Abstract

This research analyses the current state of gender representation in Spanish prime time television series broadcast by the main generalist channels. For this purpose, an analysis of the content of 21 television series produced in Spain in the second half of 2017 and 2018, of 514 characters (n = 514), has been carried out in order to determine whether there is an unequal representation of male, female and non-binary characters. The main findings indicate that there is an under-representation of women; non-heterosexual sexual orientations are under-represented, as are non-traditional gender identities; women continue to be associated with less qualified professional occupations and, in particular, with domestic work; there is a statistically significant relationship between female characters and less ambitious, more personal work objectives and personalities associated with the world of emotions and motherhood. However, no statistical link was found between gender and narrative weight, gender and hypersexualization, or gender and violence.