Write GOOD characters and stories and no one will care about race.
The difference I think many writers/producers don't realize is the writing. Writing matters, not the color of the cast. Too often "shows of color" tend to get too focused on using "their soapbox" and see it as an opportunity to "educate" the audience in some manner, rather than merely writing good stories and good characters.
The writing for Grand Crew is merely the same exact situations any group of friends may face - regardless of their ethnicity. Race is NOT the central focus of every episode. And that I enjoy. Sure situations may unfold a bit differently based upon the cast, but that can really be said regarding any sitcom. My point is, race, as a whole, is inconsequential to the storylines. I can't say that about MOST sitcoms made in the past 10 years - regardless of the cast's color.
The storylines and plots aren't very groundbreaking, but then, neither are storylines or plots of most ensemble cast shows, or sitcoms for that matter. The biggest problem with Grand Crew is that they largely seem to rely on Nicole Byer for any humor and well.. I'm not a fan of Nicole Byer's one-track acting abilities.
I don't want to be preached to, or told what I should believe or support, how to live my life, or have my world view attacked, told I need to support black communities or that "whitey is bad"..... meaning I detest propaganda being disguised as entertainment. Grand Crew is not propaganda, it's entertainment. THAT alone is rare in today's "sitcom" landscape.
It's really about the writing, not the color of the cast.
So 7 stars for how the show is written... for actual entrainment value, I'd probably only go to 3 or 4 stars. The overall writing direction is a good direction.... now they just need to work on the humor aspect (and replace, or at least minimize, Nicole Byer in my opinion.)
