A network-by-network snapshot from GLAAD shows ABC leading broadcast TV for LGBTQ series regulars, while NBC ranks last. But the figures need careful reading: they measure a specific season and a particular category of character, as cancellations and shrinking scripted schedules put future representation in focus.

Essential Takeaways

  • ABC leads the report: GLAAD puts ABC at 12.9 per cent of broadcast series regulars, ahead of FOX, CBS, The CW and NBC.
  • The metric matters: The report measures percentages of series regulars, not the absolute character totals listed in the supplied summary.
  • Familiar shows carry representation: GLAAD highlights series including Grey's Anatomy, 9-1-1 and Abbott Elementary.
  • Cancellations can mean lost roles: Brilliant Minds and Going Dutch were later reported cancelled.

The headline is about percentages, not raw character totals

ABC comes out on top in GLAAD's broadcast comparison, but the clearest way to read the finding is as a share of series regulars, not a simple count of every LGBTQ character. In its 2024-25 report, GLAAD gives ABC 12.9 per cent, followed by FOX at 10.2 per cent, CBS at 8.5 per cent, The CW at 8.2 per cent and NBC at 7.4 per cent.

That distinction matters because the supplied summary also lists absolute totals for each network, but those totals aren't substantiated by the report's published measure. For a fair comparison, it's better to stick to the percentages and the research period behind them.

Fewer scripted shows can mean fewer chances to be seen

The report looks at scripted television across the 2024-25 season, counting LGBTQ regular and recurring characters from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025. GLAAD's wider study recorded 489 such characters across broadcast, cable and streaming, giving the network figures a defined place in a broader picture.

And a smaller slate of scripted programmes can leave fewer openings for characters and stories, even if representation remains visible in established formats. GLAAD points to ensemble dramas such as Grey's Anatomy and 9-1-1, alongside comedies including Abbott Elementary and Ghosts.

Familiar series help keep LGBTQ stories on screen

Some of the most recognisable examples are ensemble shows, where multiple characters and storylines share the screen. GLAAD's report also discusses LGBTQ representation in programmes including Going Dutch and Brilliant Minds, illustrating how the picture varies from network to network.

The Associated Press placed the broadcast findings alongside a wider shift: its report said representation on broadcast and cable had declined while streaming had increased. That makes the network ranking useful, but only as one part of a changing television landscape.

Cancellations can erase more than a viewing option

A series ending can mean more than losing a favourite weekly watch. TheWrap reported that NBC cancelled Brilliant Minds, while TV Guide reported that FOX cancelled Going Dutch after two seasons. Those decisions came after GLAAD's 2024-25 research period, so they're later schedule changes, not part of the original count.

The distinction is worth keeping in mind: a representation report describes a particular season, while renewal and cancellation news can quickly change what viewers will see next. When a show with LGBTQ characters ends, the roles and storylines it carried may disappear from future seasons too.

How to read the next representation report

When comparing network figures, check whether a report counts series regulars, recurring characters or both, and whether it gives percentages or raw totals. Those aren't interchangeable measures, and a headline number can tell a different story depending on what sits behind it.

It's also useful to separate the research window from later programme updates. GLAAD's annual findings offer a snapshot; cancellation reports add the next chapter. Together, they show why representation isn't only about who appears on screen, but also whether those stories get room to continue.

Keep the season, the measure and the latest schedule news in view when comparing broadcast representation.

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