Honestly, it’s hard to imagine the comedy landscape over the last twenty years without Mike Epps. You’ve probably seen him pop up in everything from low-budget cult classics to massive superhero blockbusters like Madame Web. He’s got this specific, chaotic energy that few others can replicate. He isn't just "the guy who replaced Chris Tucker" in the Friday franchise anymore; he’s a mogul who has somehow kept a foot in both the gritty stand-up world and the polished halls of Hollywood.
If you’re looking for a definitive run-down of mike epps movies and tv shows, you’re essentially looking at a map of modern Black comedy. From his breakout as Day-Day Jones to his more recent, more grounded work on Netflix’s The Upshaws, Epps has a range that most people don’t give him enough credit for.
The Day-Day Legacy and the Early Hits
We have to start with Next Friday. It’s the law of the land. When Epps stepped into the shoes of Day-Day Jones in 2000, he had the impossible task of filling the void left by Smokey. He didn't try to be Chris Tucker, though. He was weirder. More frantic.
That role cemented him as a leading man in the urban comedy circuit. He quickly followed it up with All About the Benjamins (2002) and Friday After Next (2002). This era was basically the Mike Epps takeover. He was everywhere. You couldn't walk into a Blockbuster—remember those?—without seeing his face on a DVD cover next to Ice Cube.
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But he wasn't just doing the "bumbling sidekick" thing. He took some interesting swings.
- How High (2001): He played Baby Powder, the pimp. It was a small role, but people still quote it today.
- Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004): He played L.J. and actually survived a zombie apocalypse, which was a weird but welcome pivot into sci-fi action.
- The Honeymooners (2005): Taking on the role of Ed Norton was a bold move, even if the movie itself got mixed reviews.
Mike Epps TV Shows: From Def Comedy Jam to The Upshaws
While his film career was exploding, Epps never really left the small screen. Most people forget he was in an episode of The Sopranos back in 1999. He played Jerome in the episode "46 Long." It’s a tiny role, but it’s a fun piece of trivia for the die-hards.
Fast forward a bit, and his TV presence became much more substantial. He led the Uncle Buck reboot on ABC in 2016. It didn't last forever, but it showed he could carry a network sitcom.
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The real game-changer, though, has been The Upshaws on Netflix. Working alongside Wanda Sykes, Epps plays Bennie Upshaw, a mechanic in Indianapolis trying to make things work with his family. It’s funny, sure, but it’s also got this "real life" grit to it that feels authentic to his actual roots in Indiana. It’s been a massive hit for Netflix, proving that Epps’ brand of "everyman" humor still hits home with a wide audience.
Modern Film Steals and Netflix Specials
In recent years, Epps has focused on a mix of ensemble comedies and prestige projects. He was great in Dolemite Is My Name (2019) with Eddie Murphy. He also showed up in The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019), which was a much more somber, artistic project than we’re used to seeing him in.
And then there's the stand-up. You can’t talk about mike epps movies and tv shows without mentioning the specials.
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- Under Rated & Never Faded (2009): This is often cited as his best work by hardcore fans.
- Indiana Mike (2022): A homecoming special that felt very personal.
- Ready to Sell Out (2024): His latest Netflix outing where he tackles everything from aging to his own success.
What's Next for Mike Epps?
He isn't slowing down. As of 2026, he’s headlining the "We Them One’s Comedy Tour," which is hitting 36 cities across the US. He’s taking the lead slot, which he mentioned in a recent interview with Hot 97 feels like a "full circle" moment after decades of being part of ensemble tours.
On the film front, keep an eye out for Trouble Man, an action-comedy that’s been generating buzz for its "throwback" feel.
If you want to dive into his filmography, start with the classics but don't skip the newer stuff. The Upshaws is arguably some of his best acting work to date because he’s not just playing a caricature; he’s playing a guy you probably know in real life.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Binge The Upshaws: If you haven't seen it, it’s the best way to see Epps' modern comedic timing.
- Check the Tour Schedule: The "We Them One’s" tour is currently running through May 2026, with stops in major cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
- Revisit the 2000s: Watch All About the Benjamins again. It’s a better action-comedy than critics gave it credit for at the time.