TV networks and producers are patting themselves on the back for saying they would create more diverse programming over the years and then doing it. ABC led the charge with "Black-ish," "Fresh Off the Boat," "Scandal," and "How to Get Away with Murder." ABC also announced that the next star of "The Bachelorette" won't be white.
Now, NBC is very pleased with itself. America Ferrera, a lead on "Superstore," said the show was the first time she read a role that wasn't specifically written for a Latina actress. Jennifer Lopez drama "Shades of Blue" gives the cop genre a minority star.
"For me, the turning point was Shonda Rhimes and 'Grey’s Anatomy,'" Lopez said. "That’s where TV got interesting again. I remember watching that and what was so interesting was where she placed different characters. Since then it feels like the norm."
On the other end, new CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller countered charges that his network isn't diverse enough.
“I’m diverse, I fall into the LBGT category. I’m just a gay guy from Indiana who doesn’t play basketball,” Geller said. “I mentioned my husband earlier, because I want to normalize my diversity. CBS will always reflect what America looks like.”
Read more coverage from the Television Critics Association press tour.