Lee Mason discusses the platform’s commitment to escapism and diversity in content commissioning

Disney+ decided to commission an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals because it aligns with the platform’s strategy of offering “traditional, British, premium soaps,” according to Lee Mason, the streaming service’s director of scripted originals. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Mason explained that the show was created with the understanding that global audiences are drawn to period dramas like Downton Abbey.

The forthcoming series, set in 1986, focuses on a group of wealthy media professionals in the Cotswolds and is packed with rivalries, affairs, heartbreak, and the glamorous yet dramatic lifestyle of the era. Mason described Rivals as an escapist experience aimed at offering viewers a break from the stress of modern life, particularly in a time when “watching the news is hard.”

Mason reflected on how Disney+ approaches British drama, seeking to represent an authentic version of British culture while ensuring the content resonates internationally. He noted, “We know that audiences around the world love things like Downton and that sort of thing. So again, it was like, ‘How do we do that? How do we export that kind of traditional, kind of British, kind of premium soap’?”

When discussing the platform’s commitment to diversity, Mason acknowledged that Disney+ actively seeks content that represents a range of communities. However, he also shared his personal perspective on working-class representation in the TV industry. Mason revealed that being from a working-class background was a more significant challenge in his career than his sexuality, particularly given the financial barriers to entering the industry.

“If I was starting in TV now, I couldn’t afford to come to London. I couldn’t afford to live here, so it just wouldn’t be an option,” Mason said. He added that the working-class experience is rarer in the industry and emphasized the need for broader representation at both the commissioning and writing levels.

Mason also reflected on his experiences as a gay man in the industry, acknowledging that his background has influenced his commissioning decisions. He said that while he has been mindful of including LGBT+ content, he has also recognized the importance of commissioning content that represents experiences outside his own. “We definitely need to do more,” he concluded.