The cast and creators of The CW’s "Charmed," a reboot of the original series about three witch sisters, have encountered criticism from fans in the months since the new version was announced. The critics include two of the first show’s lead actresses, Shannen Doherty and Holly Marie Combs, who took issue with The CW describing the new show as "feminist." The new series’ stars and creators defended the show during the Television Critics Association summer press tour yesterday (August 6).

The Associated Press reports that executive producer Jennie Snyder Urman ("Jane the Virgin") highlighted the casting of three actresses of color in the lead roles. "We’ve had the chance to see three White witches," she said. "And obviously, coming off [the predominantly Latinx ‘Jane the Virgin’], I know so much more about what it means to be on screen, to see yourself represented, to see yourself being the hero of the story."

“It’s very rooted in what 2018 is," Madeleine Mantock ("Into the Badlands"), who portrays one of the three magically blessed half-sisters, added as quoted by the Los Angeles Times. "I’m truly grateful to work with people who want to talk about the issues that I talk about in my kitchen.”

Melonie Diaz ("Fruitvale Station") and Sarah Jeffery ("Shades of Blue") depict Mantock’s similarly gifted sisters. Jeffery cited the series’ diverse cast when responding to Combs’ criticism back in May: 

rnt

#Charmed pic.twitter.com/XAj3FkbsUK

rnt— Sarah Jeffery (@sarahmjeffery3) May 26, 2018

rnt"Charmed" airs on The CW starting October 14.

rn