Cabler Showtime topped GLAAD's sixth
annual report on gay-inclusive broadcasting, while the CW led the
networks.
Showtime scored a “good” rating on
the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's (GLAAD) Network
Responsibility Index (NRI) released Thursday. The cabler positively
depicted the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
characters in 46 percent of its original programming. Reality series
The Real L Word, an L Word spinoff now in its third
season that revolves around the lives of a group of lesbians living
in Los Angeles, was singled out for highest overall number of
individual LGBT impressions on the network. Showtime scored 37
percent last year.
ABC Family also scored high marks with
34 percent, but its score was down from last year's 55 percent high.
Many of its shows, such as Pretty Little Liars and The
Secret Life of the American Teenager, are aimed at a younger
audience.
For the report, GLAAD combed through
thousands of prime-time hours from the five major network
broadcasters (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW) and 10 prominent cable
networks (ABC Family, MTV, FX, HBO, Showtime, TBS, TNT, History, TLC
and USA) for positive gay themes or characters aired between June 1,
2011 and May 31, 2012.
The CW led the networks for the third
year in a row with 29 percent. Shows such as 90210 and
America's Next Top Model helped the network retain the top
spot. The CW, Fox (24%) and ABC (27%) scored a “good” rating,
while NBC (19%) was rated “adequate” and CBS (8%) “failing.”
NBC and CBS, both of which have
struggled in recent years to diversify their programming, are
premiering gay-themed shows this year. The New Normal, which
features a gay couple trying to start a family, premieres September
11 on NBC. And CBS is hoping it has a hit in the new sitcom Partners
from Will & Grace creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick.
(Related: The
New Normal: Free preview now available.)