Black Audiences Seek More Authentic Portrayals of Black Women 50+

Black adults are among the entertainment industry's most engaged audiences, attending movies, consuming TV and streaming at higher rates than the general population, according to new research from AARP.

In the study released August 10, "Bridging the Gap: The Path to More Authentic Portrayals of Black Adults in Movies and TV," nearly all respondents said seeing Black women 50+ represented on screen was important to them, yet only a quarter believe today's portrayals of Black women are accurate.

The findings highlight an opportunity for the entertainment industry to better reflect the experiences, aspirations and contributions of Black audiences, a consumer group with an estimated $2 trillion in buying power, according to the media reserching company Nielsen.

"Black audiences are telling us clearly what they want to see, and there's a real opportunity for studios and creators to meet this moment," said AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan. “Our research findings point to an audience that is deeply engaged and ready for stories that reflect the full range of their lived experiences. Expanding the range of stories depicted on screen can create stronger connections with viewers while helping the industry reach a broader spectrum of moviegoers."

The research shows Black audiences want to see more authentic portrayals of Black women on screen. The vast majority of Black adults (95%) said it is important to see Black women 50+ represented and more than half (54%) said seeing Black women 50+ portrayed on screen made them feel more positive about their own aging.

Additional findings from the study include:

• 96% say it's important to show multiple generations together on screen, a sentiment shared broadly across age groups. Among them, about three in five say it's because it reflects real-life relationships and family dynamics (63%) and it helps break down stereotypes about age (57%).

• However, about three in five (57%) Black adults feel underrepresented in storylines involving family dynamics and friendship and social connection.

• 68% of Black women said they want to see more stories focused on love and romance.

AARP’s study is based on a national survey of 1,801 Black adults age 18 and over, conducted June 1-15. More information is at at AARP.org/blacklegacy.