FCC Opens Comment Period on TV Ratings for Children's Shows with Transgender, Nonbinary Characters

The FCC's Media Bureau announced on April 23, 2026, that it is soliciting public comments about whether the TV ratings system has made sound decisions regarding children's programming with transgender or nonbinary characters. The FCC stated that it is soliciting feedback due to an alleged uptick in significant concerns about whether controversial gender identity issues are being included or promoted in children's programs without providing any disclosure or transparency to parents.

The agency explained that industry guidelines are rating shows with transgender and gender non-binary programming as appropriate for children and young children without providing this information to parents, thereby undermining the ability of parents to make informed choices for their families.

Brendan Carr posted on X that parents are worried that New York and Hollywood programmers are pushing a pro-transgender agenda. The Verge reported that Carr echoed his organization's sentiments and claimed these programmers are undermining both the law and the ratings system established to protect children from unsuitable content.

The FCC's most recent annual report indicated there were only 11 pieces of public correspondence relevant to the TV ratings board's work.

Spot checks by the FCC turned up just two instances where a TV rating actually needed to be changed. Anna Gomez stated that American families are worried about affordability, access, and rising costs, not whether the TV ratings system has enough warnings about gender identity.

The Verge reported that Gomez, the FCC's sole Democratic commissioner, noted the baselessness of concerns when viewed against the low number of complaints and rating changes.