Balian’s inclusion on this list is a unanimous verdict as she was instrumental in the development and launch of the most successful program in FX’s history— “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” The miniseries was cable’s most-watched new series of the year and received 22 Emmy nominations, taking home nine. Balian especially gives comedies credit for creating diverse female roles—noting “Better Things,” “Grace and Frankie” and “Black-ish.” “Dramas need to catch up,” she says. Balian says the year’s biggest industry story is “Holding decision makers more accountable for diversity.”
