GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Netflix Industry Statistics

The statistics on diversity in the Netflix industry are expected to show a lack of representation for certain marginalized groups, highlighting the need for increased inclusivity and equity.

Highlights: Diversity In The Netflix Industry Statistics

  • There is a 22% increase in films written by women on Netflix in 2019 compared to 2018.
  • Latino representation has risen on Netflix: this group moves from 1.7 to 5 percent above proportional representation in 2019 as show creators.
  • About 23.9% of the leading actors in Netflix's content were from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.
  • Asian-American writers increased to 6 percent on Netflix in 2019, compared to 3.9 percent in 2018.
  • Women held 35% of the top roles in Netflix content as of 2019.
  • 15% of series regulars identify as LGBTQ+ across Netflix's original series.
  • Netflix’s screen talent were 41.3% people of color in 2019.
  • On Netflix, 2.1% of regular characters in scripted series identified as LGBTQ+ in 2020.
  • From 2018 to 2020, Netflix increased the number of Black, Latino, and Asian series creators each by 13%, 6%, and 8%, respectively.
  • Just 1.4% of all speaking characters across studied programming on Netflix were of Middle Eastern or North African descent.
  • 47% of Netflix films and episodic series were directed by women in 2018 and 2019.
  • There was a 30% increase in indigenous representation on Netflix between 2018 and 2020.
  • As per data in 2019, over 50% of Netflix U.S. films and series had women in starring roles.
  • Netflix increased the percentage of women of color in creative leadership of its U.S. scripted series from 6.2% to 8.9% between 2018 and 2020.
  • Only 12% of Netflix directors in 2019 were people of color.
  • In 2019, Netflix achieved gender parity among executive producers, up 9% from 2018.
  • In 2019, only 2.2% of all speaking characters on Netflix were identified as having a disability.
  • In 2020, Netflix committed to spending $100 million over five years on initiatives designed to boost diversity both in front of and behind the camera.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

The Latest Diversity In The Netflix Industry Statistics Explained

There is a 22% increase in films written by women on Netflix in 2019 compared to 2018.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, there was a significant increase of 22% in the number of films written by women available on Netflix compared to the previous year, 2018. This suggests a positive trend towards greater representation and diversity of female voices in the film industry, as evidenced by the increased presence of women writers on a prominent streaming platform like Netflix. The rise in female-written films may reflect efforts to address gender disparities in the industry and cater to a growing audience demand for more varied perspectives and storytelling. It also signals a shift towards more inclusive and equitable opportunities for women in the creative sector, which could have long-term implications for enhancing the overall quality and diversity of content available to viewers.

Latino representation has risen on Netflix: this group moves from 1.7 to 5 percent above proportional representation in 2019 as show creators.

The statistic indicates that the representation of Latinos in show creation on Netflix has significantly increased from being 1.7 percent below proportional representation to now being 5 percent above proportional representation in 2019. This positive shift suggests that there has been a deliberate effort to provide more opportunities and visibility for Latino creators on the platform. The increase in Latino representation not only reflects a more diverse range of voices being heard in the entertainment industry but also signifies progress towards creating a more inclusive and representative media landscape on Netflix.

About 23.9% of the leading actors in Netflix’s content were from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.

The statistic that about 23.9% of the leading actors in Netflix’s content were from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups indicates the diversity of representation in the platform’s programming. This percentage suggests that nearly a quarter of the leading roles are being portrayed by individuals who belong to racial or ethnic groups that have historically been marginalized or overlooked in the entertainment industry. The data highlights Netflix’s efforts to promote inclusivity and showcase a more accurate reflection of society through its content. By featuring actors from diverse backgrounds in prominent roles, Netflix is not only providing opportunities for underrepresented groups but also contributing to a more diverse and representative media landscape.

Asian-American writers increased to 6 percent on Netflix in 2019, compared to 3.9 percent in 2018.

The statistic indicates that the representation of Asian-American writers on Netflix increased significantly from 3.9 percent in 2018 to 6 percent in 2019. This indicates a positive shift towards more diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. The increase suggests that there has been a conscious effort to provide more opportunities for Asian-American writers to showcase their talent and perspectives on the platform. This change is important as it reflects a trend towards more accurate and representative storytelling that is reflective of the diverse audience that consumes media content.

Women held 35% of the top roles in Netflix content as of 2019.

The statistic that women held 35% of the top roles in Netflix content as of 2019 indicates the proportion of women occupying key positions in the production and representation of content on the streaming platform. Specifically, it suggests that women were involved in decision-making roles such as leading actors, directors, producers, and writers. This statistic highlights a significant level of gender diversity within Netflix’s top positions, reflecting efforts to promote inclusivity and representation of women in the entertainment industry. Additionally, it serves as a benchmark for measuring progress towards gender equality and inclusivity in both content creation and leadership roles within the company.

15% of series regulars identify as LGBTQ+ across Netflix’s original series.

The statistic that 15% of series regulars identify as LGBTQ+ across Netflix’s original series indicates the proportion of characters within the main cast of these shows who belong to the LGBTQ+ community. This statistic suggests that there is representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in an important role within the storytelling of Netflix’s original series, showcasing diverse identities and experiences. The presence of LGBTQ+ characters in series regular roles reflects efforts towards inclusivity and diversity in media content, potentially offering varied and authentic perspectives to audiences.

Netflix’s screen talent were 41.3% people of color in 2019.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, 41.3% of the screen talent featured on Netflix were individuals categorized as people of color. This figure suggests that there was a relatively high level of diversity among the talent hired by Netflix for its content production during that time. The statistic implies a deliberate effort on Netflix’s part to showcase representation and inclusion of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds in its productions. This kind of representation can be important for reflecting the diversity of the audience and society at large, potentially fostering a broader range of stories and perspectives being shared in the content offered by the streaming platform.

On Netflix, 2.1% of regular characters in scripted series identified as LGBTQ+ in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, 2.1% of the regular characters in scripted series on Netflix identified as LGBTQ+. This suggests that there has been a notable representation of LGBTQ+ characters on the platform, reflecting greater diversity and inclusion in its content. This statistic provides insight into the efforts by Netflix to be more inclusive and representative of the LGBTQ+ community in its programming, potentially catering to a wider audience and promoting more diverse narratives and perspectives within the entertainment industry.

From 2018 to 2020, Netflix increased the number of Black, Latino, and Asian series creators each by 13%, 6%, and 8%, respectively.

This statistic suggests that from 2018 to 2020, Netflix experienced an increase in the number of Black, Latino, and Asian series creators by 13%, 6%, and 8% respectively. The percentages indicate a growth in representation of these groups within the Netflix platform, potentially leading to a more diverse range of content being produced. This increase in representation could reflect Netflix’s efforts to be more inclusive and to provide opportunities for creators from different backgrounds to share their stories and perspectives. The statistics indicate a positive trend towards diversity and inclusivity within the entertainment industry.

Just 1.4% of all speaking characters across studied programming on Netflix were of Middle Eastern or North African descent.

The statistic states that only 1.4% of all speaking characters in the programming studied on Netflix were identified as being of Middle Eastern or North African descent. This indicates a significant underrepresentation of individuals from these regions in the content available on the platform. The lack of diversity in representation raises concerns about the inclusivity and visibility of Middle Eastern and North African communities in mainstream media. It highlights a lack of balanced and accurate portrayal of these groups, which can impact societal perceptions and contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes. The statistic underscores the importance of increasing diversity and representation in media to accurately reflect the multifaceted nature of society.

47% of Netflix films and episodic series were directed by women in 2018 and 2019.

The statistic ‘47% of Netflix films and episodic series were directed by women in 2018 and 2019’ indicates that nearly half of the content produced by Netflix during those two years was directed by women. This suggests a significant increase in gender diversity among directors working with the streaming platform, as traditionally the film industry has been male-dominated. The statistic highlights Netflix’s efforts in promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for female directors to showcase their talents and perspectives in a typically male-centric field. This data may also signify a shift towards more inclusive storytelling and representation in the entertainment industry.

There was a 30% increase in indigenous representation on Netflix between 2018 and 2020.

The statistic “There was a 30% increase in indigenous representation on Netflix between 2018 and 2020” indicates that the presence of indigenous content on the streaming platform grew substantially over the two-year period. Specifically, the percentage increase suggests that there was a significant rise in the number of indigenous-themed movies, series, or documentaries available on Netflix during this time frame. This increase may reflect efforts by Netflix to diversify its content and better represent indigenous voices and perspectives within its catalogue. Such a trend can contribute to greater cultural diversity and representation in mainstream media, providing audiences with more opportunities to engage with and learn from indigenous stories and experiences.

As per data in 2019, over 50% of Netflix U.S. films and series had women in starring roles.

The statistic states that based on data collected in 2019, more than half (50%+) of the films and series available on Netflix in the U.S. featured women in leading roles. This suggests a significant representation of women in prominent positions within the entertainment industry, particularly within a major streaming platform like Netflix. The statistic highlights a positive trend towards greater diversity and gender equality in on-screen representation, showcasing more opportunities for women to showcase their talents and contribute to the storytelling process. It also signals a potential shift towards more inclusive casting practices within the industry, reflecting the growing importance of diverse and authentic storytelling to audiences.

Netflix increased the percentage of women of color in creative leadership of its U.S. scripted series from 6.2% to 8.9% between 2018 and 2020.

The statistic indicates that there has been an improvement in the representation of women of color in creative leadership roles within Netflix’s U.S. scripted series between 2018 and 2020. Specifically, the percentage of women of color in these roles increased from 6.2% to 8.9%, showing progress towards a more diverse and inclusive leadership team. This change suggests that Netflix has taken steps to address the underrepresentation of women of color in positions of creative leadership, which is a positive development in fostering diversity and representation within the entertainment industry.

Only 12% of Netflix directors in 2019 were people of color.

The statistic ‘Only 12% of Netflix directors in 2019 were people of color’ indicates that a small proportion of directors working on projects for Netflix that year belonged to racial or ethnic minority groups. This statistic is indicative of an underrepresentation of diversity in the entertainment industry, specifically in the directorial roles at a major media company like Netflix. The lack of diversity among directors can have implications for the types of stories being told, perspectives being shared, and opportunities for individuals from underrepresented communities. Addressing this disparity may require intentional efforts to increase diversity and inclusivity within the industry to better reflect and serve diverse audiences.

In 2019, Netflix achieved gender parity among executive producers, up 9% from 2018.

The statistic ‘In 2019, Netflix achieved gender parity among executive producers, up 9% from 2018’ indicates that Netflix had an equal representation of male and female executive producers in 2019, showing a significant improvement from the previous year where women were underrepresented. The increase of 9% from 2018 to 2019 suggests that Netflix made intentional efforts to address gender disparity in their executive producer roles, potentially through implementing strategies to promote diversity and inclusivity within their organization. This achievement of gender parity among executive producers not only reflects a more balanced and representative workplace but also signifies a step towards greater equality and inclusivity in the entertainment industry as a whole.

In 2019, only 2.2% of all speaking characters on Netflix were identified as having a disability.

The statistic shows that in 2019, a very small proportion of speaking characters on Netflix were portrayed as having a disability, specifically only 2.2%. This suggests a lack of representation of individuals with disabilities in media. Such underrepresentation may contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and misconceptions about people with disabilities, as well as limit opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the entertainment industry. Increasing the presence of characters with disabilities on popular platforms like Netflix can help promote diversity, inclusion, and representation, providing more accurate and diverse portrayals of society as a whole.

In 2020, Netflix committed to spending $100 million over five years on initiatives designed to boost diversity both in front of and behind the camera.

The statistic refers to a commitment made by Netflix in 2020 to allocate $100 million over a five-year period towards various initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity within the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of representation on screen and in production roles. By investing in programs that support underrepresented communities, individuals from diverse backgrounds are provided with greater opportunities to showcase their talents and share their stories. This initiative not only aims to increase diversity and inclusion within Netflix’s content but also to promote diversity within the industry as a whole, fostering a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape.

Conclusion

The statistics clearly show that diversity in the Netflix industry is on the rise, with an increasing number of diverse actors, directors, and content creators being featured in their productions. However, there is still progress to be made in terms of representation and inclusivity. It is crucial for the industry to continue pushing for diversity and equity to ensure that all voices are heard and all stories are told.

References

0. – https://www.variety.com

1. – https://www.www.latimes.com

2. – https://www.fortune.com

3. – https://www.www.hollywoodreporter.com

4. – https://www.deadline.com

5. – https://www.www.glaad.org

6. – https://www.about.netflix.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!