TV is unquestionably more representative these days. But sometimes it’s hard to appreciate it over the sound of the creators wanking themselves off over how great they are. As with these examples.
Women over 40 having sex
You mean they still do it? Weird. How? For some reason prejudice-smashing over-40 female sex goes on much longer than any other sex scene you’ve ever witnessed. And is more graphic. Why? Be careful, the only response allowed is ‘Because it’s beautiful’.
Prized supporting roles for ethnic minorities
If real life mirrored TV, everyone from an ethnic minority background would have a white friend who anything important happens to. It doesn’t matter that TV people of colour are all in ancillary roles (protagonist’s therapist, neighbour, love interest’s best friend) or they’re pretty two-dimensional, because the promotional images will look great.
Actors that look ‘real’
This means people who would still be really hot if you saw them in real life, but don’t quite reach the pinnacle of actor good looks, or haven’t had all imperfections removed by a plastic surgeon. Granted, they’ll only ever be given roles like corrupt policemen or alcoholic nurses, but that’s not the point. They’re real.
Wise poor people
He’s 13, living in a council flat, but can quote Charles Dickens verbatim in his thick Scouse accent? Wow. It’s very profound, because otherwise you would have carried on assuming all working-class people were stupid. Yes, it’s hugely unrealistic so it’s not really challenged any prejudices, but well done us!
Women in general
Women are great because you can make an empowering montage and put it on social media to show just how far girl power has brought us. It doesn’t matter if the role doesn’t really advance the cause of women in any way, eg. a worried mum, a prostitute, or an animated dog. She’s a feisty animated dog!
A character calling out prejudice
Often set up with a contrived situation so the protagonist can deliver a stilted monologue on how this is wrong, actually. More commonly, the prejudice is something no normal person thinks, eg. racism is good. Better make space on the mantlepiece for all those Baftas!