A comprehensive annual study has revealed a significant and worrying step backwards for cultural diversity in the world of streaming television. The latest Hollywood Diversity Report from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) concludes that opportunities for women and people of colour both behind and in front of the camera have markedly declined since last year.
A Stark Picture of Representation
The report, published on Tuesday, analysed the 250 most-viewed current and library scripted series from 2024. It found that more than 91.7% were created by a white person, with white men alone accounting for a staggering 79% of all show creators. Both figures represent an increase from the previous year's findings.
In front of the camera, the situation was similarly bleak, with white actors being cast in 80% of all roles. The data showed that nearly all other racial and ethnic groups were underrepresented as leads or as creators. Of the 222 scripted series surveyed, only 49 were made by women, and creators of colour accounted for a mere 8%.
The Reversal of Post-2020 Gains
This trend indicates a sharp reversal from the progress made following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. In the wake of George Floyd's murder, many streaming services, broadcasters, and cable networks launched initiatives to boost diversity and invest in projects by or featuring more people of colour.
According to the report, these efforts have been largely abandoned. The study directly links this retreat to the political climate following Donald Trump's re-election and his administration's legal actions against so-called DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programmes. Major studios including Disney, Amazon, Paramount, and Warner Bros have all discontinued long-standing DEI programmes in the past year.
"Unfortunately, this wasn't unexpected, especially with the election results in 2024," wrote report co-founder Darnell Hunt, UCLA's executive vice-chancellor and provost.
Complex Findings on Storylines and Social Impact
Despite the overall decline in diverse hiring, the study uncovered a more nuanced picture regarding storytelling. It found that the inclusion of underrepresented storylines – regardless of the lead actor's gender – actually increased in 2024. Examples cited include Apple's Ted Lasso and HBO's The Penguin, which wove rich secondary narratives focused on female characters.
"Even as diversity drops overall, we find that the stories are still there," said co-author and doctoral candidate Nico Garcia. "When there are good and relatable stories, people watch regardless of who plays the lead."
Furthermore, shows featuring these underrepresented stories, particularly those centred on women, generated significantly higher engagement on social media. HBO's House of the Dragon and Netflix's Bridgerton were highlighted as prominent examples where such storylines drove conversation.
The report's authors warn that the industry's bottom line could suffer if this trend continues. "When you shut the door on diversity, you shut out opportunities for more perspectives, collaboration, exploration and growth," Hunt added.
The future of diversity efforts faces further uncertainty due to industry consolidation. The contentious bidding war for Warner Bros, owner of HBO, involving Netflix and Paramount, has raised alarms. Industry groups like the Writers Guild of America have warned that such a merger would "eliminate jobs, push down wages, and worsen conditions for all entertainment workers," potentially stifling creative competition and diverse voices further.
