Glenn Geller, CBS entertainment chief stated that the network is committed to promote primetime diversity. He mentioned that two new shows namely "Rush Hour" and "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders" would offer "greatly diverse casts."
Geller assured that CBS is diverse not only in front of the came but behind too. The upcoming show "Rush Hour" features Justin Hires, who is a black officer and Jon Foo who is a Chinese law-enforcement official.
At the Television Critics Association session in Pasadena, the panel of cast and producers of "Rush Hour" were asked about the stereotypical nature of the characters.
"When the Rush Hour movies were out, they took criticism for being centered on two character who were really stereotypical. ... Watching the pilot, I see you haven't done much to change those archetypes. At a time where shows are really trying to have a nuanced discussion about race, these characters still feel very stereotypical to me. How are you going to try these archetypes a little bit so that they don't feel so rooted in these longstanding stereotypes?" asked the reporter (via Entertainment Weekly).
Hires responded and stated that he is an African-American and a comedian. He added that it is not a stereotype but a reality of who he is as a person.
Executive producer Bill Lawrence also talked about the diversity aspect. "I have a track record - I'm very proud of diversity on the writing staff, I'm very proud of the diversity on the show behind the cameras, very proud of the diversity in the crew."
"Rush Hour" revolves around Detective Carter (Justin Hires) and martial arts expert Detective Lee portrayed by Jon Foo. They will be seen fighting crimes and adjust the cultural differences. Apart from Hires and Foo, the show will see Wendie Malick as Capt. Lindsay Cole and Aimee Garcia will portray the character of a sexy cop.
"Rush Hour" premieres this March on CBS.
