Keke Palmer is expanding her KeyTV platform with a brand-new original series, Southern Fried Rice.
According to BET, the show, which officially launched October 22, is designed to spotlight a unique coming-of-age story rooted in both cultural and generational themes.
According to the official synopsis, the series follows KoKo Johnson, a Korean-American girl raised by her Southern Black parents. After enrolling at Wright University—a fictional but prestigious HBCU in Atlanta and her late father’s alma mater—KoKo finds herself navigating questions of identity, belonging, and self-discovery.
The plot explores how she balances the expectations of her family with the reality of campus life, while also tackling friendships, love, and the ways those around her perceive her.
Palmer described the project as one that represents the mission of her network. “Southern Fried Rice is exactly the kind of story I envisioned KeyTV telling, one that reflects our diverse realities while still being full of humor, love, and heart,” she said in a statement. “This series represents the next wave of creative voices that are shaping culture, and I’m so proud KeyTV gets to be part of that.”
While Palmer emphasized the celebratory aspects of the show, early reactions online have not all been positive. Several social media users questioned the direction of the series and Palmer’s decision to back it.
One comment read, “if we see a huge surge in #them taking from black culture, imma blame somebody.” Another user, identifying themselves 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 expressed their frustration more bluntly, with one user posting, “Keke, baby, why would you do this?”
Despite the criticism, the cast lineup reflects Palmer’s commitment to introducing new talent alongside familiar faces. The series stars Love Island alum Kordell Beckham, Choyce Brown—daughter of actress and influencer Tabitha Brown—Ashley India, Jada Lewis, Page Yang, and Shaun Rose.