What do we know about class in Television Studies?

This article offers a comprehensive overview of class in Television Studies, focusing on public service broadcasting (PSB) in Britain. We examine both off-screen and on-screen dynamics, investigating workforce composition, commissioning processes, production practices and representation across genres, with a particular focus on drama. By synthesising research from scholars, industry professionals and policy-makers, we trace the evolution of class depictions from early social realist plays to contemporary outputs.

On-screen, our analysis illuminates how class narratives have evolved and intersected with broader societal changes in PSB dramas throughout the 2020s. Off-screen, we investigate the television industry’s employee make-up, highlighting significant class imbalances, especially in key creative roles. We also assess the impact of diversity initiatives and shifting viewing habits on class representation and industry dynamics. Throughout, the article underscores the importance of an intersectional approach, exploring how class interacts with factors such as race, gender and regional identity within both off-screen production contexts and on-screen content.

A central finding is the television industry’s paradoxical approach to class: while working-class stories are increasingly visible, structural inequalities persist both on- and off-screen. The article concludes by suggesting future research directions to foster a more in-depth understanding of the complex relationships between class, television production, representation and reception in contemporary Britain, addressing gaps in current scholarship and methodologies.