Netflix has revealed the cast for Joe’s College Road Trip, the latest feature from Tyler Perry, confirming that Perry will star alongside Jermaine Harris and Amber Reign Smith in the upcoming comedy.
The film is officially set to premiere February 13, 2026, with the announcement made during Netflix’s Next on Netflix event, where the streamer unveiled its 2026 slate of series and films. Created, written, produced, directed by, and starring Perry, Joe’s College Road Trip continues his long-running collaboration with Netflix, where he remains one of the platform’s most prolific creators.
The movie follows Perry’s iconic character Joe as he takes his grandson B.J. (Harris) on a cross-country college tour in an attempt to teach him about the real world. What begins as a well-intentioned lesson quickly turns chaotic, with generational clashes, rising tensions, and unexpected moments of growth along the way.
An earlier, more detailed synopsis from the film’s development stage sheds further light on the story. Realizing he may have sheltered his son for too long, Brian agrees to send B.J. on a college tour with his grandfather, hoping Joe can impart lessons on Black history and life beyond the classroom. As the two hit the road, trouble finds them quickly, but the journey ultimately reshapes B.J.’s understanding of the generations that came before him — and deepens his appreciation for his grandfather.
Joe’s College Road Trip is co-produced by Perry alongside longtime collaborator Angi Bones and has been in the works for several years, with early reporting on the project dating back to late 2023.
The film is one of multiple Tyler Perry Studios projects set to debut on Netflix in 2026. The slate also includes ’Tis So Sweet, directed by Tasha Smith and starring Taraji P. Henson; The Gospel of Christmas; Why Did I Get Married Again?; and Beauty in Black Season 2, Part 2.
With Joe’s College Road Trip, Perry returns to a familiar character while exploring generational connection, education, and identity — all through the comedic lens that has defined Joe’s place in his storytelling universe for years.