Netflix's 'The Upshaws,' starring Indy native Mike Epps, features local apparel brand

Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read
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An Indianapolis brand is getting some recognition on a global platform.

When the new season of “The Upshaws” dropped last Friday, the Netflix series included an episode that showed lead character Bennie Upshaw – played by Indy native Mike Epps – wearing a Nap or Nothing varsity jacket.

The local streetwear brand has a shop at 525 Massachusetts Ave. The store sells apparel promoting Indianapolis.

The scene is in the last of the six episodes released Friday.

The sitcom is set in Indianapolis, and Epps, an executive producer who also stars as the head of a working-class family in Naptown, never waivers in his show of love for the city.

Mike Epps wears Nap Or Nothing jacket "The Upshaws."
Mike Epps wears Nap Or Nothing jacket "The Upshaws."

How 'The Upshaws' celebrates Indianapolis

Nap or Nothing though is the first real Indianapolis brand to be featured in the series’ run.

Throughout its first two seasons, outside of Pacers, Colts and Indiana University apparel and Indianapolis Motor Speedway and sports team banners, the series has been light on references of actual brands and events connected to Indiana. There was one reference to a French restaurant on “Illinois Street,” and a shot of a prized Reggie Miller pinstripe jersey.

Schools, bars and shops mentioned in the show are fictional. Even though boxes of doughnuts play in several scenes, the only doughnut brand mentioned has been Krispy Kreme. And we know of Epps’ appreciation of Long's.

But the third season started with a scene set at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And viewers got a look at the Indy skyline with the forum, as well as Salesforce Tower, the BMO building and a glimpse of the IndyStar building. The second episode of the season provided another shot of downtown Indy; this one a nighttime bar district scene.

Another Epps project in the works is sure to have an even stronger Indianapolis presence. He and his wife, Kyra Epps, are starring in an upcoming HGTV home remodel show filmed in Indianapolis. The show is slated to premiere this fall.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter:@cherylvjackson.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Netflix show 'The Upshaws' features Indianapolis brand Nap or Nothing