Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 18, 1993 TAG: 9309170415
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LYNN ELBER ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
Series with predominantly black casts could be found on ABC, Fox Broadcasting and, to a lesser extent, on NBC. But CBS went without.
Not by design, CBS President Howard Stringer reassures us. In attempting to explain, his remarks took on a kind of ``Where's Waldo?'' quality - you knew there was an answer buried within, but it was tough to find.
``That would be pretty stupid, actually, if we did have such a policy,'' he said. To survive, a network has to try for mass appeal.
But in television's changing, expanding world, networks also must craft a distinctive identity, Stringer told a recent gathering of television critics. Then it got confusing.
``I think CBS needs to define itself directly as the network of Letterman and the network of Rather and the network of Connie Chung. ...A thoughtful - I don't want to use the word `elitist,' because that's an ugly word - but I think a sort of quality, for want of a better word.''
``And that's the way we define ourselves,'' he said. But, he added, ``that's still a broad-based audience, and I would like our audience to include more minorities, and I would like our shows to include the same.''
We know Stringer couldn't possibly be suggesting that it was harder for minority-oriented programs to meet CBS' standards of thoughtful quality.
That would be an ugly notion, with or without the word elitist attached.
And as if to prove Stringer's intentions are only honorable, along comes an engaging new CBS comedy, ``Tall Hopes,'' about a working-class black family in Philadelphia.
It stars comedian George Wallace and Anna Maria Horsford (``Amen'') as the parents of a 6-year-old girl and two teen-age boys, one a high school basketball star and the other a budding, Spike Lee-like filmmaker.
``Tall Hopes,'' debuting at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, includes the same airy silliness that permeates so many sitcoms.
But it also offers a loving, intact family (rare for TV, whether black or white), kid actors not soaked in saccharine, and a willingness to tackle more than petty family problems.
Rich Eustus, executive producer of the series with Michael Elias, says they took the series idea to CBS because word had it the network was in ``the mood to buy some 8 o'clock shows'' for the family viewing hour.
Network executives also were interested in a black show ``that was not too silly,'' he said.
Give credit to CBS where it's due: When critics complain about how blacks are treated on television, they often condemn the jive-talking stereotypes found on so many sitcoms.
``After that, it fell into place because they liked the premise,'' Eustus said. Each member of the Harris clan is striving for a dream, sometimes stumbling as they try to keep sight of what's important.
Although Eustus insists the show is a family show, not a black family show, a number of behind-the-scenes jobs were given to blacks to help ensure an authentic tone, he said.
The executive story editor, a staff writer and a director are black, and two of the scripts were written by outside writers who are black.
``We wouldn't presume to know if something's OK or if it's offensive,'' said Eustus. ``They [black staff members] will say, `Well, my family, no one would ever do that.'''
CBS is covering its bets this season by ordering a limited number of episodes for many new series; it has approved only six episodes of ``Tall Hopes.''
``I think it's got a chance, because it's good. I've got my fingers crossed. But I never like to count on anything because it's a wacky business,'' Eustus said.
\ Elsewhere in television
FASHION 101: It's back to school for MTV's ``House of Style,'' hosted by model Cindy Crawford. The program will offer tips for college students on a budget, including a segment with designer Todd Oldham in which he demonstrates how to makes belts out of bottle caps. The show also will offer advice on cheap, creative ways to decorate apartments and dorm rooms, and focus on highlights of the New York, Paris and Milan fall fashion shows. This edition of ``House'' debuts tonight at 10.
by CNB