Netflix finally gave us a proper binge with The Upshaws Part 6, dropping ten episodes instead of the frustratingly short six-episode runs we’ve been getting. And listen, I don’t know why Netflix insists on calling these “parts” instead of just seasons, but at this point, I’ve accepted it like an annoying relative who refuses to be corrected. Titles aside, the show is back, and it’s still got that same mix of messy, heartfelt, and hilarious energy that keeps us coming back.
This season puts Lucretia (Wanda Sykes) in a whole new situation—married and living in Atlanta with her old flame Frank (Lamont Thompson). And let me tell you, watching Lucretia struggle with compromise? Comedy gold. She’s spent seasons throwing shade and cutting checks, but now she’s the one out of her element, and Sykes delivers every line like she’s been waiting her whole life to play a character this petty and perfect. Frank, played by Thompson, is the kind of laid-back partner who can keep up with her sharp tongue without flinching, and the two of them together? Honestly, I’d watch a whole spinoff.
Meanwhile, back in Indianapolis, Bennie (Mike Epps) is… still Bennie. He means well, he tries, but chaos follows him like it’s written in his DNA. That said, Epps has really settled into this role. His comedic timing is sharper than ever, but he also leans into some more dramatic moments this season, especially in scenes with Kelvin (Diamond Lyons). There’s one particular father-son moment that will have every Black parent nodding like, “Yup, been there.” Epps gives Bennie just enough heart to make you root for him, even when he’s being an absolute mess.
Regina (Kim Fields) continues to be the glue holding this family together, though this time around, she gets some well-deserved focus outside of just being Bennie’s cleanup crew. Her bond with Aaliyah’s high school guidance counselor is a small but standout storyline that shows a softer, more vulnerable side of her. Speaking of Aaliyah (Khali Spraggins), she’s going through the stress of figuring out her next steps, while Maya (Journey Christine) is missing Lucretia and dealing with the kind of emotions that don’t get enough attention in sitcoms. And I gotta say it—Gabrielle Dennis deserves more screen time. Every time she pops up, I remember how much she adds to the show, and honestly, she needs her own. Somebody call a showrunner.
Now, is this season perfect? Nah. Some of the supporting characters barely get any shine, and there are moments where the pacing feels a little off—like a joke would’ve hit harder if they’d just let it breathe a little instead of rushing into the next one (and don’t get me started on that laugh track). And of course, Netflix left us hanging with another cliffhanger. At this point, it’s a tradition, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.
The silver lining? Part 7 is already locked in, though it’ll be the last one. And while I’m sad to see it go, at least we’re getting a proper farewell with a full 12 episodes. If this season was about change and growth, I’m hoping the final stretch gives us the payoffs we deserve.
Bottom line: The Upshaws is still one of the realest, funniest family sitcoms out there. It’s not perfect, but neither are the Upshaws, and that’s what makes it work. If you haven’t caught up yet, go binge Part 6. It’s got all the laughs, chaos, and heart you’d expect—just with a little extra depth this time.