More than 90 per cent of the most popular scripted streaming series in 2024 were created by white people, according to the latest UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report. The study, published on Tuesday, found that of the top 250 most-viewed current and library scripted series, white creators accounted for 91.7 per cent, with white men making up 79 per cent of all show creators – both figures representing an increase from the previous year.
Diversity also fell for performers, with white actors cast in 80 per cent of all roles. The report noted that nearly all other racial and ethnic groups were underrepresented as leads or creators: among 222 series surveyed, only 49 were created by women, and creators of colour accounted for just 8 per cent. This marks a sharp reversal from the progress made after the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, when streaming services and networks launched inclusion programmes that have since been largely abandoned.
Co-author Darnell Hunt, executive vice-chancellor at UCLA, said the decline was not unexpected following the 2024 US election results, adding: 'When you shut the door on diversity, you shut out opportunities for more perspectives, collaboration, exploration and growth.' The report cited the Trump administration’s legal efforts against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, with companies such as Disney, Amazon, Paramount and Warner Bros discontinuing such initiatives in the past year.
Despite the overall drop, the study found that underrepresented storylines increased in 2024, particularly those centred on female characters. Co-author Nico Garcia noted: 'Even as diversity drops overall, we find that the stories are still there. When there are good and relatable stories, people watch regardless of who plays the lead.' Shows such as Apple’s Ted Lasso, HBO’s The Penguin, House of the Dragon and Netflix’s Bridgerton were highlighted for attracting higher social media engagement through diverse narratives.
The report also addressed the potential impact of consolidation in the streaming industry. The Writers Guild of America issued a statement criticising Netflix’s proposal to purchase Warner Bros, warning that such a merger would eliminate jobs, push down wages and worsen conditions for entertainment workers, further threatening creative competition and diversity efforts.
