ABC’s hit TV series ‘The Rookie’ will tap into the National debate surrounding police next season.
As the nation reacts George Floyd’s killing by police officers and rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, the discussion is making its way into the third season of ABC’s cop drama ‘The Rookie’s writing room.
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke revealed in an interview that the series will reflect the issues that have sparked a discussion around police brutality and racism.
“The Rookie”, which stars Nathan Fillion as a middle-age new cop who joins the LAPD, will touch on the debate around America’s police force. It is important to note, America is retaliating to TV’s role in perpetuating the idea of police heroism and continuing black stereotypes. Since then, two reality series surrounding cops have been canceled including Paramount Network’s “Cops” and A&E’s “Live PD” have been canceled amid concerns that they contribute distorted views of law enforcement.
Burke hopes writers and producers can realistically discuss those issues.
“Our showrunner Alexi Hawley is seeking out new voices and important voices to help inform and frame the stories he is telling this season,” Burke said.
Burke added representatives from Color of Change, a consulting firm that focuses on racial diversity in the TV and film industry, will be added to the show’s writing room. Hawley also consulted Ryan Tillman, a Black police officer from the Chino Police Department and founder of Breaking Barriers United, an organization that focuses on improving relationships between police and communities.
Burke noted the show’s cast is already “diverse” and “they are going to be working to be thoughtful about the stories they are telling about those characters.”
Burke explained ABC launched an “executive incubator program” to improve diversity in the executive departments of the company.
In relevant news, Netflix is donating $5 million towards Black creators.
Netflix announces the company will donate $5 million to organizations dedicated to creating opportunities for Black creators, aspiring Black content creators, and Black-owned businesses including Ghetto Film School, Black Public Media, and Colin Kaepernick Know Your Rights Camp.
The streaming company announced an initial donation of $3 million with more to come.
“Tackling racism and injustice in meaningful ways means creating long-term opportunities for the Black community,” Netflix chairman and CEO Reed Hastings said in a statement. “The main role we play is through our funding of and member viewing of important content like ‘When They See Us.’ As an additional step, today we’re committing $5 million to nonprofits dedicated to creating direct opportunities for Black creators, Black youth and Black-owned businesses.”
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