'Outsourced' exec denies stereotyping

Outsourced's executive producer Ken Kwapis has insisted that the show does not rely on stereotypes.

The new comedy focuses on a group of workers in an Indian call centre but has already been criticised for its portrayal of the characters and for making a joke out of the loss of American jobs.

"A lot of people ask me, 'Why would Americans want to watch a show about something they're angry about?'" Kwapis told The Hollywood Reporter.

"Well, first of all, networks don't programme shows on a whim, especially one set in India and populated almost entirely by Indian actors. The pilot was subjected to pretty gruelling test-market research screenings."

Kwapis explained that a third of the writing staff is of Indian descent, adding: "Any story about a culture clash is going to deal with stereotypes on some level. The real question is, are we trying to perpetuate stereotypes? Absolutely not - we're trying to explore them. We're trying to humanise these characters."

He continued: "This is all about putting a human face on the voice at the other end of the phone line. What frustrates me most is when I hear people who are angry about outsourcing and they hang the problem on the call centre workers themselves. As if the Indian call centre worker has the power to decide to bring jobs there!

"My hope is that for an audience, the show will allow you to basically go around the world and meet someone who, lo and behold, is fundamentally no different from yourself."

Outsourced premieres on Thursday at 9.30/8.30c on NBC.