Gender equity in TV: A closer look at the ReFrame Stamp recipients
Celebrating gender-balanced hiring in TV and streaming
In a significant move towards gender equity in the entertainment industry, IMDbPro and ReFrame, a coalition dedicated to gender balance founded by the Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles, have awarded the prestigious ReFrame Stamp to 77 out of the 200 most popular TV and streaming series of 2023 – 2024. This accolade highlights productions that have demonstrated a commitment to gender-balanced hiring practices.
Notable series recognized for gender equity
Among the series that have earned the ReFrame Stamp are some of the most talked-about shows of the year. These include:
These series are not only popular but also serve as benchmarks for gender-balanced hiring in the industry.
The significance of the ReFrame Stamp
The ReFrame Stamp is more than just an award; it is a symbol of progress and potential in the quest for gender equity in the entertainment industry. The 77 series that received the stamp represent 38.5% of the most popular scripted series of 2023 – 2024. However, this figure marks a decrease of 8.5% from the previous year and a significant 20% drop from the peak in 2020 – 2021.
Additional series earning the ReFrame Stamp
Other noteworthy series that have been recognized include:
These series further underscore the industry’s efforts to promote gender equity.
Insights from the ReFrame report on gender and hiring in TV
The ReFrame Report on Gender and Hiring in TV, released in partnership with IMDbPro, provides a comprehensive analysis of gender representation in the industry. The report reveals a concerning trend: the representation of women and nonbinary or gender-nonconforming performers in lead roles in TV and streaming series has decreased by 13% over the past year.
Gender disparity in pilot writing and directing
The report also sheds light on the gender disparity in pilot writing and directing jobs. Of the 102 pilot episodes examined, only 25.5% were directed by women, and 32.4% were written by women. This data highlights the ongoing challenges women face in securing key creative roles in the industry.
Distributor performance on gender equity
The report includes a company report card that evaluates the percentage of series from each distributor that meets the ReFrame Stamp criteria. With the exception of Amazon MGM Studios, distributors such as Paramount, NBCU, and Apple TV+ have shown a lower percentage of gender-balanced series compared to 2020 – 2021, the first year of the report.
Reflecting on the path forward
The ReFrame Stamp and the accompanying report serve as both a celebration of progress and a call to action. While there have been notable achievements in promoting gender equity, the data indicates that there is still much work to be done. The entertainment industry must continue to strive for a more inclusive and balanced representation, both in front of and behind the camera.
For those passionate about cinema, TV series, and music, these insights offer a deeper understanding of the industry’s dynamics and the importance of supporting gender-balanced productions. By championing these efforts, we can contribute to a more equitable and diverse entertainment landscape.
For a complete list of shows that received the ReFrame Stamp, visit ReFrame’s website.