Television is about to get a much-needed shakeup, and her name is Niya Palmer.
With a pen as sharp as her wit and a passion for telling stories that matter, Palmer is the powerhouse behind Netflix’s latest buzzworthy series, She The People—a bold political comedy set to take viewers on a hilarious, heartfelt, and brutally honest ride through the halls of power. As a creator, executive producer, and lead writer, Palmer brings both credibility and creativity to the screen, building on her acclaimed work from shows like The Game (BET), Run the World (Starz), and Samantha Who? (ABC).
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Niya’s journey from small-town bookworm to Hollywood hitmaker is the stuff of dreams—and she’s been dreaming big since age 11. “I came across a Jackie Collins novel called Lady Boss,” she recalls. “It was about a gangster’s daughter running Hollywood. It was messy, glamorous, and from that moment, I said, That’s what I’m doing. I’m going to Hollywood.”
Raised by a devoted single mother and doting grandparents, Niya was surrounded by love and encouragement. She was an only child who thrived in the world of books, Girl Scouts, and sleepovers—her childhood filled with stories, both read and imagined. She frequented bookstores twice a month and found a second home in the library. “I was a big bookworm,” she says, and it shows.
After earning her stripes through prestigious programs like the ABC/Disney Fellowship and the Warner Bros. Writing Program, Niya describes those experiences as “writer’s bootcamp.” They helped her see herself as a professional and taught her the business side of entertainment. “By the time I got into a writer’s room,” she says, “I knew I belonged there.”
Now, she’s using that foundation to redefine the rules of television storytelling as the Co-Creater of Tyler Perry’s “She The People”, a groundbreaking series starring Terri J. Vaughn and written by Palmer. “Terri had the concept but she’s not a writer, so she came to me,” Niya explains. “It’s about a Black female Lieutenant Governor who’s also a single mother—trying to survive, thrive, and outmaneuver the racist and sexist machine she’s operating within.”
The subject matter hits home for Palmer, who infused the show with truth, humor, and lived experience. “A lot of the systemic issues people deal with at work resonate with me,” she says. “So I had a lot to say.”
What sets She The People apart isn’t just its biting humor or timely themes—it’s the team behind it. The series is written entirely by an all-women writing team, something Niya speaks about with pride. “We understood each other,” she says. “It made the process deeper, funnier, and more entertaining. And we all supported each other.”
Outside of TV, Palmer has shared her voice through humorous essays for various platforms, always finding ways to express herself. “I’ve always had a lot to say,” she notes. Though she’s been away from essays for a while, she’s eager to return.
Still, Palmer is candid about the challenges of the industry. “Learning to not shrink myself was big,” she admits. “At first, you’re just so happy to be there, you don’t want to rock the boat. But finding comfort in who I am—that’s what helped me share my voice.”
As for her greatest accomplishment? “Making it in this business. It’s like getting jumped into a gang. It’s not about getting in—it’s about staying in. Still being here. It’s exhausting, but I love it.”
To aspiring creatives, she offers this advice: “Create your own table. Be you, be loud, be whoever you are at your table. People who understand and respect you will come. Stop trying to fit into someone else’s table.”
And when all is said and done, what does Niya Palmer want to be remembered for?
“I was a trip,” she laughs, “but damn, she was fun.”
With She The People, Niya Palmer isn’t just making TV—she’s making a statement. And the industry is listening.
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