Study reveals over 90% of streaming shows created by white people

A recent study from the University of California at Los Angeles suggests that the lack of diversity behind and in front of the camera in popular scripted series on streaming services has become more pronounced in the past year. The study found that over 91.7% of the top 250 most-viewed shows in 2024 were created by white individuals, with white men making up 79% of all show creators, which is an increase from previous years. Additionally, white actors were cast in 80% of all roles, while women and creators of color were underrepresented in both categories.

This decline in diversity comes as Hollywood inclusion programs have decreased, with many companies discontinuing efforts to increase diversity following the 2024 election. However, despite the setbacks, underrepresented storylines have seen an increase in 2024, with shows like Apple’s Ted Lasso and HBO’s The Penguin highlighting strong secondary storylines for female characters.

Although the industry still has a long way to go in terms of diversity, the study suggests that audiences are interested in relatable stories regardless of the lead actor’s gender. Shows featuring underrepresented storylines, particularly those centered on women, received higher engagement on social media, indicating a desire for more diverse narratives.

The future of diversity in Hollywood remains uncertain, especially with the recent bidding war among major streaming companies. The potential merger between companies like Netflix and Warner Bros has raised concerns about creative competition and the impact on entertainment workers. Despite these challenges, advocates for diversity in the industry continue to push for more inclusive storytelling and representation both on and off the screen.