A Thematic analysis on LGBT+ Themes in Master of None’s Thanksgiving and Bojack Horseman’s Hooray, Todd

Abstract

Representation is important to how we view the world surrounding us. Different media platforms have made it easier for people all over the world to access popular culture, such as music, films and television shows. LGBT+ representation is important for people of minorities to see themselves in the media, but also to educate and fight strong stereotypes. In my thesis I analyse two episodes from two American television shows, Bojack Horseman and Master of None. The research questions are as follows: How are LGBT+ individuals (and their coming out experiences) represented in Master of None’s episode Thanksgiving and Bojack Horseman’s episode Hooray, Todd? How are stereotypes of LGBT+ portrayed or challenged in these episodes? How is heteronormativity portrayed or challenged in these episodes?

The material is two television show scripts that were accessed online. I analyse the episodes using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Thematic analysis works the primary data through a six-phase method. The first phase includes familiarising with the data, and in the second phase initial codes are created from the data set. Phases 3, 4, and 5 include working with more narrow themes that are searched, reviewed and defined based on the initial codes. Thematic analysis works with variety of different data sets.

Both scripts portrayed representations of coming out and being an LGBT+ individual. I argue, that in both the episodes stereotypes of LGBT+ individuals were both endorsed and challenged. I argue that both scripts portray heteronormativity, but also how it is questioned by its LGBT+ characters.