Southern Fried Rice is an American comedy drama web series created by Nakia Stephens, directed by Shayla Racquel, produced by Keke Palmer, and starring Page Yang. It premiered on the KeyTV Network dedicated YouTube channel on October 22, 2025. The show follows the life of a Korean-American girl, raised from birth by African-American parents from the South, who struggles to defend and redefine her identity after being enrolled into a popular HBCU.
Critics have condemned Southern Fried Rice for appropriation of African American culture and unrealistic portrayals of the HBCU experience.
History Keke Palmer dropped the trailer for the series on October 21, 2025.
In 2023, Palmer spoke to Revolt about her vision for KeyTV Network, which is being intentional about working with Black creators. She explained, “I want to continue to submit amazing content. I want to see the people who work with me gain more opportunities...our community has a lot to offer, and people don’t know or credit us for what we’re offering.” As a result of some of the social media outrage, creator, Stephens took to X to explain that based on her own HBCU experiences, and the cast being made up of HBCU alumni, she was inspired to create the series through many various iterations over 10 years. She explained, “My ultimate goal was to spark conversation around culture, around belonging and around identity. And so, that’s what I think I’ve done."
Characters and cast
Koko, portrayed by Page Yang Joy, portrayed by Andreya Wallang Treasure, portrayed by Erika Norrell Tami, portrayed by Marlena Robinson Dottie Jackson, portrayed by Myra Brown Justin, portrayed by Dasani Horton Milan, portrayed by Shaun Rose Marie, portrayed by Jada Lewis Alex, portrayed by Choyce Brown Cooli, portrayed by Sencere Brown Steve, portrayed by Kordell Beckham Yasir, portrayed by DaShawn Simon Dr. McBean, portrayed by Quinten Johnson Ms. Kilgore, portrayed by Celeste Campbell L'Trell, portrayed by Wangechi Warui Dr. Ryder, portrayed by Marita A. McKee Erika, portrayed by Shuntel Renay Jackie, portrayed by Jhaneal Kelli Hector Derrick, portrayed by Jai'Reeh Demond Honestee, portrayed by Ashley India
Episodes
Season 1 (2025)
Reception Critics have condemned Southern Fried Rice for cultural appropriation of African American culture, unrealistic or unnecessary portrayal of the HBCU experience, Complex describes comments about the show such as “I cannot begin to express how tone deaf this series is considering the current political climate. Really, Keke?”
References
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