Tyler Perry's 'Joe's College Road Trip' Premieres February 13 on Netflix

Movie mogul Tyler Perry, the Atlanta-based filmmaking powerhouse behind Tyler Perry Studios, is shifting gears once again with a fresh spin-off from his beloved Madea universe.

This time, the spotlight is firmly on Madea’s foul-mouthed, no-filter brother, Joe Simmons — and fans are already buzzing about the chaos ahead.

Uncle Joe’s in the Driver’s Seat for One Chaotic Cross-Country Adventure

Titled Tyler Perry’s Joe’s College Road Trip, the upcoming comedy marks the first standalone feature centered on Joe, the grumpy patriarch who’s spent years stealing scenes alongside his pistol-packing sister Madea.

Written, directed, produced, and starring Perry himself, the film follows Joe as he takes his sheltered grandson B.J. (played by Jermaine Harris) on what was supposed to be a straightforward college tour.

Instead, it turns into a raucous cross-country road trip designed to teach the young man about the “real world” — with plenty of detours, tensions, and life-changing lessons along the way.

“Uncle Joe is finally behind the wheel, and you know that means trouble,” Perry teased in recent promotional materials.

The official synopsis promises high-stakes hilarity: “In an effort to teach him about the real world, Joe takes B.J. on a cross-country college road trip where tensions get high but life-changing lessons are learned.”

Expect Joe’s signature irreverent humor, unapologetic commentary, and inevitable mishaps as the duo hits the open road.

Joining Perry and Harris in the cast are Amber Reign Smith (known from Perry’s Beauty in Black), Bethany Anne Lind (Ozark), and a supporting ensemble featuring Jeremy Gimenez, Millie Jackson, Wil Deusner, Patricia Williams, and more.

Production took the crew across multiple locations, including filming in New Mexico, Memphis (with scenes on iconic Beale Street), and of course, right here in Atlanta at Tyler Perry Studios.

This project continues Perry’s prolific partnership with Netflix, following hits like Mea Culpa, A Jazzman’s Blues, and last year’s Madea’s Destination Wedding.

Joe’s College Road Trip is one of several Tyler Perry projects slated for the streamer in 2026, alongside titles like The Gospel of Christmas, ’Tis So Sweet, and more.

The film drops globally on Netflix on Friday, February 13, 2026 — just in time for a Valentine’s weekend filled with laughs instead of romance. With the official trailer recently released and showcasing Joe’s wild energy, early reactions suggest this could be another must-stream for Perry fans and comedy lovers alike.

As Atlanta’s hometown hero continues to dominate screens big and small, Joe’s College Road Trip proves once again why Tyler Perry remains one of the most unstoppable forces in the movie industry.

Buckle up, Atlanta — Uncle Joe is hitting the road, and it’s bound to be one unforgettable (and chaotic) ride.

Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for more updates, trailers, and local ties as we count down to the premiere. What do you think — will Joe survive the road trip without Madea bailing him out? Let us know in the comments!

With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.

There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.

See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now