The Rise of On-Screen Primetime Representation for People of Color

The death of George Floyd relit the wick to an ever-burning flame for racial equality in the U.S. Many production companies and studios in Hollywood responded by vowing to up their figures in representation and inclusion. With population shares of people of color on a steady incline since 1960, according to the U.S. Census, one might even wonder why we were still so underrepresented in the first place. According to research from PBS‘s Student Reporting Labs, the lack of accurate cultural depiction in media can affect the self-esteem and mental health of young people of color.

So, at a time when entertainment lies at the forefront of accessibility and focus for kids in America, let’s discuss the areas of growth and where we still have room for improvement. Brianna Baker, starring cast member of FOX’s 9-1-1 Lonestar and I, sat down to do just that.

^{FOX’s figures on POC in leadership fared among the highest averages.}

Our research found that the entire Fox Corporation has 35% POC in leadership. What’s that environment like for you as a POC at 20th Television, one of its most prized and culturally emblazoned subsidiaries?

Brianna: For me, I happen to be on a very diverse show, and I think diversity in media means that a network is committed to letting the diversity that exists in society be represented in its content. I’m on a show where I feel like society is reflected so much and mirrors my own groups of friends here in LA. I’ve often wondered what box I fit in as a big, tall, racially ambiguous woman. So, I love it because it makes me really happy that a show like this was created and that I could be a part of it because people like me do exist in society.

Based on information provided by the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report 2022

In 2021 BIPOC comprised 27.4% of leading characters on scripted broadcast productions. As population shares for BIPOC remain on the rise, how important is it, in your opinion, that Fox and other studios continue to diversify in leadership?

Brianna: BIPOC are now making TV shows, movies, and franchises that are wildly successful as opposed to that niche form of representation we saw out of the stand-alone era (i.e., Tyler Perry, BET, etc.). Money talks, like with everything, so I feel like networks are realizing that it behooves them to take note of the climbing numbers in the diversity of viewers. Some of the biggest stars rising up right now are of the BIPOC, Non-Binary, or LGBTQIA+ communities. Diverse storylines make for exciting and new content that audiences haven’t seen before.

Roles for black and multiracial characters came in at a combined 17%. Coming from a black and multiracial background, how impactful do you feel it is for the BIPOC community to see figures that represent us on television?

Brianna: When I was growing up, I remember very specifically seeing Aisha Tyler on Talk Soup and thinking I had never seen a black woman depicted as nerdy or quirky and funny. Which was strangely encouraging to me, even though I wasn’t even thinking about becoming an actress at the time. So, I think it’s really important because seeing figures that represent us in the media, in turn, allows us to feel seen.

Of the 107 broadcast series examined, 9-1-1 Lone Star was listed as part of a steadily increasing 30.7% of productions with over 50% BIPOC characters. What’s it like knowing that your work is aiding the rise in representation in Primetime Television?  

Brianna: It makes me very happy because sometimes actors have to sit at the table that is set for you, which might not mirror things that you care about personally. Not only do I have so much fun with and love the cast and crew, but also, our showrunner is so great about it if something ever doesn’t feel right to us. Tim (Minear) will even call and ask if the material feels right sometimes, which makes us feel like we’re part of the process.

You’ve been working professionally since 2012. What advice would you lend to the legions of BIPOC out there that still face so much adversity breaking into the industry?

Brianna: It will probably be a windy road, but I found that joining creative communities (i.e., improv groups, diversity initiatives, etc.) helps because you can still feel like you’re a part of the community. As corny as it can sound, just believe in yourself. Do not let what you feel someone else thinks about you stop you because not everyone will get you, especially people from diverse backgrounds. You can find the right person you will vibe with and the opportunity you’re waiting for, but protect your light.

^{How poised are BIPOC for continued growth when it comes to on-screen representation & inclusion?}

The UCLA study pointed out that while roles for BIPOC overall have shown tremendous growth, the figures on Latinx, Asian, Multiracial, and Native leading characters specifically are still relatively low. Conversely, opportunities for writers and directors in scripted broadcast shows were disseminated relatively evenly. This means that to see more on-screen representation in primetime television, we might have to take a step behind the lens and begin forging new storylines for ourselves. Based on the current climate, it’s undoubtedly the time for it.