Poorna Jagannathan and Amna Nawaz discuss representation in Hollywood on 'Settle In'

Award-winning actress Poorna Jagannathan, known for her roles in Netflix's "Never Have I Ever" and Hulu's "Deli Boys," discussed Hollywood's ongoing struggle with diversity and representation on PBS News podcast "Settle In." She highlighted a concerning trend in streaming platforms, where representation for women and people of color decreased in 2025.

The decline included a shocking 51% drop in lead actors of color from 2024 to 2025, with KPop Demon Hunters being a notable exception. Jagannathan expressed concern over the decline, stating that it's happening across the board and risking future opportunities for diverse representation. She emphasized that creators of color now have more power than ever, but their projects are less likely to be green-lit.