Grey’s Anatomy to Abbott Elementary: Writing Family-Work Stories in TV and Film

How do popular TV shows and films shape our perceptions of work, family, and caregiving and help us feel seen, understood, and connected to others? In this virtual event with Harvardwood, Vicki Shabo—Senior Fellow for Gender Equity and Care Policy at New America and founder of the Re-Scripting Gender, Work, Family, and Care initiative—will analyze how caregiving, gender equity at work and at home, and work-family dynamics are portrayed in major series like Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19, Abbott Elementary, Lopez vs. Lopez, Fire Country, and Virgin River and more, as well as in recent films including Everything Everywhere All At Once, American Fiction, and Origin.

Drawing from her extensive experience as a policy strategist and cultural narrative expert, Shabo will explore the ways in which these stories either reinforce or challenge conventional norms. The discussion will delve into how writers and creators can better depict authentic caregiving experiences, promote more…