Humor and Legends celebrate a non-traditional family

In The Upshaws

by Arshon Howards

The Upshaws, created by Regina Hicks and Wanda Sykes, finds a way to reinvent the multicamera-family sitcom model from the 90s with new dynamics and genuine laughs.

The 10 episode Netflix comedy series is about a Black, working-class family in Indiana making it through their day-to-day troubles. The heart of the Upshaw family hinges on Bennie, played by Mike Epps, who is a charming, well-intentioned mechanic and lifelong mess just trying his best to step up and care for his family -- wife Regina (Kim Fields), their two young daughters (Khali Daniya-Renee Spraggins, Journey Christine) and firstborn son (Jermelle Simon). He also fathered a teenage son (Diamond Lyons) with another woman (Gabrielle Dennis) -- and tolerates his sardonic sister-in-law (Wanda Sykes), all without a blueprint for success.

The basis of the "Upshaw's" humor is Bennie's moral irresponsibility, which is a role that Mike Epps excels in. It's is his natural humor. He plays his character effortlessly. Wanda Sykes, who plays Regina's sarcastic sister Lucretia never fails to let Bennie hear the end of his many shortcomings. Both Bennie and Lucretia constantly throw jabs at each other at any and every chance they get, reminiscent of Martin and Pam from the television series "Martin."

But the star of the show is Regina, played by Kim Fields. She's the glue of the family. Regina is a three-dimensional character with relatable life struggles: She has 20 years of experience as a hospital administrator, but she's passed over for a promotion because she doesn't have an MBA. She's happy with Bennie but still grapples with resentment over the Tasha situation and the many ways it complicates her family's life. Kim Fields is phenomenal and brings authenticity and emotional intricacies to the brightest character throughout the show.

At times the show's jokes do feel outdated. Sometimes the show is entrenched in racial stereotyping and clichés. During a break from their marriage, Bennie accidentally impregnated another woman, Tasha (Gabrielle Dennis), resulting in the birth of their son Kelvin. The show falls into the typical baby mamma drama, but both parents want the best for their son Kelvin, making the series relatable.

Bennie may not get many things right, but he's ready to step up his game to be the best husband and father he can be. Viewers get a chance to watch the blended family grow closer to each other throughout the series. The show offers laughs, lessons on resilience, kindness, and appreciation.

Similar shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Family Matters" contain great characters. However, none of them feel real. The Upshaws are the opposite, as they are just a regular family with many messy loopholes, like everyone else. Think "Martin" meets "Hangin' With Mr. Copper." It's the perfect show to watch to get that nostalgia black family feel from the 90s with a modern-day twist.