Another hit television show is bringing a “non-tradional” or “modern family” vibe to the series. Drop Dead Diva, on the Lifetime network is exploring the possible new character addition to the show in the form of a baby. Lead character Stacy is ready for a child but not married, or in a relationship, but is ready to be a mom. It’s already been teased that the character will be inviting ex-boyfriends, some of which she is still friends with to a “donor party.” It’s unknown yet if she is just looking for a one-time donation or a possible parenting partnership situation.
This isn’t the first time hit shows are writing these kinds of topics into the story lines, opening them up for nationwide discussion. Parenting partnerships, co-parenting, known sperm-donors, surrogacy, anonymous sperm donors, etc, among other subjects are already widely common across our country and aren’t really that “out there,” but for some in our country, these options are not really known about or discussed as much. That’s why having them being a feature storyline on a television show is great news, and shows that progression and the spread of important knowledge is well on its way.
More information on the show can be found by clicking here.
The Disney Channel is currently casting to fill a role of a their first LGBT characters. This is monumental for the company who has typically distanced themselves from anything that could prove to be controversial. TV Guide reports that a 2014 episode of Good Luck Charlie will include a lesbian couple:
In the storyline, parents Amy and Bob Duncan (Leigh-Allyn Baker and Eric Allan Kramer) set up a playdate for preschooler Charlie (Mia Talerico) and one of her new friends. When the kid arrives, the Duncans learn that Charlie’s pal has two moms. That’s fine, but the potential new friendship is put to the test as one mom chats with Amy, and the other is stuck listening to Bob’s dull stories.
The playdate is actually the secondary story in the episode, as much of the action will center on Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) and her best friend Ivy, as Ivy prepares to head off to college.
But Disney Channel understands the groundbreaking nature of featuring a same-sex couple on one of its sitcoms and took extra care in crafting the episode. “This particular storyline was developed under the consultancy of child development experts and community advisors,” a Disney Channel spokesperson says. “Like all Disney Channel programming, it was developed to be relevant to kids and families around the world and to reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness.
Producers are currently casting the couple, with production set for next week. Because the episode will be a part of Good Luck Charlie‘s final season, the characters are only expected to appear in this one episode. Regardless, this is a huge step forward for LGBT visibility in children’s programming.
Executive Producer Jennifer Lopez is introducing television viewers to a new, and very different type of TV family. But just because we don’t see this type of “modern family” on television that often, doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. “The Fosters,” which will premiere on ABC Family is about a multi-ethnic blended family. The biracial lesbian couple who serve as the main characters, have biological and adopted children, all living together as a family. The show is centered around the couple bringing in another teenager who comes from a troubled past to join the family.
“There’s something that every family can take out of this show and say, ‘That’s exactly what happens at my breakfast table,’ or, ‘I can’t believe she said that! That’s exactly how I say things to my son,’ ” said star Sherri Saum. “It’s very relatable that way.”
“The Fosters” will debut Monday, June 3 at 9/8c on ABC Family. Saum and Teri Polo play the bi-racial parents, David Lambert stars as Stef’s biological son Brandon, while Cierra Ramirez and Jake T. Austin are cast as the couple’s adopted twins Mariana and Jesus.
Read more and see a clip of the show here: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00060810.html#ixzz2V7AZX5Nn
