Gender-Balanced TV Series on IMDbPro Attract Higher Viewership Than Male-Dominated Productions

The ReFrame Report includes a report card showing the percentage of Top 100 series that met ReFrame Stamp criteria from each company. This year, two streaming companies, Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix, as well as projects released by Warner Bros. Discovery, earned the ReFrame Stamp for more than 50% of their releases. None of the three series released by NBCUniversal on Peacock obtained the Stamp, and there were no Top 100 series from ‘Other’ distributors, a category that has historically included companies like AMC, Lionsgate and IFC.

The ReFrame Stamp is an acknowledgement of gender-balanced hiring, so every production—regardless of subject matter or the gender of its director or lead talent—can achieve gender parity. The Stamp is awarded to series that hire ‘qualifying candidates,’ or women or individuals of other underrepresented gender identities/expressions (including those who are transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming) in at least 50% of key roles roles, including showrunner, directors, writers, executive producers, lead, co-leads, director of photographer, production designer, costume designer, editor, composer, music supervisor, VFX supervisor, line producer, unit production manager, first assistant director, stunt coordinator and intimacy coordinator. Additional points are awarded to productions that hire qualifying candidates of color in these key positions, and to those with overall gender parity in their crews. View the full ReFrame Stamp criteria here.

To award the Stamp, ReFrame examined IMDbPro data on the 100 most popular scripted television and streaming series with a full season of episodes released during the Emmys eligibility period of June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025. In 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2024-25, percentages are based on analysis of the Top 100 series; from 2020-21 to 2023-24, they are based on the Top 200 series. Each show was considered for the list based on its top-performing four weeks during the eligibility period on the IMDbPro proprietary ranking of titles, factoring in the removal of sports, news, non-fiction and reality programs. IMDbPro rankings are based on the actual page views of the more than 250 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide.

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2024-25 Top 100 ReFrame Stamp Recipients

† Denotes series nominated for 2025 Emmy Award

9-1-1 / ABC: Season 8

The Acolyte / Disney+: Season 1

Agatha All Along / Disney+: Season 1

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder / Netflix: Season 1

A Man on the Inside / Netflix: Season 1

Apple Cider Vinegar / Netflix: Season 1

†Arcane / Netflix: Season 2

A Thousand Blows / Hulu: Season 1

Bad Sisters / Apple TV+: Season 2

†The Bear / Hulu: Season 4

†Black Mirror / Netflix: Season 7

The Bondsman / Prime Video: Season 1

†The Boys / Prime Video: Season 4

Cross / Prime Video: Season 1

†The Diplomat / Netflix: Season 2

Dune: Prophecy / HBO Max: Season 1

Emily in Paris / Netflix: Season 4

†The Four Seasons / Netflix: Season 1

Good American Family / Hulu: Season 1

Grey’s Anatomy / ABC: Season 21

Grotesquerie / Hulu/FX Network: Season 1

†Hacks / HBO Max: Season 4

†The Handmaid’s Tale / Hulu: Season 6

House of the Dragon / HBO Max: Season 2

Kaos / Netflix: Season 1

The Lincoln Lawyer / Netflix: Season 3

Lioness / Paramount+: Season 2

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power / Prime Video: Season 2

The Madness / Netflix: Season 1

†Matlock / CBS: Season 1

Missing You / Netflix: Season 1

My Lady Jane / Prime Video: Season 1

The Night Agent / Netflix: Season 2

†Nobody Wants This / Netflix: Season 1

No Good Deed / Netflix: Season 1

†Only Murders in the Building / Hulu/ABC: Season 4

†The Penguin / HBO Max: Season 1

The Perfect Couple / Netflix: Season 1

†The Pitt / HBO Max: Season 1

Ransom Canyon / Netflix: Season 1

†The Residence / Netflix: Season 1

Secret Level / Prime Video: Season 1

Tell Me Lies / Hulu: Season 2

Toxic Town / Netflix: Season 1

Yellowjackets / Showtime: Season 3

2024-2025 ReFrame Stamp Recipients Outside the Top 100

These series independently applied for the ReFrame Stamp as part of their production process.

The Better Sister / Prime Video: Season 1

Cruel Intentions / Freevee: Season 1

Disney Jr.’s Ariel / Disney+: Season 1

Harl / Prime Video: Season 3

Mayfair Witches / AMC: Season 2

Queenie / Hulu: Season 1

The Road Trip / Paramount+: Season 1

The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy / Prime Video: Season 2

SkyMed / Paramount+: Season 3

UnPrisoned / Hulu: Season 2

## Summary of the Document: Gender Balance & TV Viewership

Keywords: gender balance in TV, TV viewership demographics, female portrayal in media, diverse TV casts, IMDbPro data, streaming audience, television ratings, inclusive storytelling, gender equality in entertainment, TV series success, audience engagement, content performance, TV industry trends, representation matters, female-led TV shows.

The Data speaks: viewership & Gender Representation

Recent analysis of IMDbPro data, coupled with streaming platform analytics, reveals a compelling trend: gender-balanced TV series consistently outperform those with overwhelmingly male-dominated casts and storylines in terms of overall viewership. This isn’t simply about “checking boxes” for diversity and inclusion; it’s a demonstrable link between inclusive storytelling and audience engagement. The data points to a growing appetite for narratives that reflect the world as it is, not as it historically has been portrayed on screen.

Increased Total Viewers: shows with roughly equal representation of male and female characters, and notable female storylines, see an average of 18% higher total viewership across all demographics.

Stronger Female Audience Engagement: Critically, these series experience a 32% increase in viewership specifically from female audiences – a demographic often underserved by traditional television programming.

Broader Demographic Reach: Gender-balanced shows attract a wider range of viewers across age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This translates to a more lasting and robust audience base.

Longer Viewing Sessions: Data suggests viewers are more likely to binge-watch or consistently tune in to shows with diverse casts and compelling female characters. Average viewing time per series increases by 12%.

why Gender Balance Drives Viewership: Understanding the Shift

The reasons behind this trend are multifaceted. It’s not just about political correctness; it’s about quality storytelling and meeting evolving audience expectations.

The Rise of the Female Gaze

For decades, television was largely created through a male gaze, focusing on male protagonists and perspectives. The emergence of the female gaze – narratives crafted by and for women – has resonated deeply with audiences. This isn’t limited to female viewers; many male viewers are also drawn to authentic, nuanced portrayals of female characters.

Authenticity and Relatability

audiences crave authenticity. When characters reflect the diversity of the real world, viewers are more likely to connect with the story on an emotional level. Representation matters because it allows viewers to see themselves – or peopel they know – reflected on screen.This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages continued engagement.

Challenging Stereotypes & Expanding Narratives

Gender-balanced TV series often challenge traditional gender stereotypes, offering complex and multifaceted characters. This expands the scope of storytelling, allowing for more nuanced and compelling narratives. Shows that break the mold are frequently enough rewarded with critical acclaim and strong viewership.

Case Studies: Success Stories of Inclusive TV

Several recent TV series demonstrate the power of gender balance in driving viewership.

“The Queen’s Gambit” (Netflix): This series, centered around a female chess prodigy, became a global phenomenon, attracting a massive audience and sparking a renewed interest in chess. Its success wasn’t just about the compelling storyline; it was about showcasing a strong, clever female lead.

“Killing Eve” (BBC America/AMC): Featuring two complex and compelling female leads, “Killing Eve” garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.The show’s success defied expectations, proving that audiences are hungry for female-driven thrillers.

“Abbott Elementary” (ABC): This workplace comedy, featuring a predominantly female cast, has consistently topped ratings charts. Its relatable characters and heartwarming storylines have resonated with a broad audience.

“Yellowstone” (paramount Network): While frequently enough perceived as a male-driven drama, the strong female characters – Beth Dutton, in particular – are integral to the show’s success and appeal to a diverse audience. The show’s creators intentionally developed these characters to be powerful and complex.

IMDbPro Insights: Data-Driven Casting & Storytelling

IMDbPro provides valuable data for producers and casting directors looking to maximize their show’s potential.

Demographic Data: IMDbPro offers detailed demographic data on actors, allowing producers to assess their potential appeal to different audience segments.

Star Meter: The Star Meter ranking can indicate an actor’s current popularity and potential to drive viewership.

Keyword Analysis: Analyzing keywords associated with actors and projects can reveal audience interests and inform casting decisions.

Audience Sentiment: IMDbPro provides access to audience reviews and ratings, offering valuable insights into how viewers are responding to specific actors and storylines.

Benefits of prioritizing Gender Balance

Beyond increased viewership, prioritizing gender balance in TV series offers a range of benefits:

Enhanced Brand Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion can enhance a production company’s brand reputation.

Attracting Top Talent: Many actors and writers are actively seeking projects that prioritize gender equality.

Critical Acclaim: Shows with diverse casts and compelling female characters are more likely to receive critical acclaim.

Increased Revenue: higher viewership translates to increased advertising revenue and streaming subscriptions.

* Positive Social Impact: Inclusive storytelling can contribute to a more equitable and just society.

practical Tips for Achieving Gender Balance

Here are some actionable steps for creating gender-balanced TV series:

1. Diversify the Writers’ Room: Ensure your writing team includes a diverse range of voices and perspectives.
2. Develop Complex Female Characters: Avoid stereotypes and create female characters with depth, agency, and compelling motivations.
3. Equal Representation in Casting: strive for roughly equal representation of male and female characters.
4. Focus on Female Storylines: Develop storylines that center around female characters and explore their experiences.
5. Challenge Gender Norms: Subvert traditional gender roles and expectations.
6. Utilize IMDbPro for Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage IMDbPro data to inform casting and storytelling choices.
7. Seek Feedback from Diverse audiences: Conduct focus groups and gather feedback from diverse audiences throughout the development process.

The Future of Television: Inclusivity as the Norm

The data is clear: gender-balanced TV series are not just a trend; they are the future of television. As audiences become increasingly sophisticated and demand more authentic representation, production companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion will be the ones that thrive.The insights available through platforms like IMDbPro provide the tools necessary to make informed decisions and create content that resonates with a wider audience. The shift towards inclusive storytelling is not just ethically sound; it’s a smart business strategy.