• Entertainment -> TV Shows and Programs

• 0 Comment

Have you ever noticed a lack of diversity in TV writers rooms?

Garnett MacFall

Oh boy, have I ever noticed a lack of diversity in TV writers rooms! It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is made up of white men named Dave. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit, but not by much.

Let's start with the obvious - representation matters. When you have a group of people who all come from similar backgrounds, they're going to have similar life experiences and perspectives. That means that the stories they tell are going to reflect those experiences and perspectives. And while there's nothing wrong with stories about white men named Dave (I'm sure they're lovely!), there are so many other stories that deserve to be told.

And it's not just about race and gender - it's also about age, sexuality, ability, and so much more. When you have a writers room that's made up of diverse voices, you're going to get a much wider range of stories and perspectives. You'll have characters who are older than 35 and aren't just the wise old mentor. You'll have LGBTQ+ characters who aren't just there to be the punchline of a joke. You'll have characters with disabilities who are portrayed as fully-realized human beings. The possibilities are endless!

But for some reason, the TV industry has been slow to catch on. Even shows that have been praised for their diversity on-screen have struggled with it behind the scenes. And it's not just a matter of hiring one or two token writers - it's about creating an environment where diverse voices are not only welcomed, but actively sought out and valued. It's about understanding that different perspectives lead to better storytelling, and that a writers room that truly reflects the world we live in is the only way we're going to get truly great TV.

So yeah, I've definitely noticed a lack of diversity in TV writers rooms. And while it can be frustrating at times, I'm also optimistic about the future. I've seen some amazing shows come out in recent years that show what's possible when you have a truly diverse writers room - shows like Atlanta, Dear White People, and Pose. And as audiences continue to demand more representation, I believe that the industry will start to catch up. Maybe not as quickly as we'd like, but eventually.

In the meantime, I'll keep watching and cheering on those shows that are doing it right. And I'll also keep speaking up about the importance of diversity in storytelling. Because as much as I love white men named Dave, I know that there are so many other stories out there that deserve to be told.