the well meaning but often screwing things up type of dad. His character is messy, stubborn, and
sometimes clueless Always Clueless, but always with good intentions. This role feels tailor made for him because it lets him show off his natural comedic abilities. I’ve seen Epps in plenty of projects before, but The Upshaws really feels like the perfect vehicle to bring out his humor. Every sarcastic jab, every funny expression, it just works.
Then you have Wanda Sykes as Lucretia, Regina’s sister. Honestly, Wanda is just Wanda 😂 sharp, sassy, and absolutely hilarious. Her comedic timing is unmatched, and her constant back and forth with Mike Epps is what gives the show so much of its spark. Their quips and playful insults are pure gold 🤌🏼, and I often found myself laughing the hardest when the two of them were in the same scene.
And of course, Kim Fields. If you grew up watching sitcoms, you’ve probably seen her before, and she brings all that experience here. She plays Regina, Bennie’s wife, and is basically the glue that holds everything together. While Mike Epps brings the chaos and Wanda Sykes brings the sass, Kim Fields brings balance. She plays the grounded, level headed character who makes the family feel real. She also has such great chemistry with both Epps and Sykes, which makes their trio the heart of the show.
Relationships That Feel Real
One of the strongest parts of The Upshaws is the way it portrays relationships. Sitcoms are often filled with couples who either fight constantly or never fight at all, but Regina and Bennie feel different. Yes, they argue sometimes loudly, sometimes over silly things but what makes them stand out is the way they always come back together. Their relationship feels authentic, built on love and acceptance, even when they’re driving each other crazy.
And then there’s Lucretia, who is always somewhere in the middle of their marriage. Because of her business involvement in the garage with Bennie, she’s constantly around, often overstepping and stirring the pot. But what I really liked is that she never actually comes between them. She might get on Bennie’s nerves, but deep down, she’s supportive of both him and Regina. That dynamic makes their interactions even funnier because you can tell there’s love under all the insults.
Even Bernard, who doesn’t have the biggest role, plays an important part in showing how the family functions. It’s little details like this that give The Upshaws more depth than just being a laugh track sitcom.
The Humor – Corny But Relatable
Let’s be honest, sitcom humour can be cheesy. And yes, The Upshaws does have it’s fair share of corny jokes. But here’s the thing: it works ! The humour feels natural to the characters, and there’s something very relatable about the way they argue, curse, and tease each other. In fact, the cursing is one of the reasons the show feels more modern and realistic. Families don’t always speak in clean, scripted lines, they argue, they joke, and sometimes, they let out words that sitcoms of the past never dared to include. And that’s part of what makes this show stand out in today’s TV landscape.
By the time I was midway through the series, I wasn’t even noticing the cheesy moments anymore because the comedy had settled into such a good rhythm. There were multiple times I caught myself genuinely laughing out loud, which doesn’t happen often with sitcoms these days 🥲
Where the Show Falls Short
As much as I love The Upshaws, it’s not perfect. The biggest weakness for me has been the younger kids in the family. They’re not terrible, but they’re definitely not as strong as the adult cast. Their acting feels a little flat at times, and often their storylines don’t feel as engaging. I sometimes found myself wishing the show would focus more on the adults, similar to how Everybody Loves Raymond kept the kids more in the background while making the adult relationships the center of the comedy.
Still, it’s a minor complaint when compared to everything else that works so well.
Why It Stands Out
There are a lot of comedies out there that try too hard, either being overly dramatic, too politically correct, or simply not funny. The Upshaws doesn’t fall into that trap. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s a straightforward sitcom, but with a modern twist. It’s got the energy of old school sitcoms but updated with today’s sensibilities, real conversations, realistic family struggles, and humour that doesn’t feel outdated.
It’s also refreshing to see a sitcom led by Black actors who bring their unique voices, culture, and perspective to the screen. Representation matters, and The Upshaws is doing a fantastic job of delivering comedy while staying true to it’s roots.
Final Thoughts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H172Id0Kz-c
If you’re like me and haven’t watched a sitcom in a long time, The Upshaws might just surprise you. It’s not perfect, the younger cast could be stronger, and some jokes might not land but overall, it’s funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The chemistry between Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes, and Kim Fields is what carries the show and makes it worth watching.
The way Regina and Bennie’s marriage is shown with all its ups and downs, Lucretia’s sass, and Bennie’s constant screw ups all add up to a show that feels both chaotic and comforting at the same time.
By the time I finished the series, I found myself not only enjoying it but also excited for what’s coming next. I can’t wait for season 7 to see where these characters go.
So, is The Upshaws worth watching ? Absolutely. If you want a sitcom that makes you laugh, gives you characters you can relate to, and reminds you that family no matter how messy is always at the center, this is the show for you.
It’s definitely a must watch comedy, and I have to give credit to the cast and crew for pulling it off. The Upshaws may not reinvent the sitcom wheel, but it does what it’s supposed to do which is make you laugh, make you care, and keep you coming back for more.
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