There’s something refreshingly honest about a comedian willing to call their own special Delusional, and that’s precisely what makes Mike Epps’ upcoming Netflix project so compelling. Scheduled to premiere on January 27, 2026, Mike Epps: Delusional is positioned as his fifth comedy special with the streaming giant—a milestone that speaks volumes about both his staying power in the industry and Netflix’s continued faith in his ability to pack audiences in. But this isn’t just another comedy special; it’s a master class in self-aware storytelling wrapped in laugh-out-loud humor.
What’s particularly interesting about this project is how it frames Epps’ entire career trajectory. The special’s premise—that “a little delusion and a lot of hustle” made him a star—is simultaneously a celebration and a deconstruction of the entertainment industry’s realities. Epps isn’t shying away from the uncomfortable truth that sometimes you have to believe in yourself when nobody else does, and sometimes that belief borders on delusion. It’s the kind of thematic material that resonates beyond the comedy club, speaking to anyone who’s ever had to bet on themselves despite overwhelming odds.
What We’re Anticipating:
- A raw, unfiltered look at Epps’ personal life, from relationship struggles to the peculiar pressures of navigating fame
- The comedian’s signature energetic stage presence captured in its full glory for a one-hour runtime
- A deeper exploration of his origin story and what it actually takes to “make it” in comedy
- That signature Epps humor that has made him such a recognizable voice in comedy circles for years
The timing of this release is worth noting. As Epps continues to build momentum across multiple platforms—from his comedy career to his acting work—this special will be released during a moment when audiences are particularly hungry for authentic celebrity perspectives. The world has moved away from polished, corporate comedy narratives and toward the messy, real stories that comedians like Epps are uniquely positioned to tell.
Director Royale Watkins brings a vision to this project that goes beyond simply setting up a camera and hitting record. There’s clearly been thoughtful consideration about how to translate stand-up comedy to the screen while maintaining the intimacy and spontaneity that makes live performance so electrifying. The collaboration between Watkins and Epps suggests a creative partnership that understands the nuances of comedy filmmaking—knowing when to pull back and let the performer breathe, and when to use the camera to enhance rather than diminish the audience’s connection.
The special frames delusion itself as a survival tool, a necessary component of artistic ambition that polite society often discourages.
What makes this project particularly significant is how it fits into the broader conversation about comedy in 2026. Stand-up has become increasingly sophisticated as a medium, with comedians using specials as platforms for social commentary, personal vulnerability, and artistic expression. Delusional appears to be following this trajectory—Epps isn’t just telling jokes about airplane food or dating; he’s examining the psychological and emotional underpinnings of his own success and the cost it’s exacted.
The Creative Vision:
- Authenticity as the anchor – Rather than sanitized content, Watkins and Epps are committed to unfiltered storytelling that honors the complexity of their subject matter
- Stage presence meets cinematic language – The special will likely balance the energy of live performance with cinematographic techniques that enhance without overwhelming
- Narrative cohesion – Moving beyond the traditional joke-to-joke format, the special appears structured around thematic throughlines that create a more complete portrait of Epps as both performer and person
- Cultural resonance – Positioning comedy as a legitimate vehicle for exploring deeper truths about ambition, identity, and survival in America
The zero-vote rating on current databases is essentially meaningless at this stage—we’re looking at a project that hasn’t yet reached audiences, so this is purely a statistical artifact rather than any reflection of quality. What matters is what’s being said about the special from those who’ve been following Epps’ career trajectory: this is a comedian at a confident point in his career, willing to be vulnerable and complicated in ways that earlier specials might not have allowed.
SouthPaw Productions’ involvement adds another layer of credibility to this project. The production company’s commitment to this material suggests confidence in both the creative team and the final product. This isn’t a rushed project or a contractual obligation being fulfilled; this appears to be a considered artistic endeavor from people who understand the medium and their subject matter.
As audiences prepare for the January 27 premiere, what’s most exciting is the promise of witnessing a major comedic voice reflect on his own journey with humor, honesty, and a willingness to sit with uncomfortable truths. Mike Epps: Delusional isn’t just scheduled entertainment—it’s an anticipated moment where comedy, vulnerability, and artistic vision converge in a way that could resonate far beyond the comedy community itself.
