The Fosters
The cast of “The Fosters” aired a special message to viewers before a Season 4 episode about a school shooting. From left: Danny Nucci, Teri Polo and Sherri Saum star in the premiere. Freeform

“The Fosters” Season 4 decided to start its season with a PSA before an episode about a school shooting. Marianna’s boyfriend Nick decides to bring a gun to school, but the Freeform drama didn’t want to air the show without addressing recent tragedies. Actresses Sherri Saum and Cierra Ramirez delivered a message to viewers before the premiere.

“Our hearts are with the friends and families of the victims of the tragic events in Orlando,” Saum said. The June 12 massacre at an LGBT nightclub left 49 people dead. “The Fosters” premiere aired just over a week later on Monday night.

“In times like these, we should celebrate our differences,” said Ramirez, who plays Marianna. “Diversity is what makes us strong.”

“Violence is never the answer,” said Saum, who plays Lena.

“And remember: Love will always conquer hate,” Ramirez added. Watch their message above.

The producers of the drama, which focuses on a lesbian couple and their children, considered rescheduling the episode. But executive producer Bradley Bredeweg said that it could be used to keep a national conversation going.

“Orlando is one of the most tragic things that has ever happened to us as a country, and the gay community especially,” Bredeweg told TheWrap. “But when you take a step back and take a look at American culture, you suddenly realize that these things are happening all the time. Maybe not on as large a scale as Orlando, but we face these kinds of tragedies constantly. So really when is a good time? I think anytime is a good time to start talking about this kind of thing and subject matter. Because we have to figure this out. We have to change our ways and our laws.”

“The Fosters” Season 4 airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Freeform.