Making Care Pop: What We See and Don't See About Caregiving on TV

Key findings used in wiki

• The study analyzed all broadcast, cable, and streaming scripted TV shows from 2021 available in the U.S.: 608 shows, of which 64 included storylines prominently featuring caregiving.
• When care appeared, 75% of storylines highlighted parenting; care for older and disabled characters was rarely depicted.
• Common care challenges (financial strain, balancing care with a job or personal life, health impacts on family caregivers) were often missing.
• Common care activities (helping someone shower, dress, or eat; preparing food; managing medication or paying bills) were largely absent.
• Fewer than 0.01% of episodes mentioned any public or workplace policy that characters relied on.