This Is Why ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Is One Of The Most Important Shows On TV 

This Is Why ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Is One Of The Most Important Shows On TV

LGBT representation on TV is getting better, but there\'s a major diversity problem.

LGBT representation on TV has hit a new high — but there’s still plenty of work that needs to be done.

On Thursday (September 3), media advocacy organization GLAAD released its 9th annual Network Responsibility Index — a report that charts the quantity, quality and diversity of LGBT representation on television — and for the first time ever, a U.S. broadcast network received the top score of “excellent.”

According to the latest NRI, the rising number of LGBT characters on Fox, thanks to diverse and inclusive programming like “Empire,” has earned the network its the first-ever excellent grade. “Glee” and “So You Think You Can Dance” are also shows with positive LGTB representation. This marks a turning point for the network; it received a failing grade in the inaugural NRI report in 2006.

Jussie Smollett stars as Jamal Lyon, the openly gay son of Lucious Lyon, on Fox’s “Empire.”

“The network’s progress is a testament to intentional efforts towards inclusion and the evolution of the TV landscape on the whole,” the GLAAD report stated.

excellent grade with series like “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Fosters” being praised for their inclusion of LGBT characters.

GLAAD also reported that ABC Family posted the highest-ever percentage of LGBT-inclusive programming for any network in the NRI surveys at 74 percent of its original programming. With shows like “Shadowhunters” and “Recovery Road” on the horizon in 2016, ABC Family is leading the charge for more LGBT representation on TV.

Emily and Paige kiss on an episode of ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars.”

However, while the TV landscape becomes more inclusive for LGBT characters, there’s still a serious problem when it comes to the diversity of its LGBT characters. The CW. which scored a “good” grade, led in the racial diversity of its LGBT characters.

With LGBT representation on the rise, the advocacy group said that it will end its annual TV report and will now focus on the diversity of characters portrayed.

GLAAD also gave “good” grades to ABC, FX, HBO, MTV, Showtime, “adequate” grades to CBS, NBC, TLC, TNT, USA and “failing” grades to A&E and History.