CBS executive: network lagging on diversity but trying

With Geller’s statements, the network’s diversity is now under the spotlight and they really need to pick up the pace to include more Latinos and other minority actors on screen, Nogales said.

Glenn Geller extolled the virtues of the big-tent broadcast model in his second address in front of the Television Critics Association as president of the CBS entertainment.

CBS premiered its first superhero series last fall with Supergirl, but Kara Danvers and Co. are moving to The CW for their next set of adventures. Geller had already said in January that he wanted CBS to do better. New legal drama Bull stars Michael Weatherly in the title role; a reboot of 1980s action-hour MacGyver features Lucas Till and George Eads; medical drama Pure Genius stars Augustus Prew as a billionaire genius and Dermot Mulroney as a maverick surgeon; comedy The Great Indoors stars Joel McHale as an adventure reporter; Man with a Plan stars Matt LeBlanc in family comedy; and Kevin Can Wait stars Kevin James as a retired cop.

Geller also presented a sneak peek at the CBS’ three-night event, The Case Of: JonBenet Ramsey which reunites original investigators on the case, with new experts and technology to take a fresh look at the 20 year-old case. Zoo, on the other hand, has been renewed for Season 3.

James Corden’s bit, Carpool Karaoke will spin off a version for Apple Music. We continue to put additional resources and financial support into our CBS Diversity Institute and that covers many different parts of diversity for us. “What message does it send”, a reporter asked pointed, “that the leads of your shows in the fall are all heterosexual white men?” In terms of leads, we are definitely less diverse this year than last year, and like I said, we need to do better.

The same, however, can’t be said for the showrunners on the network’s new series – all of whom are white.

Geller was slammed for his shrugging sentiment, “This is what the pilot system gave us”. Geller acknowledged that none of his series leads are diverse, but stressed that 11 of 16 supporting roles this season are diverse. “We work very hard to make sure that every facet of our company is as diverse as possible”. But they kinda are … by announcing the following additions to CBS series.

“Sometimes our showrunners are diverse”. Several shows on the network – including “Bull“, “Great Indoors” and “NCIS: New Orleans” – will feature LGBT characters. Also points to role of Laverne Cox in Doubt as “historic”. But we haven’t seen anything other than a sizzle reel.

-Limitless’ cancellation: Geller said the bubble show’s fate could’ve gone either way, but ultimately, “I don’t think it connected with viewers”.

Geller was asked about CBS comedies, which the writer called “hilarious”. Broad, boring and sure to be hits by people who don’t know any better.