In another move towards bringing more diverse characters to television, CBS announced today that when “Nancy Drew” airs later this year, the title character will not be Caucasian.
This news comes via THR, who noted this announcement during CBS' Television Critics Association panel. CBS has been working on the series since October, and while they have not cast Nancy yet, CBS guarantees she will be a woman of color. CBS also revealed that “Nancy Drew” will be a modern adaptation, focusing on Nancy in her early 30s, using her keen detective skills to solve crimes.
THR also noted CBS president Glen Geller's comments on the casting: “She is diverse, that is the way she is written… [she will] not [be] Caucasian.” While Geller didn't specify what ethnicity they were looking for, he said,” I'd be open to any ethnicity.”
This is a bold move for CBS, whose shows are mainly led by white casts — “NCIS,” “The Good Wife,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Supergirl” — all shows that feature people of color in supporting roles while their lead characters are Caucasian.
However, it does fall in line with other entertainment studios” recent attempts at diversifying characters whose stories do not rely on their inherent “whiteness.” From Nick Fury to J.K. Rowling”s support of Black Hermione, the world of fiction is beginning to more accurately reflect the world we live in.
“Nancy Drew” is in the early stages of production and will likely air in the fall of 2016.