“I think that viewers tend to identify with characters that are like themselves or people they know. So, where do we go? Maybe more diverse characters with the cultural differences being a facet of the show that is explored as it moves throughout the episodes.”
John Keyes, programming coordinator, WFTV (ABC), Orlando, Fla.
“`Bernie Mac’ is my favorite show, and I’m white. With `Friends,’ there’s not a big crossover because people like to see some semblance of themselves. But why [whites] aren’t watching `Bernie Mac’ is beyond me. To me it’s as funny as `The Cosby Show.”’
Diane Holloway, TV critic, Austin (Texas) American-Statesman
“Back in the ’80s, `The Cosby Show’ was popular with all ethnic groups. Should we really assume only black viewers watch black shows and white viewers watch white shows? I’m an African American, and I like `West Wing,’ `Alias’ and `One on One.”’
Della Crews, anchor, News 12 New Jersey