CBS Showrunner Fired for Misconduct

CBS Television Studios fired former showrunner Brad Kern last Monday for misconduct ranging from racially insensitive comments to the mistreatment of women. The Hollywood Reporter described, "an alleged pattern of misogynistic bullying, racially insensitive comments and harassing behavior during his time at NCIS: New Orleans," and subjected him to two internal investigations beginning in 2016. Many reported to the Reporter that since Kern began on the show the environment had been toxic and he had always been at the center of vindictive treatment of colleagues.

The New York Times reported that CBS hired an outside investigator this past year to look into the allegations and unprofessional conduct. A report from Vulture added a statement from CBS, saying, “We have ended Brad Kern’s role as consulting producer on NCIS: New Orleans.” Is this surprising? How does this correlate to what we’ve been talking about with perpetuated stereotypes and dominant groups with seemingly unlimited power? Clearly, the allegations show Kern abusing his status to force narratives and manipulate the people around him.