A new comprehensive study reveals a significant and concerning decline in the presence of women working as television creators, directors, and even as major characters in original U.S. shows across both streaming services and broadcast networks. The latest "Boxed In" report, released by the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University, indicates that recent gains for women in key creative roles were merely a temporary surge, with current figures falling below levels observed almost a decade prior. This reversal signals a troubling trend for gender equity within the entertainment industry, particularly as platforms grapple with increasing demands for diverse storytelling.
A Decade of Setbacks in Hollywood Representation
The study, authored by Dr. Martha Lauzen, executive director of the Center, meticulously tracked over 2,500 characters and more than 3,600 behind-the-scenes credits during the 2025-26 television year. Her findings paint a stark picture of regression. The proportion of women creating TV shows for streaming platforms plummeted dramatically from 36 percent in the 2024-25 season to just 24 percent in the subsequent 2025-26 period. This sharp downturn comes after a preceding increase, where female creators on streaming had risen from 27 percent in 2023-24 to the 36 percent peak in 2024-25, suggesting that last year’s progress was an anomaly rather than the start of a sustained positive trajectory. For traditional broadcast television, the numbers for women creators also saw a slight but noticeable dip, decreasing from 20 percent in 2024-25 to 19 percent in 2025-26.
Dr. Lauzen emphasized the gravity of these figures, stating that the current representation of women creating TV shows on both streaming and broadcast platforms is now lower than it was nearly a decade ago, specifically in the 2017-18 season. This regression undermines years of advocacy and industry efforts aimed at fostering greater inclusion.
Beyond show creation, the study also identified a significant drop in the percentage of women directing streaming projects. This figure fell from 32 percent in 2024-25 to 22 percent in 2025-26, similarly following a temporary uptick from 23 percent in 2023-24. Broadcast programs experienced a parallel decline in female directors, moving from 18 percent in 2024-25 down to 16 percent in the 2025-26 season. These statistics underscore a systemic challenge, indicating that opportunities for women behind the camera are contracting rather than expanding.
The "Boxed In" Study: A Longstanding Barometer of Gender Equity
The "Boxed In" report stands as a critical and enduring benchmark for assessing gender representation in television. Launched in the 1997-98 television season, the study has provided a continuous, 27-year historical record of women’s employment and on-screen portrayal in U.S. television. Its comprehensive scope has monitored over 65,000 characters and more than 80,000 behind-the-scenes credits across original dramas, comedies, and reality television programs.
Methodology and Historical Scope
Dr. Martha Lauzen’s research methodology involves a rigorous quantitative analysis, meticulously cataloging the roles and demographics of individuals working in key creative positions—including creators, directors, writers, producers, and executive producers—as well as analyzing the characteristics of characters appearing on screen. This meticulous approach allows the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film to track long-term trends, identify shifts in industry practices, and provide data-driven insights into the landscape of gender equity in media. The study’s longevity makes it an invaluable tool for understanding progress, or lack thereof, over nearly three decades of television evolution, especially as new platforms like streaming services have emerged and reshaped the industry.
By focusing on original U.S. shows, the "Boxed In" report provides a crucial lens into the domestic production environment, revealing how American television is reflecting and shaping societal perceptions of gender. Its consistent framework allows for direct comparisons across different eras and platforms, illuminating whether industry commitments to diversity are translating into tangible, sustained change. The latest findings, however, suggest a worrying deviation from the trajectory of progress that many advocates had hoped to see.
Unpacking the "Momentary Surge": A Flawed Dawn of Progress?
The recent data, particularly the sharp increase in women creating TV shows from 2023-24 to 2024-25 followed by an even steeper decline, raises critical questions about the nature of diversity initiatives in Hollywood. This "momentary surge" could indicate several underlying issues. It might suggest that gains are often episodic, tied to specific short-term initiatives or heightened public pressure, rather than reflecting deeply embedded structural changes within studios and production companies. Once the immediate spotlight shifts, or economic pressures mount, the commitment to diversity may wane.
Streaming services, often lauded as more innovative and progressive than traditional broadcast networks, were initially seen as fertile ground for diverse voices and new storytelling approaches. The flexibility and direct-to-consumer model of streaming were thought to bypass some of the legacy gatekeeping structures of old Hollywood. Yet, the "Boxed In" study reveals that even these newer platforms are not immune to regressive trends. The significant drop in women creating TV shows and directing streaming projects is particularly concerning, as it challenges the narrative of streaming as an inherently more equitable space. This suggests that the challenges facing women in the industry are pervasive, affecting all sectors regardless of technological advancements or business models.
The cyclical nature of these statistics implies a need for sustained, systemic interventions rather than episodic campaigns. Without a fundamental shift in hiring practices, talent development pipelines, and leadership accountability, any progress risks being fleeting.
The Age-Old Problem: Gendered Aging on Screen
The disparities identified by the "Boxed In" study extend beyond behind-the-scenes roles to impact on-screen representation, particularly concerning the portrayal of age. The number of female characters in major roles also declined last year, with streaming shows featuring women in 44 percent of major roles in 2025-26, down from 49 percent in 2024-25. On broadcast, females accounted for 46 percent of major characters, a slight dip from 47 percent in the previous year.
Appearance vs. Authority
A particularly striking finding from the report highlights a persistent age bias. On both streaming and broadcast shows, the majority of women in speaking roles were found to be in their 20s and 30s. In stark contrast, the majority of male characters occupied their 30s and 40s. Furthermore, the number of female characters experienced a steep decline as they aged from their 30s into their 40s, while their male counterparts did not experience a substantial drop until they reached their 50s.
Dr. Lauzen articulated the profound implications of this disparity, noting that "the emphasis on youth for the majority of female characters foregrounds their appearance, whereas males are able to credibly age into positions of personal and public power, normalizing the perception that men are naturally more powerful than women." This pervasive narrative limits the types of stories told about women, often reducing their value to youth and aesthetic appeal rather than experience, wisdom, or authority. While exceptional performances by actresses like Kathy Bates on Matlock or Jean Smart on Hacks showcase fully realized older female characters, Dr. Lauzen asserts that these remain "the exception, not the rule, for women on television." This persistent ageism on screen not only curtails opportunities for older actresses but also sends a detrimental cultural message about the diminishing relevance of women as they age.
Broader Industry Implications and the Call for Accountability
The "Boxed In" study’s findings resonate with broader industry conversations about diversity and inclusion, particularly in the wake of movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp, which brought renewed scrutiny to gender disparities in Hollywood. The regression in the number of women creating TV shows and directing projects suggests that despite increased awareness and public commitments, systemic barriers remain deeply entrenched.
Echoes of Below-the-Line Disparities
These latest statistics align with other reports that have highlighted a lack of progress in various "below-the-line" positions, which encompass crew members in roles such as cinematographers, editors, and production designers. A report from The Hollywood Reporter in June, for instance, underscored these persistent disparities. The issue gained viral attention when a behind-the-scenes video from the set of Euphoria season three circulated on social media. Fans were quick to point out that the vast majority of crew members visible in the clip were men, contrasting sharply with actress Sydney Sweeney, who was shown in a suggestive pose. This incident became a public manifestation of the imbalance that often exists behind the camera, directly linking the lack of diverse voices in creative and technical roles to the representation seen on screen. When fewer women are creating TV shows or holding positions of power, it inevitably impacts the stories told, the perspectives offered, and the overall authenticity of representation.
The cultural impact of diminished female voices and characters in television is profound. When narratives are predominantly shaped by male perspectives, the breadth of human experience presented to audiences becomes narrower. This can perpetuate stereotypes, limit role models for younger generations, and subtly reinforce traditional power structures in society. The lack of women creating TV shows means that a significant portion of potential storytelling—stories reflecting female experiences, perspectives on relationships, careers, and societal issues—remains untold or filtered through a male gaze. This not only impoverishes the cultural landscape but also represents a missed opportunity for the industry to connect with and serve a diverse global audience.
Charting a Course for Equitable Representation
The regression identified in the "Boxed In" study underscores the urgent need for the television industry to reassess its strategies for achieving gender equity. The reasons behind this decline are likely multifaceted, potentially including a lack of sustained commitment from leadership, intensified economic pressures leading to conservative hiring practices, or deeply ingrained unconscious biases that favor male candidates for leadership and creative roles. Without transparent data and clear accountability, it becomes easy for industry players to revert to historical norms.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
To reverse this alarming trend, concrete actions are imperative. This includes implementing transparent hiring and promotion practices across all levels of production, from entry-level crew to showrunners and studio executives. Mentorship programs specifically designed to uplift and support emerging female talent are crucial, as are targeted development initiatives that actively seek out and invest in projects led by women. Studios, networks, and streaming platforms must also set measurable diversity goals, not just for on-screen talent but for behind-the-scenes roles, and regularly report on their progress. This commitment must be continuous and intentional, moving beyond reactive measures to proactive, systemic change. True progress demands that the industry fosters an environment where women creating TV shows are not seen as a niche demographic, but as essential contributors to the full spectrum of compelling storytelling.
The findings of the "Boxed In" study serve as a critical wake-up call, indicating that the fight for gender equity in television is far from over. The decline in women creating TV shows, directing, and appearing in major roles signals a troubling regression that demands immediate and sustained attention from every sector of the entertainment industry. Achieving genuine and lasting change requires more than periodic initiatives; it necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of industry practices, a steadfast commitment to fostering diverse talent, and a continuous effort to dismantle the systemic barriers that continue to impede women’s progress in shaping the narratives that define our culture.
