Meet Niya Palmer, Writer of the New Tyler Perry Netflix Series “She The People”

Niya Palmer is witty. That was our immediate thought as we sat down to interview the executive producer and co-creator of the new Tyler Perry Netflix series She The People, which stars Terri Vaughn as Antoinette Dunkerson. Palmer’s “humor and unique storytelling have made her a standout new voice in the television industry. A graduate of the ABC/Disney Fellowship and Warner Bros. Writing Program. Palmer’s past projects include hit series like “The Game” (BET), “Run the World” (Starz), and “Samantha Who?” (ABC). The writer and producer talks about the creation of the ‘bold and hilarious political comedy’ She The People and why she feels that it is a letter to women everywhere.

The new Netflix series “She The People” [created by an all-women writing team] is a ‘bold and hilarious political comedy.’ And for you, as the executive producer and writer, how did you and Terri J. Vaughn, who stars in the series and is co-creator, decide on the show concept?

Terri approached me about writing this for her. She had a political comedy concept. Originally, it was supposed to focus on a mayor. I’m a political wonk, so I was all in, “Yay!” We toiled around with it to choose the format we currently have chosen now, which is Lieutenant Governor, but I think it was just intuitive. Surely, everybody’s not in politics, but I think (Antoinette Dunkerson) is just somebody trying her very best to rise at work and nail it at home. A recent divorcee, mother, cousin, daughter, and, you know, a colleague dealing with foolishness. I feel like everyday stuff, but just on TV (laugh).

Besides Terri, some supporting cast members include Jo Marie Payton, Jade Novah, Drew Olivia Tillman, Tre’ Boyd, and Dyon Brooks. What is the energy like on set?

It’s like a delicious organized chaos. It’s half comedy workshop and the other half is like a family reunion. It’s just a good time. These people are as cool and down to earth as they appear to be, so it feels like working with family.

Is there a sense of comfort knowing that former Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, also an executive producer, serves as a political consultant on the show?

Yeah, because I think she had legitimate experience, our stuff never really ventures too far into character right! It’s funny and there are some broad beats, it’s all rooted in real world governance and we were able to do by including KLB. Truth is stranger than fiction. I mean, you know, she’ll have us on the edge of our seats asking… well what did you do, then what did you say? So that’s all stuff we can use and you’ll see some of those things laid out (in the show).

It’s a “celebration of resiliency. We’re resilient

Tyler Perry, as EP, writes and directs the first eight episodes. What is a takeaway from your experience working with him?

Tyler is “discipline meets creativity.” In this business, you are surrounded by people who are talking and having meetings about other meetings and creating calls to discuss five more meetings. Not Tyler. He’s a real worker bee. He keeps his head down. He gets it done. What I really love about Tyler is the “doing” and the “action,” regardless of what people have to say, he gets it done while others are still talking… It’s just his work ethic, and I respect that.

You’ve stated, “I’ve always believed that humor is one of the most powerful ways to the truth.” How so?

I think that truth, unvarnished, is often ignored. Like nobody is really interested in it, but when you wrap it in a punch line, I think you can get past people’s defenses, and you’ve bought yourself a little time to share other concepts, and that’s when you can shove down things as radical as the truth. I use it always in my life. You make somebody laugh, and while they’re cackling, you get to work.

You also say She The People is a love letter to women everywhere—their brilliance, their struggles, and the hilarious ways we all navigate this wild world.” Would this be why viewers should watch the show?

You know—it’s a “celebration of resiliency.” We’re resilient. We have to be. We don’t have a choice, so let’s celebrate it. I think it will probably resonate most with people who have been underestimated and maybe forced to broker in change, because if not, we would not have opportunities. I think it will resonate with people who are surrounded by so much nonsense that they have to find the humor in it. I believe this is who it’s for. So if any one of those things is happening in your life, this is the show for you. I’m certain of it.

We asked the showrunner who makes her laugh. “Everybody,” she says. I laugh because there is a lot to laugh about, she added before she waved goodbye and headed to more press runs for the show.