Report finds increase in LGBT characters in scripted TV on both broadcast and cable networks, but transgender is still not well represented on TV.
- October 2, 2014
AceShowbiz -
GLAAD praises HBO, MTV and ABC Family for their LGBT representation in scripted TV. Each network has earned an "excellent" grade from the media advocacy group's annual Network Responsibility Index, which rates LGBT content on networks during the 2013-14 TV season.
The study finds an increase in the number of LGBT characters in scripted shows, both on broadcast and cable networks. LGBT characters make up 3.9 percent of series regulars across ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and The CW scripted shows in the current television season, up 0.6 percent from last year's 3.3 percent. Cable has 64 regular LGBT characters, up from 42 last season.
ABC, CW, FOX, FX, NBC and Showtime are rated as "good" for the quantity and diversity of LGBT characters featured, while CBS, TLC and USA Network receive "adequate" grades. History, A&E and TNT, meanwhile, are rated as failing.
The report points out the lack of transgender characters on broadcast and cable TV. Cable television doesn't have any regular transgender character, while Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black" and Amazon's "Transparent" are praised for profiling leading transgender characters.
GLAAD notes that beginning next year a network must include at least one regular transgender character to earn an "excellent" rating.
