White Creators Dominate: 92% of Top Streaming Series Scripted by Them
The landscape of streaming television continues to reflect a significant lack of diversity. A recent study from UCLA reveals that a staggering 91.7% of the top scripted series feature white creators. This statistic underscores a persistent issue in the industry, raising questions about representation and inclusivity in storytelling.
Key Findings from the UCLA Study
The UCLA study, titled “Hollywood Diversity Report Presents: Streaming Television in 2024,” conducted a comprehensive analysis of 224 scripted series among the top 250 programs. Here are some critical statistics:
- 91.7% of top scripted shows are created by white individuals.
- 78.9% of those creators are white males.
- Only 27 series had a BIPOC creator.
- 49 series featured a female creator.
- 2 series lacked a clearly identifiable show creator.
Diminishing Female Representation
The study highlights troubling trends regarding the representation of women in leading roles. The percentage of women in leading positions dropped from 39% to 34.3% compared to the previous year. Additionally, only 8.3% of the top streaming series featured women of color as leads. This contrasts sharply with the dominance of white male leads, which accounted for four out of five leading roles.
Concerns from Industry Leaders
Darnell Hunt, the executive vice chancellor and provost at UCLA, commented on these findings. He expressed concern that the ongoing decline in diversity reflects broader societal issues. According to Hunt, the lack of diverse perspectives stifles creativity, collaboration, and growth in storytelling.
“When you shut the door on diversity, you shut out opportunities for more perspectives,” he stated. “Without vigilance and pressure, the industry risks investing less in diverse creators and their stories, which could ultimately harm their bottom line.”
The findings from this study serve as a critical reminder of the need for greater diversity in Hollywood. Moving forward, the industry must prioritize inclusivity to foster richer narratives that resonate with a broader audience.
