This year, television is at its most diverse. In light of the scores of negative studies regarding Hollywood’s lack of focus when it comes to creating different films both in front and behind the scenes, this year’s crop of television shows, ranging the gamut from comedies like Rel to action series like Mayans M.C., is a breath of fresh air.

BuzzFeed’s Kate Arthur covered the year’s diverse television shows, writing that of the five broadcast networks, “the percentage of series regulars of color on scripted shows is nearly half, a new development.” Arthur also reports that eight of fall TV’s shows are led by actors of color, as opposed to just four last year.

Color of Change’s culture and entertainment advocacy director Kristen Marston told BuzzFeed this fall’s television shows give viewers of color characters who look like them.

“Growing up as a black kid, as a kid of color, we’re forced to relate to white characters. For those of us who didn’t fit into a certain box…we had to find other ways to relate to television,” she said to BuzzFeed, adding that television “influences the way people treat us in real life.”

The overall consensus in the article is that television execs finally realize that black audiences–usually the largest demographic of television viewers according to Nielsen–want to see more shows that reflect their experiences. With television executives finally taking that fact seriously, this year’s television landscape includes shows not only starring black stars, but stars of many different races and ethnicities, like I Feel Bad starring Saraya Blue, Magnum P.I. starring Jay Hernandez and Single Parents, starring Jake Choi and Kimrie Lewis among a cast including Brad Garrett, Taran Killam and Leighton Meester.

“It feels that people finally understand that inclusion is a good thing–not just on screen, but it’s also good for the writers and directors and for the crew,” said CW president Mark Pedowitz.

You can read the full article at BuzzFeed.

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