After more than a decade of scene-stealing appearances, one of Tyler Perry’s most recognizable characters is finally getting the spotlight.
Netflix has released the first trailer for Joe’s College Road Trip, a new comedy that puts Joe — Perry’s loud, unapologetic, and unpredictable Madea-universe staple — front and center for the first time. The film marks Joe’s first solo feature after appearing in 12 Madea films, where the character became a fan favorite for his no-filter commentary and chaotic energy.
Created, written, directed by, produced by, and starring Tyler Perry, Joe’s College Road Trip follows Joe as he hits the road with his sheltered grandson B.J. (played by Jermaine Harris) on what’s supposed to be a straightforward college tour. Naturally, things spiral quickly. The trailer teases a cross-country journey filled with bad decisions, generational clashes, unexpected detours, and the kind of blunt life lessons only Joe can deliver.
While the film leans heavily into comedy, the story also taps into deeper themes around family, education, and generational understanding. As Joe attempts to prepare B.J. for the real world, the trip becomes a crash course in Black history, perspective, and lived experience — even if the lessons come wrapped in chaos. Amber Reign Smith also stars.
The film arrives on Netflix February 13, 2026, positioning it as a Valentine’s Day weekend release aimed squarely at audiences looking for laughs with heart.
Joe’s College Road Trip is the latest entry in Perry’s ongoing partnership with Netflix, where he remains one of the streamer’s most prolific creators. Previous collaborations have delivered major global hits, including Madea’s Destination Wedding, which spent four weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Movies (English) list, and Straw, starring Taraji P. Henson, which reached the Top 10 in 93 countries and ranked No. 1 in 62.
The film is co-produced by Perry and longtime collaborator Angi Bones and has been in development for several years, with early reporting on the project dating back to late 2023.
Joe’s College Road Trip is also part of a larger slate of Tyler Perry Studios projects heading to Netflix in 2026, including ’Tis So Sweet, directed by Tasha Smith; The Gospel of Christmas; Why Did I Get Married Again?; and Beauty in Black Season 2, Part 2.
With Joe finally stepping out of the ensemble and into his own story, the trailer signals a familiar but refreshed chapter in Perry’s storytelling universe — one driven by generational comedy, hard truths, and a road trip guaranteed to go off the rails.