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The Best and Worst Networks for LGBT Inclusion

The Best and Worst Networks for LGBT Inclusion

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GLAAD has once again counted up all the hours on prime-time television to see how often they include an LGBT person, and yes, there's one network that scored a zero.

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GLAAD'S RANKINGS FOR BROADCAST NETWORKS:

Glee_foxx633_01. FOX
GRADE: "Good"
TOTAL HOURS: 673.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 280 (42%)


It wasn't long ago that GLAAD was handing out failing grades to Fox while attacking the network for censoring a gay kiss on Melrose Place. But this year the network known for Glee earned "the highest score ever for a broadcast network." GLAAD marvels, "Even American Idol finally included a few out contestants this season, following a decade of not doing so." (Pictured: Glee)

Thetastex6ss_02. ABC
GRADE: "Good"
TOTAL HOURS: 1,086
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 354 (33%)


The network gets a major boost from its reality series, especially Dancing With the Stars, "thanks to the presence of out judge Bruno Tonioli in every episode," GLAAD writes. The group also notes that the winner of cooking show The Taste was lesbian contestant Khristianne Uy, a diving competition called Splash included Olympian Greg Louganis as coach, and The Glass House featured a gay contestant named Jeffrey. But ABC is also home to Cameron and Mitchell on Modern Family as well as Callie and Arizona on Grey's Anatomy, and even its newest hit, Scandal, involves a White House chief of staff and his journalist husband. (Pictured: The Taste)

Thenewnormal_nbcx633_03. NBC
GRADE: "Good"
TOTAL HOURS: 983.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 285.5 (29%)


This year NBC earns its best score ever from GLAAD. But the group isn't optimistic that NBC can keep up the good work. "The Office, 30 Rock, Go On, The New Normal, and Smash were all either cancelled or retired, leaving a massive gap in the LGBT character numbers," it reports. (Pictured: The New Normal)

Thelacomplaex_cwx633_04. THE CW
GRADE: "Good"
TOTAL HOURS: 521
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 147 (28%)


The CW continues its decent ratings, but it also earns special accolades from GLAAD. "The CW deserves praise for consistently featuring a number of non-white LGBT characters in prominent roles, and still has one of the best ethnic diversity ratios of any network," GLAAD writes in its report. "This year, 50% of the LGBT impressions on the network were made by people of color, with most of those being African American." (Pictured: The L.A. Concept)

Theamazingrace_cbsx633_05. CBS
GRADE: "Adequate"
TOTAL HOURS: 1,089.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 157.5 (14%)


This year's 14% is the highest ever score for CBS -- which is good enough for last place among broadcast networks for the fifth consecutive year. (Pictured: The Amazing Race)

Check out the comprehensive report at GLAAD's website. On the following pages, see how GLAAD grades cable networks (included one that scored a zero).

Prettylittleliars_abcx633_0

1. ABC Family
GRADE: "Good"
TOTAL HOURS: 129.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 65 (50%)
(Pictured: Pretty Little Liars)

Americanhorrorstory_fxx633_0

2. FX
GRADE: "Adequate"
TOTAL HOURS: 102.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 40.5 (40%)
(Pictured: American Horror Story)

Shameless_showtimex633_0

3. Showtime
GRADE: "Good"
TOTAL HOURS: 187.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 59 (31%)
(Pictured: Shameless)


Underempluyed_mtvx633_0

4. MTV
GRADE: "Good"
TOTAL HOURS: 209.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 58.5 (28%)
(Pictured: Underemployed)


Randytotherescuex633_0

5. TLC
GRADE: "Adequate"
TOTAL HOURS: 533
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 142 (27%)
(Pictured: Randy to the Rescue)


Liberacex633_0

6. HBO
GRADE: "Adequate"
TOTAL HOURS: 170
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 44.5 (26%)
(Pictured: Behind the Candelabra)


Political_animalsusax633_0

7. USA
GRADE: "Adequate"
TOTAL HOURS: 133.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 26.5 (20%)
(Pictured: Political Animals)


Majorcimesx633tnt_0

8. TNT
GRADE: "Adequate"
TOTAL HOURS: 131.5
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 22 (17%)
(Pictured: Major Crimes)


Houseofpayne_tbsx633_0

9. TBS
GRADE: "Failing"
TOTAL HOURS: 69
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 7 (10%)
(Pictured: House of Payne)


Historychannelx633_0
10. History
GRADE: "Failing"
TOTAL HOURS: 246
LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOURS: 0 (0%)

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Lucas Grindley

Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.
Lucas Grindley is VP and Editorial Director for Here Media, which is parent company to The Advocate. His Twitter account is filled with politics, Philip Glass appreciation, and adorable photos of his twin toddler daughters.