TV Creator Calls for More Authentic and Inclusive Narratives On and Off Screen

ENCINO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Acclaimed writer, producer, and director Bentley Kyle Evans is raising his voice to champion one clear message: the need for more real, relatable, and representative stories in television. With over three decades of experience behind some of the most iconic Black sitcoms-Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, Family Time-Evans is now urging others in the industry and beyond to take action in their own circles.

"TV is like a mirror," says Evans. "I want people to see themselves and laugh a little too. But to do that, we've got to keep making stories that reflect who we really are."

Why This Matters

Studies show that representation in media plays a significant role in shaping self-perception and social understanding:

• A 2022 UCLA report found that Black characters still only make up 18% of lead roles across TV and streaming, despite making up 14% of the U.S. population.

• Children and teens who see themselves positively represented in media have higher self-esteem and academic performance, according to the Journal of Adolescent Health.

• Authentic storytelling can drive economic value too-diverse-led content performs better globally, according to McKinsey & Company.

Still, stories of everyday Black families and communities often remain underdeveloped or underfunded.

"Networks weren't making a lot of shows for everyday Black families anymore," Evans says. "That's why I created Family Time. I wanted to change that."

A Career Built on Real Characters

Evans began as a production assistant on Hollywood Shuffle in 1986 and soon moved behind the camera. By 1992, he was the showrunner of Martin, helping define a generation of comedy.

From co-creating The Jamie Foxx Show to producing Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! for Netflix, Evans has consistently focused on stories with humor and heart. Many of his characters come from working-class settings and deal with everyday life-jobs, family, friendship, struggle, and joy.

"If you can make your friends laugh, you can make America laugh," he explains. "But you have to listen to your cast and trust their timing."

He now leads Bent Outta Shape, Inc., his Los Angeles-based production company, where he continues to build space for underrepresented voices.

Evans is not launching a foundation or campaign. Instead, he's asking everyday creators, viewers, and professionals to act with intention:

"You don't have to wait for a network to approve your vision," he says. "You can start with what you know. Build from your life. Tell the truth in your writing, in your workplace, in how you support others."

What You Can Do

Evans offers a few ways for people to contribute to more honest storytelling:

• Support content that reflects your community: Watch, share, and discuss stories that offer depth and dignity.

• Mentor or collaborate with new creators: "Everyone starts somewhere," says Evans. "I learned just by watching between takes."

• Write or create from your own truth: Whether you're telling stories online, in classrooms, or at dinner tables-keep them honest and human.

• Question what's missing: If a screen or a team lacks representation, ask why.

"Ownership matters," Evans adds. "But so does the audience. We all shape what gets made."

About Bentley Kyle Evans

Bentley Kyle Evans is an American writer, producer, and director known for his work on Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, Love That Girl!, and Family Time. He is the founder of Bent Outta Shape, Inc. and continues to create original television and digital content. Evans is also a long-time member of SAG-AFTRA and a past NAACP Image Award nominee.

Media Contact

Bentley Kyle Evans
info@bentley-evans.com
https://www.bentley-evans.com/

SOURCE: Bentley Kyle Evans