Keke Palmer is growing her KeyTV platform with a brand-new original series titled Southern Fried Rice.
As reported by BET, the show — which premiered on October 22 — aims to highlight a distinctive coming-of-age story that blends cultural and generational experiences.
According to the official synopsis, Southern Fried Rice follows KoKo Johnson, a Korean-American girl raised by her Southern Black parents. When she enrolls at Wright University—a fictional but prestigious HBCU in Atlanta and her late father’s alma mater—KoKo embarks on a journey of identity, belonging, and self-discovery.
The story delves into how she juggles her family’s expectations with the realities of college life, navigating friendships, love, and the ways others perceive her.
Palmer described the series as a reflection of her network’s vision. “Southern Fried Rice is exactly the kind of story I envisioned KeyTV telling—one that mirrors our diverse realities while being full of humor, love, and heart,” she said in a statement. “This series represents the next wave of creative voices shaping culture, and I’m so proud KeyTV gets to be part of that.”
Despite Palmer’s excitement, early online reactions have been mixed, with some social media users questioning the show’s direction and her decision to produce it.
One user commented, “If we see a huge surge in #them taking from Black culture, imma blame somebody.” Another, who identified as a Black Ivy League student, wrote, “I cannot begin to express how tone-deaf this series is considering the current political climate. Really, Keke?” Others were more direct, with one frustrated viewer posting, “Keke, baby, why would you do this?”
Still, the show’s cast showcases Palmer’s dedication to blending rising stars with familiar names. Southern Fried Rice features Love Island alum Kordell Beckham, Choyce Brown—daughter of actress and influencer Tabitha Brown—Ashley India, Jada Lewis, Page Yang, and Shaun Rose.
