With shows like ‘Empire,’ ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Cristela,’ TV is more diverse than ever

The networks have hit on a surprising formula for success: airing television shows in prime time created by and starring minorities.

In prime time now, there is the new hit Fox show “Empire,” a soapy hip-hop drama starring ¬Oscar-nominated actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. ABC’s “Black-ish,” starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, portrays an upper-middle-class African American family. Other prime-time shows feature Hispanic women and their families, a South Asian comedian, an Asian American romantic lead actor and an Asian American family.