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The newest series on Keke Palmer’s KeyTV Network is stirring up all kinds of controversy this week.
It all started Tuesday with the announcement of “Southern Fried Rice,” a coming-of-age dramedy that follows a Gen Z Korean American adoptee named Koko. The character, raised by a Black family, leaves her small town in Georgia to attend an elite HBCU in Atlanta, where she, according to the show’s description, “enters a world that challenges her sense of belonging.”
“From being dubbed a ‘culture vulture’ to exploring friendship and relationships,” it says, “KoKo is thrust into an identity crisis that forces her to confront the complexities of race, heritage, and self-discovery.”
The show is written and created by Nakia Stephens, and executive produced by Stephens, Palmer, Sharon Palmer and Lenoria Addison.
In an X post from Palmer that featured the show’s trailer, she noted, “Now y’all KNOW I love a good story with some heart, a little humor, and a lotta mess!”
However, the mess so far has only stemmed from social media’s reaction to “Southern Fried Rice,” as users were quick to express their outrage at both the title and the show’s premise.
All these black actresses struggling to get lead roles as other studios slowly disappear black female representation and you give us a show about HBCUs centering someone else.
As a black woman creative…I can’t believe you would think this would fly. https://t.co/tRF5Lg5rmh
— Shaymore (@shaymore4522) October 22, 2025
No Asian-American showrunner would ever make a show featuring a Black adoptee in an Asian-American family, you should be deeply embarrassed https://t.co/N46lezMwnS
— 🎃 (@cinderlenin) October 22, 2025
There were also some who came to the defense of those behind the show:
As difficult as it is for creatives, especially Black creatives to get things made and see themselves reflected on big & small screens, I was happy to watch both eps despite the discourse. I wasn’t disappointed.
Thought provoking. Conversation starter. #SouthernFriedRice https://t.co/3Xkf7OELUJ
— Tiffany B. (ER RN/Writer) (@Poetif76) October 23, 2025
As someone who had their art plastered and misinterpreted on here, I understand @screenwriteHER_ and her fight.
People do love to dogpile on Black creatives with out even reading the book, watching the show, or engaging with the art.
A lot of yall don’t know know what it takes… https://t.co/YJuznHSFwd
— LaDarrion Williams (@ItsLaDarrion) October 23, 2025
In a video statement responding to the “controversial feedback” on Wednesday, Palmer spoke to her network’s mission statement and the difficult challenges Black creatives face to get shows like “Southern Fried Rice” off the ground.
“Look, what you like is subjective, but the support of Black creatives isn’t,” she said. “And it’s a task that KeyTV takes on with pride because if you want to be a creative, you have to be able to create, and that takes money.”
Palmer added, “Whether you like it all, or some, or none, I say give these creatives a chance to grow as we continue to grow in supporting them.”
Stephens issued her own statement that same day, saying she “welcome[s]” the “curiosity” and “conversation” that her series — which she said is inspired by her own HBCU experience at Savannah State University — is stirring up.
“My ultimate goal was to spark conversation around culture, around belonging and around identity,” the creator/writer said. “And so that’s what I think I’ve done.”
“Keke gave me a chance,” Stephens added, “so I’m asking for you all to give this a chance and tune into ‘Southern Fried Rice,’ and see for yourself.”
I’ve always been open to discovering new ways to have different conversations. ❤️
Southern Fried Rice is meant to create dialogue because representation isn’t one-dimensional! I hope you all will join me as we premiere the show and continue the conversation. 🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/oDkjm0JAtc
— Nakia Stephens (@screenwriteHER_) October 23, 2025
Given the ongoing backlash online, “Southern Fried Rice” may have already lost its audience. However, the show’s creator is still standing 10 toes behind her creation.
“Thank you all for giving Southern Fried Rice a chance!” Stephens wrote in another X post on Thursday. “I have 20 + other projects out as well, all with Black leads and nuanced stories! I’ll list a few below, if you’re interested 🫶🏾.”
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New episodes are scheduled to air weekly on Wednesdays.
The first two episodes of “Southern Fried Rice” are streaming now on YouTube.
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