In order to appeal to most television viewers, networks must be diverse. Well, at least that’s what I always believed. If you take a look at some of the programs of the past, that statement may not ring to be so true. However, if one was to truly examine the current lineup on primetime, they may be in for a colorful awakening. As someone that writes about ethnic diversity in Hollywood, it pleases me to see a broad spectrum of programming on television today. In fact, I honestly can’t recall a season as culturally varied as this one.

Oh, crap — am I in The Twilight Zone? Nah, perchance network executives are finally realizing that it’s 2012. Just take a look at FOX. I’ve never really been a fan of the station — especially after they pulled the plug on Arrested Development. Nevertheless, with the recent inclusion of The Mindy Project, my unenthusiastic views on FOX may just change. Not only is a minority the lead — Mindy Kaling of Bengali descent — but she’s a woman. That’s like two for the price of one! Heck, that’s better than a discount at your local Walgreens! Way to go, FOX!

And while I’m handing out accolades, I think that NBC deserves some with the success of Community, a sitcom that really has a racially diverse (and super talented) cast. Donald Glover can do no wrong, and Danny Pudi is comedic gold. I’m feeling a little generous so I’ll also dish out some love to CBS for casting Lucy Liu, a Chinese woman, in the role of Watson in Elementary, a modern day take on Sherlock Holmes … and before you gasp at that revelation, here’s something else to applaud — after Regis Philbin retired from Live!, he was replaced by Michael Strahan … a Black dude!

Feel free to clutch your pearls.

Okay, enough humor. On a serious note, I couldn’t be happier. Perhaps colorful programming is the new trend. Heck, it’s about damn time. However, that certainly doesn’t mean that these shows are above cancellation. After all, it takes views to keep a program on the air … or does it? According to Entertainment Weekly, ABC just pulled the plug on Last Resort, a drama about a naval force, which starred the brown-skinned Andre Braugher. The show averaged over nine million viewers. Last time I checked that was pretty solid … but what do I know? The network also terminated 666 Park Avenue with my wife — although she never acknowledges our marriage in interviews — Vanessa Williams.

Sorry, Vanessa. I love you, but your show sucked.

While I’m bummed about Last Resort (and content with Avenue), it just goes to show that programs with minorities could use support. Tune in, people! Watch the show! Support it by giving it a chance. We can’t complain about not having enough shows with minorities if we’re not making an effort to watch the ones that we do have. I’m just sayin’. Still, it’s nice to know that networks are at least trying to meet us halfway. I’ve been rather impressed with some of the colorful fare that they’ve had to offer this season.

So, what does this say about society? Does this mean that we are actually moving forward? Well, I’d like to think so. The fact of the matter is that America is diverse and colorful. To that end, I feel that television shows should reflect that. I’m not a rocket scientist by any stretch of the imagination, but I think it’s safe to say that we’re moving in the right direction and pressing on to a more colorful future. Television is changing.

Color me intrigued.

Do you enjoy reading Clacking in Color? Jaylen sure as hell hopes so. Keep up with his opinions and ponderings  by following him on Twitter @thesuperflynerd!

A very good friend of mine recently made an observation about me. Apparently I don’t do well with idle time. It’s true. This is why I’m always reading, writing, snorkeling with the fishes or watching quality television programs. One of those shows is Live! with Kelly & Michael … which is pretty darn interesting considering that several weeks ago I wrote a column about Michael Strahan not being a worthy substitute for the incredible Regis Philbin. In fact, in regards to Strahan being announced as a replacement, I believe I used the phrase, ‘What the hell?’ Yup. Those were my words exactly.

In any case, my dad always taught me that a real man is able to admit his mistakes. To that end, it’s high time that I admit mine — I was wrong about Michael Strahan. I think he’s awesome! Before we get into just how wrong I was about him, let’s go back in time — only two weeks ago. I began my October with a week off from work. Bored out of my mind, I was able to check out Strahan in the mornings … and I must admit that I liked what I saw. He’s actually pretty funny. The man really does have chemistry with Kelly Ripa in a way in which Philbin didn’t. I’m thinking it may be because Strahan is younger and a bit more outrageous. I don’t know. I don’t get paid to analyze these things. I just get paid (occasionally) to write.

My fear was that Strahan would be a bore and even worse — just plain dumb. Now, I know that sounds bad, but, well, based upon what I’ve seen of him in the past — such as his failed FOX sitcom that shall remain nameless — I just thought he was a clueless jock. Oh, boy. I know that sounds terrible, but I’m just keeping it real. One of my favorite things to do is prove people wrong and I’m pleased to say that Strahan did that with me. Not only is the man smart, but he’s capable … and he dresses as good as I do … if, you know, I had his budget.

I think that some people are just born with talent. I feel that Strahan is one of these individuals. Don’t get it twisted now — I still prefer Philbin, but it’s been nice seeing Strahan find his own groove by using his own natural talents. I was wrong in thinking that he wouldn’t be able to keep up with Ripa. On the contrary, I don’t think she can keep up with him especially when it comes to pleasing the audience with karaoke and what not. Sitting home with a cup of coffee and crust in my eyes after waking up, I couldn’t help but chuckle and cheer Strahan on when he battled Ripa and Chase Crawford in a karaoke competition, and I loved the fact that the producers paired him up with Stanley Tucci to help cook Italian cuisine on an episode that aired earlier this month.

But you know what I really love? You know what really makes me happy?

I like the fact that ABC hired a smart and proficient person of color to be Ripa’s co-anchor. I just think that’s awesome. Heck, I wouldn’t have cared if he were Mexican, Asian or Vietnamese. It’s just good to see a bit more diversity on the air during the morning. It makes me smile. Seriously. I’m happy to see that the brother is employed.

And for that matter, so is America.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Live! with Kelly and Michael finished its first week as the number one syndicated talk show in total households. I guess you have to give credit where credit is due, and for that matter, I must once again admit that I was wrong. I stand to be corrected. Strahan isn’t a bad replacement. He is the replacement, and that certainly counts for something. While I’ll always remember Philbin, I’m content with the new guy. Strahan is hip and that what’s needed. Philbin was the old quintessential.

Strahan is the new black.

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