Players will typically take on the role of a minority character (usually African American) who has found away to stave off death for decades.

For the most part, the Disney shows featuring minority characters don't fit into easy stereotypes.

Of 26 new prime-time shows on the major broadcast networks this fall, not one will have a minority character in a leading role.

EastEnders have had varying success with ethnic minority characters.

"There was talk about a lack of diversity among minority characters on TV shows," he said.

He called those schedules a "virtual whitewash," with few shows having any leading black or other minority characters.

But within months, network executives were falling all over themselves adding minority characters to their prime-time lineups.

It may also sue TV networks for failing to depict minority characters in their shows.

The pilot episode was notable, and strongly criticized, for the absence of any minority characters in its ensemble cast.

In both instances the minority characters are used to extract laughs from the audience based on their ethnicity.