Tyler Perry's political comedy misses the mark

TYLER Perry’s first foray into political satire on Netflix with She the People is more of a show which serves as background noise while scrolling on your phone than it is a compelling comedic masterpiece.

- KARISHMA DIPA

The first eight-episode drop of the comedy, which premiered last week and is written, directed and produced by the renowned actor and film-maker, pales in comparison to other stellar series in the genre like Veep, Spin City and Parks and Recreation.

The storyline — which sees an ambitious lawyer become Mississippi's first black lieutenant governor while battling personal and professional challenges - has much room for exploration.

But much of the dialogue falls flat, the jokes barely land and the overall production fails to leave a lasting impression.

The series also includes a dynamic cast, spearheaded by the acclaimed Terri J. Vaughn, who plays the titular character of political newbie Antoinette Dunkerson. The actress, who is acclaimed for her roles on The Steve Harvey Show and All of Us, is well-versed in Perry’s production's having starred in the film-maker’s Daddy's Little Girls and Meet the Browns.

For She the People, Vaughn is joined by familiar faces from the Perry universe, including Jo Marie Payton, Karon Riley and Robert Craighead.