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ABC again the top network in report on Asian Americans on TV

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Major television networks are hitting far more lows than highs in tapping into Asian American talent, according to a study released Wednesday by the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition.

The advocacy group’s annual report on ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX came on the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. ABC earned the top grades with Asian Americans depicting 11 percent of regular characters on its prime-time programs, while Fox flunked because it did not submit data, the coalition said.

“The Report Cards revealed some positives but also many areas in which the networks need to improve for Asian Americans to be able to enjoy equal opportunities and to be fully included in the entertainment industry,” the group said.

The assessments of prime-time programs, including reality TV, were based on the 2017-18 season. The study examined both long-term and recurring roles for people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent and key roles behind the camera.

It also looked at the impact of “pipeline programs,” initiatives targeted at increasing diversity through recruitment and training.

Of all the networks, ABC was tops with an overall B grade.

In the category of on-screen talent in its comedies and dramas, ABC got an A- grade for having 24 regular characters on shows like “Fresh Off the Boat,” and “The Good Doctor.” The report tallied 27 API actors in recurring parts on ABC.

CBS earned a B- after increasing API characters from 16 to 21, although most got little air time, the report said. CBS got a B+ for hiring more API directors, from eight to 18, and boosted TV writers and producers from 15 to 17.

“We are pleased with the progress reflected in the report issued today, while recognizing that more still needs to be done,” CBS said in a statement.

NBC had a grade of C average with 11 API regular roles, but the report found only 12 recurring parts, down from 26.

Fox has not shared its information since 2013, the report states.

In the category of reality TV and talent competitions, no network got better than a C grade.

The coalition, which has been doing the report for 17 years, also found missed opportunities for Asian Americans on shows that take place in locations with high Asian populations.

CBS’ “Magnum P.I.” reboot is set in Hawaii yet none of the main cast members are Asian-American or a Pacific Islander. NBC’s “New Amsterdam” depicts the drama at a New York City hospital that only has one Asian doctor.

The success of “Crazy Rich Asians” at movie theaters, the popularity of “Killing Eve” on BBC America and the Netflix film “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” may be influencing next season’s landscape.

Networks have ordered nearly half a dozen pilots with Asian Americans in the lead including Ken Jeong, who appeared in “Crazy Rich Asians,” Lucy Liu and Kal Penn.

Liu, who will be coming off of a seven-season run on the CBS drama “Elementary,” was honored Wednesday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star is next to Anna May Wong, who is considered the first Chinese American actress to achieve Hollywood stardom in the 1920s and 1930s.

“One need only observe the success of API-led shows on other platforms to realize that the public, Asian and non-Asian alike, is eager to consume new stories and enjoy new talent featuring Asian Americans,” coalition chair Daniel Mayeda said.

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Entertainment

Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.

The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.

Special Kids Ticket Offer

Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.

The offer is valid for performances:

  • Monday through Thursday
  • Fridays at 5 p.m.

The promotion is not valid for:

  • Saturday performances
  • Sunday performances
  • Fridays at 8 p.m.

New Orlando Production at ICON Park

Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.

The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.

Global Entertainment Phenomenon

Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.

The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.

Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

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Central Florida News

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.

The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.

Opening Reception Scheduled June 11

An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.

  • Doors open at 5 p.m.
  • Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
  • Admission is free
  • Advance registration is requested

Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity

Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.

“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”

The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.

Exhibit Information

The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.

The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.

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Entertainment

USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.

Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy

Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.

Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.

“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”

Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production

As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.

Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.

“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”

Production Scheduled for October 2026

Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.

Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.

Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.

Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com

For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.

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