CBS sets BIPOC diversity targets for unscripted and reality shows, following on from summer’s scripted show targets

The cast of Big Brother 22

NOVEMBER 12, 2020 - CBS has announced a series of new efforts geared toward increasing diversity in unscripted content for the 2021 - 2022 season and beyond. Deadline reports that the network will now require 50% of the cast in unscripted shows to be composed of people who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color (commonly referred to as BIPOC). Additionally, a minimum of 25% of the development budget for new reality programming will be required to go to producers and creators who are BIPOC.

George Cheeks, President and CEO of the CBS Entertainment Group commented on the new diversity targets, saying, “The reality TV genre is an area that’s especially underrepresented, and needs to be more inclusive across development, casting, production and all phases of storytelling. As we strive to improve all of these creative aspects, the commitments announced today are important first steps in sourcing new voices to create content and further expanding the diversity in our unscripted programming, as well as on our network.”

These changes are coming in the wake of criticism against the network for insufficient inclusivity and diversity in its programming. Similar targets for scripted programming, such as the Star Trek franchise, were announced in July. The new mandates for scripted shows include a minimum of 25% of script development budgets be allocated for BIPOC writers and creators. The target will also require a minimum of 40% of the writers’ room on scripted series be staffed with BIPOC representation for the upcoming 2021 - 2022 season, with a mandated increase in representation to 50% for the 2022 - 2023 season.