Where We Are on TV Report: 2009 - 2010 Season

GLAAD
September 30, 2009

Diversity on Scripted Broadcast Television

For the fifth year, GLAAD has provided a breakdown of the race, gender and ethnicity of all series regular characters expected to appear on the broadcast networks in the upcoming season. The CW is in last place among broadcast networks in racial/ethnic diversity rankings with only 10% people of color. However, it is on par with NBC’s LGBT diversity ranking: 3% series regular LGBT characters. Fox has taken first place in racial/ethnic diversity rankings (30% POC), with NBC close behind at 26%. ABC leads in LGBT diversity with 5% series regular LGBT characters, while CBS remains last with zero LGBT series regulars. (Fox is #2 in LGBT representation at 4%).

Counting the finite number of series regular characters (lead and supporting) on all announced broadcast network scripted series for the season, LGBT characters make up 3%.

All information is for the 2009-2010 season, as of September 25, 2009
Total number of series regulars*: 600
Number of series regular LGBT characters: 18 (3%)
(does not include recurring characters)

Total number of scripted shows: 79
Number of shows with series regular LGBT characters: 14 (18%)