Southern Fried Rice


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 enrolling 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 YangJoy, portrayed by Andreya WallangTreasure, portrayed by Erika NorrellTami, portrayed by Marlena RobinsonDottie Jackson, portrayed by Myra BrownJustin, portrayed by Dasani HortonMilan, portrayed by Shaun RoseMarie, portrayed by Jada LewisAlex, portrayed by Choyce BrownCooli, portrayed by Sencere BrownSteve, portrayed by Kordell BeckhamYasir, portrayed by DaShawn SimonDr. McBean, portrayed by Quinten JohnsonMs. Kilgore, portrayed by Celeste CampbellL'Trell, portrayed by Wangechi WaruiDr. Ryder, portrayed by Marita A. McKeeErika, portrayed by Shuntel RenayJackie, portrayed by Jhaneal Kelli HectorDerrick, portrayed by Jai'Reeh DemondHonestee, portrayed by Ashley India

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?”