http://t.co/SkdcNwYxhb

Mixed-race people are one of the fastest-growing demographic groups, yet their are few fictional examples of interracial families on television.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/tv-tattle#74dhFwKRU6r12fDL.99

Maybe new TV shows will. Of course, we've had interracial families on television at least as far back as "I Love Lucy".
An episode of "The Facts of Life" called "Brian & Sylvia" was meant as a pilot for a spinoff series about Tootie's African-American aunt who married a Caucasian man (the main reason I remember this episode is because Richard Dean Anderson played the husband and I'm a fan of his acting work in general because of being a huge MacGyver fan:) :cool: )
I also remember watching a TNBC show on Saturday mornings in the '90s that I liked called "One World", which featured a family that adopted children from many countries around the world, so they were a racially mixed family.
The current Nickelodeon show "The Haunted Hathaways" is essentially like an interracial family since a white family has a family of black ghosts living with them- and they all exist together as one family.
"I Dream of Jeannie" was pretty diverse since we had Jeannie marrying Tony- so a human/genie marriage, just like on Bewitched we had a human/witch marriage as well, with Samantha and Darrin. And we had an alien/human marriage on "Mork & Mindy" (and again on a '90s Jim Henson show called "Aliens in the Family".) And ALF had an alien living with a human family.
(I know these are not exactly the same here, but these are inter-species families- so I thought that could work well as a metaphor for interracial families as well.)
(I should also add the early '90s series "Alien Nation", which also featured an interspecies marriage between a human male and a female alien Newcomer. That entire show was definitely a metaphorical look at race relations, at least to some degree.)
In the early 1990s there was a show called "True Colors" that had a black man married to a white woman and they raised two black sons. And of course, in the late '70s and '80s, we had shows like "Diff'rent Strokes" and "Webster" where white parents adopted black children.
To some degree, shows like "The Facts of Life" and "Saved By The Bell" are kind of like interracial families, since the girls at Eastland were pretty much a family, just like the main friends at Bayside High. I could say the same for "Chico and the Man", to some degree.
There are probably other shows I'm forgetting. Shows like "The Brady Bunch" and "Step by Step" have also featured blended families and I would say that counts for diversity as well. Of course, I'd say that for shows like "Full House" and "Family Matters" as well. Everyone, no matter what race, is different and unique and special and infinitely important in God's eyes because we're all made in His image. So I don't like to categorize too much with races and nationalities and such- it doesn't matter to me. God loves everyone and so should we.:) :cool:

Everyone, no matter what race, is different and unique and special and infinitely important in God's eyes because we're all made in His image. So I don't like to categorize too much with races and nationalities and such- it doesn't matter to me. God loves everyone and so should we.:) :cool:

Good grief.

I wonder why they don't have more black families on television.

Originally Posted by MacLeaper
Everyone, no matter what race, is different and unique and special and infinitely important in God's eyes because we're all made in His image. So I don't like to categorize too much with races and nationalities and such- it doesn't matter to me. God loves everyone and so should we.


Good grief.


I take it you don't agree?

I think it's all in the casting and there hasn't been anyone who has the charisma to carry a show. They tried a couple of years ago and it didn't work. I forgot the name of that show a Latina married a white guy, the show was canceled after a couple of months. Another show that didn't make it was from the 70's called Love Thy Neighbor.

Tom and Helen Willis were a very popular interracial couple on "The Jeffersons" in the 1970's that probably would have had a decent run of its own if they had been spun-off for their own show, which in retrospect, could have opened the door wider for interracial families, since once a show works, others try to copy the formula.

That's a great example- can't believe I forgot to mention that. Tom and Helen were some of my favorite characters on "The Jeffersons" in fact.:) :cool:

TV has taken a step back in terms of diversity, in some respects. When was the last time to saw a show about a non-white family on a broadcast network?

Something else we haven't see is Asian-Americans families in a series. The last show I remember Asian families featured was "All American Girl" with Margaret Cho. They were a Korean family living in the U.S.A.

I think the show you are referring to is "Rob", starring Rob Schneider and Claudia Bassols as the interracial couple. It premiered in January 2012 as a mid-season replacement on CBS, but lasted only 8 episodes.
That's it!! Couldn't think of the name.

TV has taken a step back in terms of diversity, in some respects. When was the last time to saw a show about a non-white family on a broadcast network?

I can name a few on cable channels ("Instant Mom" on Nickelodeon is about an African-American family and stars Tia Mowry-Hardrict (and of course, she does a great job- I love her work on "Sister, Sister":) :cool: ), but I don't know about network channels since I rarely watch anything on the network channels anymore.
Even so, I will agree that I would be hardpressed to think of TV shows that focus on an Hispanic family or Asian family or Indian family or Native American family today. (actually, I think I'd be hardpressed to think of most any sitcom that features a Native American family as the focal point- maybe one exists somewhere.) (And of course, there are plenty of other racial and ethnic categories that could be named.)
However, as I said earlier, I don't really think of TV shows in terms of race, ethnicity and nationality. I just think of them as TV shows- I'm not really concerned about what races of people are or aren't represented.
I don't mean to get into semantics, but I don't always agree with the way the word "diverse" is used in these matters. TV shows with white families are just as diverse as TV shows with non-white families. It's funny to use a term like "white" and "black" to describe races (and funny that those are accepted, but older terms like "yellow" for Asian and "red" for Native American are generally considered unaccepted today). "Black" doesn't just comprise Americans originally of African heritage. There are also a number of people in countries around the world that are originally of African heritage and a number of them do not use the term "black"- that is more of an American thing. "White" is also a huge blanket term as that encompasses Caucasians of original British, Irish, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian, African, Caribbean, etc. descent. The classifications could go on and on- but I just don't worry about labels. Like Pete said in "The Muppets Take Manhattan", "Peoples are peoples, okay?":) :cool:

And as I said before, all people are made in God's image and are infinitely important to Him and thus, they are to me as well. He loves everyone and so should we and I certainly try to do that with Jesus' help.:) :cool:

To answer the OP's question, below is the reason why...

http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/parenting/aisha-sultan/cheerios-commercial-with-interracial-family-stirred-faux-controversy/article_92a4c186-4d56-5c02-a458-640fe55a6305.html

That said, I would give it another decade.

Something else we haven't see is Asian-Americans families in a series. The last show I remember Asian families featured was "All American Girl" with Margaret Cho. They were a Korean family living in the U.S.A.

Sullivan and Son on TBS is a current show that features an interracial family with Asians.

I take it you don't agree?


That there's a God? No, I outgrew those fairy tales by the time I got to High School.

Okay- you don't have to believe in God if you don't want to- He won't make you. I wish you would of course, since I want everyone to put faith in Jesus as Savior so they can avoid Hell and go to Heaven instead, but that's everyone's individual choice and I respect that.
Regardless of your belief or unbelief in God, do you agree with the sentiment of what I said? The reason for my convictions about every person's individual worth is because of my faith in Christ, yes- but I do believe many other people who are not Christians share that as well. And because of that, (as Mister Rogers said):) :cool: I hope everyone can come to see that everyone is special, valued and loved by The Eternal- and that you make each day special just by you being yourself. As Switchfoot said, is this the world you want? You're making it. Every day you're alive- you're making it. (I believe God Himself is the only One who can truly make the world good again by remaking every single person, of course.) But regardless of anyone's beliefs, let's all do whatever we can to make it as good as possible.:) :cool:

That there's a God? No, I outgrew those fairy tales by the time I got to High School.You may think God is a fairy tale but he is very real and not someone who should be messed with/mocked. After life on earth ends there will be a judgment day where only people who have accepted his Son Jesus as their Savior will go to heaven.

You may think God is a fairy tale but he is very real and not someone who should be messed with/mocked. After life on earth ends there will be a judgment day where only people who have accepted his Son Jesus as their Savior will go to heaven.

Amen.:) :cool:

"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
- Sir Stephen Henry Roberts (1901-1971)

I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure.

If recent commercial are any example, I'd say it is 2nd on the list behind having at least one gay character on so many shows. They have this on the agenda.

"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
- Sir Stephen Henry Roberts (1901-1971)

I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure.

Thank you for your input and for offering a different perspective for us to think upon.:) :cool:
I have seen this quote before. That's true that you believe in one fewer god than I do since I only believe in one God- and His Name is Jesus.:)
The reason I dismiss all the other possible gods is because the evidence points me to Christ- and He's the only One who died for me to pay for my sins and rose again. No one else loved me like that.
If you have explored the various religions and compared each one's sacred writings and decided to reject them all, that's your choice (and I do invite you to study them all and compare them to The Bible- I have read up on many of the most popular religions but the only One I've found real life in is Jesus Christ. Seek the Truth- as The X-Files told us, The Truth is out there.;) :) )- And it's anyone else's choice to follow any one of them. We'll all find out one way or another on death day what is true.
If you ever want to talk further about Jesus and The Bible, feel free to send me a private message.
But I don't want to derail the thread any further so I will leave it at that. I do sincerely wish you well and pray God blesses you.:) :cool:


Back to the thread topic-


If recent commercial are any example, I'd say it is 2nd on the list behind having at least one gay character on so many shows. They have this on the agenda.

I do agree with you here, sir. It does seem to be something more TV shows are pushing towards- and I think that's good as television generally reflects society and it's nice to see all kinds of people on TV shows and remind us all that there's all kinds of people in this world- and all are important and valuable and loved. :) :cool:

As no less than the Vice President of the United States is directly quoted in my signature admitting that TV has an immense influence upon social attitudes. I sometimes wonder if TV is not used to densensitize the viewer to certain things whether good or bad - as one could argue old TV shows pushed "traditional" values as well.
Studies show that people have a habit of having the TV on and "look at" it as much as actively watch.
I'm not saying any type of relationship is good or bad, I'm saying there is an agenda to push them on the public and as noted the influence is "immense".

I think you may well be on to something there too.

Watch any David E. Kelley show. He pushes miscegenation in every series he does, every chance he gets.

To answer the OP's question, below is the reason why...

http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-special-occasions/parenting/aisha-sultan/cheerios-commercial-with-interracial-family-stirred-faux-controversy/article_92a4c186-4d56-5c02-a458-640fe55a6305.html

That said, I would give it another decade.

I agree, that has a lot to do with it. If people can't handle a 60 second commercial with an interracial family these days, their brains would explode over seeing it every week on 30-60 minute show. One exception is Modern Family, with Sofia Vergara and Ed O'Neil, but he is white and she's Hispanic. And for some reason, it seems that there's no real outrage over seeing minorities on reality TV.

There's been glimpses of interracial relationships on some shows like Scandal, Once Upon a Time and a promo of the new show Rake features a black woman about to kiss the white male lead. But I think those shows have more viewers who are a little more progressive in their beliefs.

And as a child of an interracial marriage, I say, it's time to stop freaking out over this stuff.

I agree, that has a lot to do with it. If people can't handle a 60 second commercial with an interracial family these days, their brains would explode over seeing it every week on 30-60 minute show. One exception is Modern Family, with Sofia Vergara and Ed O'Neil, but he is white and she's Hispanic. And for some reason, it seems that there's no real outrage over seeing minorities on reality TV.

There's been glimpses of interracial relationships on some shows like Scandal, Once Upon a Time and a promo of the new show Rake features a black woman about to kiss the white male lead. But I think those shows have more viewers who are a little more progressive in their beliefs.

And as a child of an interracial marriage, I say, it's time to stop freaking out over this stuff.


People never should have freaked out about interracial couples in the first place, but it is a good thing that those ignorant people are slowly becoming the minority atleast.

I enjoy reading how people think it is good that people are "becoming a minority" because of their personal opinions, which differ from their "progressive" view. I'm sure they say the same stuff down at Westboro Baptist Church. Some of you are just as intolerant as they are.

That's a good reminder. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and belief, no matter what we think of it. Many times emotions are quickly stirred up when there are clashes in moral values and religious beliefs, etc. And emotions left unchecked can push us to say and do things we shouldn't. Even though we may staunchly disagree with others, we should always remember to state our disagreements in love and respect. I will fully admit I am not always the best at being loving and respectful all the time, but with God's help, I try to do that.

Television since its inception has followed the L.O.P. (Least Objectionable Program) model. So if something is going to offend even a percentage of the potential audience, networks are hesitant to put it on. As I said previously, if interracial is what you seek, just tune into any David E. Kelley show.

I enjoy reading how people think it is good that people are "becoming a minority" because of their personal opinions, which differ from their "progressive" view. I'm sure they say the same stuff down at Westboro Baptist Church. Some of you are just as intolerant as they are.


excuse me???......I actually ACCEPT people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and dont discriminate based on the fact that someone might be in a relationship with a different race than them, or of the same sex, etc........

Ive been in an interracial relationship, and we got the stares on trains and buses from INTOLERANT people who couldnt look past the fact that I was white and she was black........and now one of my best friends is getting married to a lovely white girl, he happens to be black......based on your post, apparently these things are a "progessive" view, and not just 2 people who happen to be attracted to each other.

LOGICALLY explain how that makes me just as intolerant as the westboro church.....the church that pickets funerals of soldiers, holding up some of the most vulgar signs in creation

I guess you guys never seen the Jerffson's

excuse me???......I actually ACCEPT people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and dont discriminate based on the fact that someone might be in a relationship with a different race than them, or of the same sex, etc........

Ive been in an interracial relationship, and we got the stares on trains and buses from INTOLERANT people who couldnt look past the fact that I was white and she was black........and now one of my best friends is getting married to a lovely white girl, he happens to be black......based on your post, apparently these things are a "progessive" view, and not just 2 people who happen to be attracted to each other.

LOGICALLY explain how that makes me just as intolerant as the westboro church.....the church that pickets funerals of soldiers, holding up some of the most vulgar signs in creation

I'm a "to each his own" kind of guy, but true freedom comes with a price. One part of that price is the right of other people to have their opinions about things. As long as they do not injure anybody, yeah they may stare or whatever. Your freedom comes with that price tag, just like you thinking they are ignorant is the price tag for their opinion. But they are entitled to an unpopular opinion and it does not necessarily make them what you feel like they are.

If we are going to be truly free then gays, transvestites, and whatever is "progressive" is going to have to co-exist with nazis and Westboro. The world is trying to outlaw what is currently unpopular opinion, but what used to be popular opinion in the past or in other places caused some really bad things. That is what happens when you suppress "unpopular" or "non -progressive" speech.

Think about what popular opinion is in Iran. Russia and Uganda want to try to legislate that people can not be gay. That doesn't work and is why they do not have freedom.

I have the freedom to walk down the street in a pink tutu and ballerina shoes, but I have to know that other people are going to have opinions on that and as long as they do not harm me I have to live with it and accept it is their right just like I chose to wear that. I have every right to be covered in tattoos and piercings but I am not unaware that people are going to have their own feeling on that. Does not make them wrong, nor does it make me wrong.

"Black" doesn't just comprise Americans originally of African heritage. There are also a number of people in countries around the world that are originally of African heritage and a number of them do not use the term "black"- that is more of an American thing.
Canadians also use the term. A couple of examples.

Gov't: Black Canadians in Uniform - A Proud Tradition (http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/those-who-served/black-canadians-in-uniform)
CBC: Black History Month: CBC readers pay tribute to inspiring black Canadians (http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2014/02/black-history-month-meet-some-inspiring-black-canadians.html)

I guess you guys never seen the Jerffson's

They're talking about current TV shows.

I enjoy reading how people think it is good that people are "becoming a minority" because of their personal opinions, which differ from their "progressive" view. I'm sure they say the same stuff down at Westboro Baptist Church. Some of you are just as intolerant as they are.

Uh, sorry, but people who say others are going to burn in hell and make death threats or commit violence towards others for the color of their skin or sexual orientation SHOULD be in the minority. We don't need that kind of hate in our society. Sure speech is free, but when it actively harms another person things change. The problem with people like the WBC and like-minded groups is that they won't co-exist with others and the more they are ignored, the more they get in your face.

Originally Posted by MacLeaper
"Black" doesn't just comprise Americans originally of African heritage. There are also a number of people in countries around the world that are originally of African heritage and a number of them do not use the term "black"- that is more of an American thing.

Canadians also use the term. A couple of examples.

Okay- thanks for the info.:) :cool:

Orange is the New Black

One of the regular characters (who is black) is adopted by a white family.

That there's a God? No, I outgrew those fairy tales by the time I got to High School.


I will certainly NOT try to convert you and I won't attack your beliefs, So PLEASE don't attack ours by calling God a Fairy tale. It's called tolerance and respect for others.

You may think God is a fairy tale but he is very real and not someone who should be messed with/mocked. After life on earth ends there will be a judgment day where only people who have accepted his Son Jesus as their Savior will go to heaven.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

All hail to the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus too!

In The Cleveland Show, Cleveland's stepdaughter Roberta went out with a white boy who acted black.

In The Cleveland Show, Cleveland's stepdaughter Roberta went out with a white boy who acted black.

That guy was a caricature (well...maybe more like a "nail in head" potrayal) of Kevin Federline.