After receiving a failing grade from the Gays & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for the lack of gay and gay-friendly characters featured on the network’s programs, CBS has vowed that big changes are on the horizon. The network is adding three gay characters to its shows, including Rules of Engagement and The Good Wife, The Hollywood Reporter said Wednesday.“I’m very disappointed in our track record so far. We know we will do better,” according to CBS Entertainment President Nina Tasseler. “We are going to do it. We are not happy with ourselves. Once you come out of your pilot development season disappointed with yourself, you go into the current series season and look for every opportunity we can to improve the numbers we have represented in the cast.”
CBS scored just 7% in the GLAAD poll, compared to top-scoring network The CW’s 35%.
The characters expected to be introduced to CBS audiences this fall include Alicia’s (Julianna Margulies) gay brother on The Good Wife, a recurring gay character on the new comedy S#*! My Dad Says, and a lesbian surrogate for Jeff and Audrey (Patrick Warburton and Megyn Price) on Rules of Engagement.
GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios is “hopeful” that the promised new characters will “help build awareness and understanding,” although he’s not overly-optimistic.
“After two years of receiving a ‘failing’ grade and a commitment last year to be more inclusive, we hope that CBS President Nina Tassler makes true on this promise to bring the network more in line with the industry standard.”
No Comments
