Tyler Perry Launches New Sitcom Featuring Mississippi’s First Black Lieutenant Governor

JACKSON, Mississippi — Tyler Perry has unveiled his latest sitcom, “She the People,” which premiered streaming on Netflix on May 22, 2025. The series stars Terri J. Vaughn as Antoinette Dunkerson, Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor, who juggles her political career along with her hectic family life.

Billed as a comedic take on the political climate, “She the People” features Antoinette navigating office duties while managing her chaotic family. The show’s first season consists of 16 episodes, with eight now available and the second batch scheduled for release on August 14.

In the opening episodes, viewers witness the challenges Antoinette faces as she attempts to promote her agenda under the smarmy Republican Governor Harper, played by Robert Craighead. The two belong to opposing political parties, a situation that highlights Mississippi’s unique political landscape where the governor and lieutenant governor are elected separately.

“We need to show that you can be strong and successful, even when the odds are against you,” said Perry, who serves as writer, director, and producer of the show. Antoinette is depicted as an earnest and intelligent leader who must contend with not just political challenges but also her demanding family, which includes her ex-husband and teenage children.

The series has received mixed reviews, with some praising Vaughn’s captivating performance, while others argue that the show relies heavily on broad comedic tropes. “Though the first two episodes play out as one might expect, the show finds a new comedic tone by episode three,” said a reviewer.

Audience reactions have varied, with some noting that the interplay of Antoinette’s work life and her family’s antics offers relatable content. One viewer claimed that the show eventually deepens its comedic and political critique as the season progresses.

Perry aims to further explore contemporary issues through humor, making “She the People” not only a source of comedy but also a platform for dialogue about race and politics. “It’s bold, unapologetic and allows us to have conversations that matter,” he added.

The series is anticipated to evolve throughout its run, with viewers keen on seeing how Antoinette’s story unfolds as she addresses the challenges posed by her office and family responsibilities.