CBS Criticized For Lack of Female Leads in Fall Line Up

On Tuesday, August 2, CBS was put on the hot seat at the Television Critics Association summer press tour about the representation in the series for the fall. The TV network's fall line up includes six series with all male leads:

1.  David Boreanaz in Seal Team
2.  Shemar Moore in S.W.A.T. 
3. Jeremy Piven in Wisdom of the Crowd
4. Bobby Moynihan in Me Myself and I
5. Mark Feuerstein in 9JKL
6. Sheldon Cooper in Young Sheldon

Thom Sherman, the senior executive Vice President of programming,  told reporters at the Television Critics Association on Tuesday, August 2 that there were shows developed starring women, but "the pilots weren't as good as the ones that got picked up." Sherman also said, "CBS has been so successful with broad appeal and we want to continue down that path."

Actress Jessica Chastain is unimpressed with the lack of female leads. The Martian actress posted an article by The Wrap on Twitter regarding the matter. "I'll just @netflix and chill. Or some @HBO greatness. Or anything by #RyanMurphy. There's so many incredible options that don't include @CBS."

Along with the lack of female protagonists, there are five white male leads with Shemar Moore being the exception in S.W.A.T. The casting department also consists of white individuals and reporters asked Sherman the reasoning for that as well. "They've been together for a long time. We are cognizant of the issue, we hear you and we will be looking to expand the casting department."

The CBS Entertainment president, Kelly Kahl, says that they are "making progress", but recognized that other channels are quick to make shows that promote diversity on and off the camera. One example Kahl gave was FX.


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