Unlike the film industry, television prides itself in creating diverse and compelling storytelling these days.
But some networks are being called out for not stepping up to the diversity plate — specifically CBS, whose new ordered shows for the fall are exclusively starring white male actors.
The network’s new fall schedule will include Bull starring Michael Weatherly; Kevin Can Wait starring Kevin James; The Great Indoors starring Joel McHale; Man With a Plan starring Matt LeBlanc; Pure Genius starring Augustus Prew and Dermot Mulroney; and MacGyver starring Lucas Till and George Eads.
Related: NBC Cancels Eva Longoria’s Telenovela!
Despite getting heat for an obviously macho lineup, the network’s new entertainment head Glenn Geller defended the network’s fall schedule during CBS’s upfronts on Wednesday, telling reporters:
“Our new series are more diverse this year than last year.”
We’re not sure if that makes the most compelling defense — was it really that bad last year??
Geller noted another series being held for midseason Doubt not only features a female lead (Katherine Heigl) but also trans actress Laverne Cox, adding:
“Doubt, I’m happy to say, is the first broadcast series to feature a transgender series regular. I think that’s phenomenal.”
We definitely agree with that sentiment!
Related: Internet Goes Crazy Over Old Navy’s Tweet With An Interracial Family!
The network will also be holding freshman series Training Day for midseason — a series based on the 2001 thriller — starring Justin Cornwell, opposite Bill Paxton.
Pointing to more of the network’s female led series currently on air, Geller continued:
“We are the network that has Madam Secretary and Two Broke Girls and Mom. We have lots of female leads, we have a great balance. We’re moving in the right direction.”
Do YOU think CBS has a great diversity balance, or does their minority representation need some love?
[Image via Brian To/Abel Fermin/WENN.]
Related Posts
