Fall TV 2014: Diversity, is all the rage – finally

Prime time television is undergoing a big, multicultural change.

When the fall season starts in earnest, it will deliver the most racially diverse lineup in recent history, with at least eight new shows prominently featuring nonwhite performers. It's a groundbreaking development that has those who have long lobbied for more diversity in television expressing both relief and surprise. Leading the charge is ABC, with several new series populated by black, Asian and Latino characters. Paul Lee, ABC's entertainment chief, told reporters that diversity has become nothing less than a "mission statement" for his network.