Picture Credit: Netflix
Tyler Perry is expanding his massive Netflix filmography with Doing Life, a brand-new gritty urban drama. Fresh off 2026 titles like Joe’s College Road Trip, the latest installment of Beauty in Black, and Why Did I Get Married Again? (set for release in September) Perry is bringing a touching story of second chances to our screens this fall that seems like it could have the same impact as Straw last year. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming movie, including our very first look, the cast, the runtime, and the confirmed Netflix release date.
Written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry, Doing Life marks the latest in the multi-hyphenate’s ongoing creative partnership with Netflix, which has recently brought us titles like Mea Culpa and A Fall from Grace. Alongside Perry, frequent collaborators Angi Bones and Tony L. Strickland serve as producers.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about Tyler Perry’s Doing Life.
What is the plot of Doing Life?
Diverging slightly from his recent steamy thrillers, Perry’s latest leans heavily into urban drama and romance.
Here is the official logline for the film:
“A gritty and gripping urban drama that explores the life of a single mother fighting for survival and a reformed ex-con with untapped talents who forge an unexpected bond. They find in each other an unlikely second chance.”
Netflix has also provided a first-look image (seen above), which features stars Jay Reeves and Naomi Baker walking together, giving us a glimpse into the grounded tone of the film.
Who is in the cast of Tyler Perry’s Doing Life?
Tyler Perry has assembled a fantastic mix of rising stars and television veterans for this new drama.
- Naomi Baker (All American: Homecoming) leads the film as Anika, the struggling single mother.
- Jay Reeves, who recently worked with Perry on Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight, stars opposite Baker as the reformed ex-con.
- Tamberla Perry (Brilliant Minds, They Cloned Tyrone) as Cathy
- Karen Obilom (Games People Play, Doom Patrol) as Trina
- Jasmine Sargent (Dynasty, The Day Ones) as Lisa
- Danielle Moné Truitt (Law & Order: Organized Crime, Rebel) as Denise
- Rising star Cornell Young IV is also in the movie, playing the role of Donovan. If you’re wondering where you’ve seen his name recently, he is slated to star as Shaquille in Netflix’s highly anticipated A Different World sequel series.
The expanded supporting cast and ensemble includes:
- Mike Massa as Officer Shane
- Joyce Glenn as Secretary
- Justin James Boykin as Carl
- Tracey Stephens as Samantha
- Andre Hall as Bill
- Ahmad Ghafouri as Rami
What is the runtime?
We can confirm that Tyler Perry’s Doing Life will have a runtime of 106 minutes (1 hour and 46 minutes).
When is Doing Life coming to Netflix?
While earlier promotional materials hinted that the release date was still up in the air, we can officially confirm that Doing Life is scheduled to make its global debut on Netflix on Friday, October 2nd, 2026.
Make sure to add it to your Netflix queue!
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