Black and nonbinary representation in mainstream media increased substantially throughout the pandemic, according to a new study of casting in scripted live-action television shows and film.
Research published Wednesday by Variety Business Intelligence compared breakdowns of series regulars in episodic TV series and main-title cast members for movies during two distinct periods: Oct. 1, 2018 to March 31, 2020, or “pre-pandemic,” and April 1, 2020 to Oct. 2021, or “pandemic.”
According to the study, Black actors recorded the highest rate of representation gains in TV and film across all racial and ethnic groups over the past two years. Nearly 60 percent of films released during the pandemic had a Black main-title role, and, in television more than 70 percent of episodic seasons had a Black series regular.
