CBS daytime chief Barbara Bloom responds to TV Guide about the outcry from gay As the World Turns fans and the ongoing complaints that CBS treats the love between gay characters Luke and Noah differently than it treats the heterosexual couples on the show. While the show has presented a groundbreaking storyline, fans say that while heterosexual couples are given graphic love and kissing scenes, Luke (Van Hansis) and Noah's (Jake Silbermann) affection takes place mainly off-screen, and passionate kisses are few and far between. Meanwhile, “pro-family” groups are campaigning to have the couple removed from the show.
Says Bloom: “I can assure you there is no homophobia on the part of the network, nor are we pandering to any group. We have not censored ATWT or asked them to hold back in any way. I really hope the show will continue to evolve the Luke and Noah story, and that they culminate their relationship the way all couples in love do. I understand why all this makes people scream. The only thing you're going to get out of me is that the pacing is slower with Luke and Noah than it is with other romances on ATWT. But that's good storytelling. We're in the business of getting people to watch more.”
Daytime Boss Addresses ATWT's “Nuke” Fallout [tv guide]
Previously
Luke and Noah Kiss, or Lack Thereof, Getting Loads of Attention [tr]
Fans Protest Bias Against Gay Affection on As the World Turns [tr]
As the World Turns to Get First Teenage Gay Kiss [tr]