Love Island USA winner Kordell Beckham is making his scripted series debut in Southern Fried Rice, a new show from Keke Palmer’s digital network, KeyTV. The series stars Beckham alongside newcomer Page Yang and marks the fourth collaboration between KeyTV and award-winning production company Damn Write Originals.
Created by screenwriter Nakia Stephens (Heaux & Tell, Nepotista), Southern Fried Rice follows Koko (Yang), a Gen-Z Asian American woman raised from birth by Southern Black parents, as she begins her journey at a prestigious HBCU. With her upbringing rooted in Black Southern culture, Koko finds herself navigating questions of identity, belonging, and self-definition in a world that’s quick to challenge her authenticity.
Beckham plays Steve, a spontaneous and socially magnetic music major with an artsy intellect and a style all his own. Described as a carefree creative who marches to the beat of his own drum, Steve becomes one of Koko’s key connections in her journey toward self-discovery.
“Working with Kordell was truly a joy,” said creator Nakia Stephens. “He’s a star in the making—humble, personable, professional, and a natural talent. You can tell he’s serious about learning and perfecting the craft of acting.”
Since winning Love Island USA Season 6, Beckham has been carving out his path in entertainment, making his modeling debut on the runway for KDaniels and Romeo Hunte during New York Fashion Week.
Stephens describes Southern Fried Rice as “a love letter to HBCU culture and the beautiful chaos of self-discovery.” She added that the show, like her other works, aims to reflect “the complexities of the human experience through authentic, character-driven stories.”
The series is directed by Shayla Racquel, with Stephens serving as showrunner and lead writer. Shanay J. Campbell produces alongside Maia Miller and associate producer Kiah Clingman. Executive producers include Keke Palmer, Sharon Palmer, and Lenoria Addison for KeyTV.
No premiere date has been announced yet.