Fans are getting an exclusive look inside the creation of Ugly Baby as comedian and actress Anjelah Johnson-Reyes releases Behind the Scenes: The Making of ‘Ugly Baby’, now streaming on YouTube. The special companion piece offers audiences an intimate and hilarious glimpse into the making of her 7th stand-up comedy special, showcasing the hard work, heart, and personal journey behind one of her most meaningful projects to date.
In “Ugly Baby,” Anjelah delivers a heartfelt new hour of stand-up centered around evolving family dynamics, aging, and the life-changing experience of becoming a mother for the first time in her 40s. Through stories about her massive extended family and embracing what she lovingly calls her “Tia Era,” Anjelah once again proves why her comedy continues to resonate with audiences across generations and cultures.
At the emotional center of the special is Anjelah’s candid exploration of motherhood later in life. With her signature wit and relatable storytelling, she opens up about fertility struggles, pregnancy, postpartum experiences, relationships, generational shifts, and even the chaos of airplane confrontations. The result is a deeply personal yet universally funny performance that blends vulnerability with the sharp observational humor fans have loved for years.
The behind-the-scenes documentary captures the journey of bringing the special to life — from rehearsals and production meetings to the excitement and pressure of filming two sold-out performances at the historic El Rey Theatre on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The project also marks Anjelah’s directorial debut, as she independently self-financed and self-produced the special following the success of her nationwide “The Family Reunion” tour, which spanned more than 100 theater shows across the United States throughout 2025 and 2026.
Following the success of her previous specials, Say I Won’t and Technically Not Stalking, Anjelah continues her commitment to making comedy accessible to audiences worldwide by premiering her newest work on YouTube — a platform that has played a major role in her career for over two decades. Since her iconic “Nail Salon” bit first went viral online, YouTube has remained a home for Anjelah’s comedy and her global fanbase.
“Behind the Scenes: The Making of ‘Ugly Baby’” gives viewers a rare opportunity to witness the passion, creativity, and authenticity behind one of comedy’s most beloved performers as she steps into a new era both personally and professionally.
