For years now, we’ve been pointing out how CBS is always in fourth in a field of four when it comes to Latinos in front of the camera, as regular members of its half-hour sitcoms and hour-long dramas.
No longer: over the course of the first few weeks of the season, cast additions and new arcs now have Latinos as part of the regular cast in six different shows–possibly seven, if Aimee Garcia’s role on Vegas proves to be permanent. That means that you can find Latino talent on CBS almost every night of the week, not even including guest stars or arcs that have yet to be announced.
Taking it day by day…
Mondays:
Tracy Vilar showed up in the second episode of Partners as the office manager/assistant Ro-Ro, with an even bigger (and funnier part). She’s still listed as “guest star” in the credits, but it’s starting to look like she’s a permanent part of the sitcom, for as long as it lasts.
Tuesdays:
There are actually Latinos involved in all three Tuesday night programs on CBS: Cote de Pablo continues as the most dangerous woman on the network on NCIS at 8P; Miguel Ferrer haunts the friendly West Coast team on NCIS: Los Angeles at 9P, and Aimee Garcia is scheduled for at least two episodes of the new Dennis Quaid/Michael Chiklis drama Vegas at 10P.
Thursdays:
Manny Perez is part of the cast on Elementary at 10P, playing a street-smart cop who can actually keep up with Sherlock Holmes.
Fridays:
Felix Solis plays an investigator as well, this one for a plucky young attorney, in Made in Jersey at 9P
Saturdays:
All repeats, including Latino-involved shows like Made in Jersey and Vegas.
Sundays:
Makenzie Vega’s role as Julianne Margulies’ teenage daughter continues to grow deeper and more significant on The Good Wife, every Sunday at 9P.
Without a doubt, it’s the best showing that CBS has made in years…and we’ll be watching to see how it continues, especially the continued involvement on Partners and Vegas. But so far, better than good.
