NBC's "Outsourced"

[JonFromMaplewood]

Many people on this board know a lot about TV, and that includes the business of TV and the people behind the scenes.  This question is for you.

I can only judge NBC's new show Outsourced by the trailer, which I know is not enough.  But based only on that, it looks straight up racist.  I do not like to jump to conclusions and so I am on a fact-finding mission (I cannot seem to find anything on the web about this other than promotional stuff).  Is there something the trailer is not showing us that will balance out all of the Indian caricatures?  Perhaps some Indian characters who are equivalent to the American POV character? 

Does anyone know? 

Thanks,
JfM

[samir]

I saw the film that the sitcom is based on (also called OUTSOURCED, available on Netflix instant), and it was pretty okay. Certainly not as offensive looking as the promos for the sitcom. The tv show looks gross and I'm already mad about it.

[TacoSmith]

Racist or not, I'm already mad at it because it's the reason "Parks and Rec" won't be back on for like a year or something.

[Bernard]

I'll watch the first few episodes.  Unless I'm completely naive, I can't imagine NBC would greenlight a series that's TOO offensive towards Indian culture.  On the same token, I could see a non-cable network try to cash in on the successes of "Sunny in Philly," for example, and try to throw unintelligent, stupid and, ultimately, offensive jokes on screen and pass it off as "edgy." 

Here's a review of the Pilot: http://www.cliqueclack.com/tv/2010/05/28/nbc%E2%80%99s-outsourced-pilot-script-review/.  The mediocre review actually makes me want to watch it more to judge for myself. 

[jbissell]

Racist or not, I'm already mad at it because it's the reason "Parks and Rec" won't be back on for like a year or something.

Exactly. The fact that it's bumping the current funniest show on Thurs. nights makes me hate it even more than I already would have.

[Andy]

I'm currently pitching a sitcom called "Outraged" about a bunch of people who get outraged about stuff before they even see it.

[fonpr]

I'm currently pitching a sitcom called "Outraged" about a bunch of people who get outraged about stuff before they even see it.

That's an outrageous idea!

Do it!

[samir]

Related:
You know who can shut up?
Time Magazine's Joel Stein can shut up.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1999416,00.html

[Hugman 3.0]

Related:
You know who can shut up?
Time Magazine's Joel Stein can shut up.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1999416,00.html

What the fucking fuck? That has to be the most racist thing to have ever been associated with Time Magazine.

[waltkellysghost]

The worst thing about racism is that it's so totally racist.

[Bryan]

Related:
You know who can shut up?
Time Magazine's Joel Stein can shut up.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1999416,00.html

All the changes that he's complaining about actually sound like distinct improvements.

[JonFromMaplewood]

Folks,

Call me brilliant, but I am getting the feeling from the heavy sarcasm on this thread that my original post is being mocked.  I thought I made it clear in the original post that I do not want to jump to conclusions, that the show may be completely irreverent and may turn the stereotypes on their heads, etc. And that was why I was asking around.  The trailer in and of itself is racist in my opinion because it does not once balance out the comical Indian characters with anyone else.  So I was curious if anyone knew anything in advance about the show itself.

C'mon guys. I am not going to act like a protester outside of Life of Brian who never saw the thing.  I am asking about the show, that is all.  Just wanted to get a discussion going.

And yes, I get that the Time Magazine article is supposed to be a gag.

[Sarah]

Unfortunately, one of those gags that will be taken as entirely seriously by those of a certain bent.  (And I'm not talking about you, Samir.)

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Yes, Stein's "joking," but he's still being a racist asshole.

One thing that does surprise and fascinate me, though, is the Jersey-fication of a lot of first- and second-generation Asian kids.  I taught a lot of them at Rutgers.

[waltkellysghost]

Folks,

Call me brilliant, but I am getting the feeling from the heavy sarcasm on this thread that my original post is being mocked.  I thought I made it clear in the original post that I do not want to jump to conclusions, that the show may be completely irreverent and may turn the stereotypes on their heads, etc. And that was why I was asking around.  The trailer in and of itself is racist in my opinion because it does not once balance out the comical Indian characters with anyone else.  So I was curious if anyone knew anything in advance about the show itself.

C'mon guys. I am not going to act like a protester outside of Life of Brian who never saw the thing.  I am asking about the show, that is all.  Just wanted to get a discussion going.

And yes, I get that the Time Magazine article is supposed to be a gag.

I could see how my message could be perceived as teasing. My apologies. I was trying to be a goofball more than trying to put anyone down. I hadn't heard of it until this thread. I'm sure that your viewpoint from seeing the trailer is totally merited. Plus its NBC, they have maybe two decent shows? I wouldn't put it past them to play up stereotypes for ratings.