Diversity and representation of women on streaming TV series in sharp decline, UCLA study shows

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A recent UCLA study found that popular TV shows on streaming platforms have become less diverse this year, which is a concerning sign for inclusion in the television industry.

A new report released Tuesday shows that top streaming shows in 2024 are less diverse than they were last year. The report found that actors and creators of color, as well as women, have fewer opportunities to work behind the scenes.

A recent study found that white actors played the vast majority – almost 80% – of lead roles in hit streaming shows. Other racial and ethnic groups were significantly underrepresented in these leading positions.

As a film and TV buff, I was really struck by some recent data. It seems like we’re still seeing a huge imbalance in who’s calling the shots and starring in shows. White men are dominating lead roles – seriously, almost 80% of them! And when it comes to who’s creating these shows, it’s also heavily skewed. Out of over 200 scripted series, less than 50 were created by women. What’s even more concerning is how few creators of color are getting a chance, whether it’s for brand new projects or even established shows. It feels like a lot of voices are still being left out of the conversation.

The report shows a significant shift from the period following George Floyd’s murder in 2020. At that time, streaming services, broadcast networks, and cable channels all started creating more content featuring people of color, especially Black individuals. These studios and networks also promised to launch programs and initiatives to improve diversity.

Television

This important anniversary arrives at a time when newsrooms are navigating a dramatically changed political environment, as the Trump administration focuses on issues related to civil rights.

Following last year’s elections, many diversity programs have been canceled. The new administration and conservative groups strongly criticized efforts to support nonwhite communities and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. Several major studios, including Disney, Amazon, Paramount, and Warner Bros., have ended programs they previously used to increase diversity within their companies.

The downturn in diversity represents a troubling shift, said the authors of the report.

Darnell Hunt, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor and provost, stated that the outcome wasn’t surprising, particularly considering the results of the 2024 election.

According to co-author Hunt, limiting diversity means missing out on valuable viewpoints, teamwork, innovation, and progress. Without ongoing effort and advocacy, the industry will likely continue to underinvest in diverse creators and stories, ultimately harming its financial performance.

Researchers found that streaming shows thrived by telling more diverse stories and featuring characters and storylines focused on people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and women.

Hollywood Inc.

Experts note that studios and entertainment companies have been gradually scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for several years now.

Shows with those characters consistently performed well with all types of viewers, earning higher ratings than shows without them, just like last year.

In 2024, more TV shows included stories representing diverse perspectives, no matter who the main character was. A recent report highlighted how even popular male-led comedies like Apple TV’s “Ted Lasso” in 2023 featured storylines centered around women. This trend continued in 2024, with shows like HBO’s “The Penguin” specifically showcasing the stories of female characters like Sofia Falcone (played by Cristin Milioti) and the Penguin’s mother, Francis Cobb (Deirdre O’Connell), as noted by report co-author Nico Garcia.

Despite a general decline in diversity, compelling stories continue to resonate with audiences, according to Garcia, a cinema and media studies PhD candidate. She explains that people will watch a show or movie if the story is good and they can connect with it, no matter who the main actor is.

The fight between Netflix, Paramount, and other companies to buy Warner Bros. Studios has raised concerns about the future of diversity and fairness in Hollywood. Many industry organizations, unions, and experts in competition law believe a large merger could stifle creativity and limit options.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) East and West released a statement opposing the planned merger of Netflix and Warner Bros. They argue that the deal would violate antitrust laws by giving the largest streaming company too much power. The WGA believes this would lead to job losses, lower pay, and worse working conditions for people in the entertainment industry.

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2025-12-16 17:01