Fate of ‘Cane’ has implications for other ethnic shows

It isn’t really fair to put a lot of pressure on the new CBS drama “Cane.” It is a first-year series. And few first-year series are breakouts such as “Heroes” or “Desperate Housewives.”

But it is hard to ignore the fact that there is a lot riding on “Cane” — one of the first dramas on a network schedule with a mostly Hispanic cast.

The ratings have been low. This week’s episode finished in third place in the time slot, with a 5.7 rating. The failure of past dramas with ethnic casts has made it difficult for others. There hasn’t been a black drama to last a year since CBS’s “City of Angels” in 2000.”*

Stumble it! | |