A groundbreaking new study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has revealed a stark lack of diversity in the streaming television landscape.
The latest edition of the Hollywood Diversity Report was released on December 16, 2025. It found more than 90% of the top streaming shows in 2024 were created by white people.
The report, which analyzed the top 250 most-viewed current and library scripted series of the year, paints a sobering picture of an industry that appears to be retreating from previous commitments to inclusion.
The Numbers Behind the Screen
The data indicates that the “diversity boom” of the early 2020s has hit a significant roadblock. Key findings from the study include:
- White Creators: Over 91.7% of scripted streaming series were created by white individuals.
- Gender and Race: White men specifically accounted for 78.9% of all show creators. This figure actually increased from the previous year.
- BIPOC Representation: Creators of color (BIPOC) accounted for only 8.3% of the creative leads behind these top shows.
- Women in Leadership: Opportunities for female creators also dipped, with only 22% of top series being helmed by women.
This lack of diversity extends to the screen as well. White actors occupied nearly 80% of lead roles in the most-watched streaming comedies and dramas. Meanwhile lead roles for women of color plummeted to just 8.3%.
A “Sharp Reversal” of Progress, says UCLA
Researchers at UCLA describe these findings as a “sharp reversal” of the progress made following the 2020 racial justice movements. During that era, major streaming platforms and networks launched ambitious Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs aimed at elevating underrepresented voices.
However, the report notes that many of these initiatives have been dismantled or significantly scaled back over the past year. Industry giants like Disney, Amazon, and Warner Bros. have reportedly discontinued long-standing DEI programs. This cites a shift in corporate priorities and a changing political climate.
“When you shut the door on diversity, you shut out opportunities for more perspectives, collaboration, exploration, and growth,” wrote Darnell Hunt, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor and provost. “Without vigilance and pressure, the industry will continue to invest less and less in these creators to the detriment of their bottom line.”
The Business Case for Diversity
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the UCLA study is the disconnect between industry hiring and audience demand. While creators are increasingly white and male, the audiences driving these shows to the top of the charts are more diverse than ever.
The study found that underrepresented storylines—even those led by white actors—saw the highest levels of social media engagement. Shows with female-centered or culturally diverse secondary arcs, such as House of the Dragon or Bridgerton, saw median social media interactions more than five times higher than shows without such elements.
Minority households and female audiences were found to be the primary drivers for the majority of the top 10 shows. The data suggests that by narrowing the pool of creators, streaming services are ignoring the very demographic trends that lead to “viral” success and long-term subscriber retention.
Looking Ahead After UCLA findings
The 2025 report serves as a warning for a Hollywood at a crossroads. As streaming services transition from a “growth at all costs” phase to one of “profitability,” the tendency to rely on “safe,” traditional archetypes has resulted in a homogenization of content.
As the U.S. population moves toward becoming majority non-white, UCLA researchers argue that the industry’s retreat from diversity is not just a social issue, but a financial risk. To remain relevant, the industry may need to reconsider its current methodologies. Doing so will determine whether its current executive suites and writer’s rooms truly reflect the world that is watching.
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