Last year, streaming services faced a troubling decline in cultural diversity, both in front of and behind the camera. A new study from UCLA revealed that over 91.7% of the top 250 scripted series were created by white individuals, with white men making up 79% of show creators. This marks an increase from the previous year, highlighting a concerning trend.
According to the report, white actors filled 80% of all roles, while people of color and women saw minimal representation as leads or creators. Out of 222 scripted series examined, only 49 were created by women, and creators of color accounted for just 8%. This lack of diversity persists despite a growing audience that includes many minority households.
The findings represent a stark reversal from the progress made after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. In response to heightened demand for inclusivity, streaming services and networks had established initiatives to promote diversity. However, many of these programs were abandoned as political dynamics shifted, especially after Donald Trump’s reelection and government actions targeting diversity efforts.
Darnell Hunt, UCLA’s executive vice-chancellor, noted the irony: “When you shut the door on diversity, you shut out opportunities for more perspectives and growth.”
Yet, the study also found a silver lining. While diversity in production has declined, shows increasingly explored underrepresented stories. For instance, series like Ted Lasso and The Penguin showcased substantial female narratives, attracting significant viewer engagement. Co-author Nico Garcia emphasized that relatable stories resonate with audiences, regardless of the lead’s identity.
Interestingly, these storylines drove higher engagement on social media. Shows featuring underrepresented narratives received over five times more interactions compared to those without. Examples like House of the Dragon and Bridgerton illustrate how compelling storytelling can thrive, even amid diversity challenges.
As the media landscape evolves, concerns grow over major mergers in Hollywood, specifically the bidding war for Warner Bros. Industry experts fear that such consolidation could stifle creative competition and further diminish diversity efforts. The Writers Guild of America recently criticized Netflix’s proposal to acquire Warner Bros, warning that it could lead to job losses and lower wages for industry workers.
The conversation surrounding diversity in entertainment continues to be complex. While there are setbacks, there’s also a commitment to produce stories that resonate with a broad audience. Balancing these challenges will be key for the industry moving forward.
For more details, you can explore the full UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report.
