Lifetime's "UnREAL," a television series that features a theme like "The Bachelor," has cast its first black suitor.
TV Line exclusively learned that B.J. Britt landed the role of a bachelor to appear in "Everlasting," the series' dating show.
Britt, known for his appearances in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and "Being Mary Jane," will be "UnREAL's" new leading man for season 2. He will take on the role of professional quarterback Darius Hill, who has the charm and swagger the producers of "Everlasting" are looking for.
With Darius joining the dating show, executive producer Quinn (Constance Zimmer) and producer Rachel (Shiri Appleby) are confident they have a great catch.
"UnREAL" co-creator Sarah Gertrude Shapiro shared bits of what to expect from the character. She told Vulture that Darius is "recovering from a scandal that's a little bit silly. He's on the show to rehab his image. He doesn't come there to be serious about love."
"UnREAL's" casting of an African-American suitor should call out the attention of "The Bachelor" producers to also do the same thing for the reality series. The latter has been criticized for its lack of diversity when it comes to their leading men, Variety reported.
But change is happening soon, according to ABC president, Paul Lee, who teased at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena a few days ago, that a black female lead will be featured in the reality dating series.
"We're doing a whole lot of tweaks," Lee told reporters.
"We have the farm team, right, which allows us to then pick the next one. But I'd be very surprised if 'The Bachelorette' in the summer isn't diverse," he said.
Meanwhile, "UnREAL" season 2 will begin production in March to push for a summer 2016 premiere, Deadline reported. Those who want to catch the first season can do so through Hulu, which acquired the rights to the show. Hulu streaming will start on Feb. 3.
