How ABC Is Trailblazing Path for Asians on TV With ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’ ‘Dr. Ken,’ ‘Quantico’

The network will feature 18 Asian series regular characters this season and a record three shows with lead actors of Asian heritage

Vince Rodriguez III on CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"; Constance Wu on ABC's "Fresh Off the Boat"; Daniel Henney on CBS' "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders"
Vince Rodriguez III on CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"; Constance Wu on ABC's "Fresh Off the Boat"; Daniel Henney on CBS' "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders"

The success of ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat” has paved the way for an explosion of actors of Asian heritage on the network — and across broadcast TV.

ABC will feature 18 Asian series regular characters during the 2015-16 season, according to findings by the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC). That number beats the previous record set by NBC in 2008, when the network featured 16 Asian characters across its shows.

ABC will also be the first network in history to have three shows featuring first-billed Asian leads on the air at the same time. In addition to “Fresh Off the Boat,” the network is also debuting “Dr.

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