CheraTV: A Female-Led Platform Bringing Empowering Stories to Vertical Dramas
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The Shift From Toxic Tropes to Empowering Stories
In a previous FanTalk, I spoke about the concerning trend of toxic or abusive male leads being glamorized in vertical dramas—and how this can be dangerous due to audience desensitization. Too often, we see female characters “forgive” years of psychological or physical mistreatment because the male lead simply says sorry. This kind of storytelling risks normalizing unhealthy relationships for younger viewers.
That doesn’t mean verticals should never address difficult subjects like violence or abuse—these exist in real life. But the problem arises when toxic behavior is romanticized instead of challenged. What I’d rather see? A female character who finds the strength to leave an abusive relationship, reclaim her power, and end up with someone who truly respects her. 💪✨
Discovering CheraTV
In my search for better content and empowering narratives, I came across a platform that immediately caught my attention: CheraTV.
The platform is still under construction, but its potential is already exciting. Right now, all we know comes from their Instagram account (go follow if you haven’t yet!) where the description proudly states: “female-led & owned.”
At first glance, that might seem like a small detail—but it’s actually a huge deal. The film industry worldwide remains largely male-dominated, and the same goes for vertical dramas. This imbalance likely explains why female leads are often written as weak, submissive, or secondary. Seeing a female-owned company enter the scene instantly intrigued me.
Speaking With CheraTV’s Co-Founder
Wanting to know more, I reached out to Kylie Karson, co-founder of CheraTV, and she kindly answered my questions. Kylie was insightful, warm, and passionate about her vision.
You’ve worked as an actress in Vertical Series — how have you seen the space evolve since you first started?
Not going to lie, I was a little nervous to start working in the space. I had a few friends who were in it regularly, and I’d always hear stories about wild, sometimes chaotic experiences. When I first began acting here, it felt much more disorganized, and I didn’t feel like the actors or artists really had a voice. But I’ve seen that shift over time. Now, the platforms are starting to value us—not just as “content” but as people, as artists.
What do you see as the biggest strengths of the Vertical format today? And what are the challenges?
The biggest strength of vertical is its accessibility. It’s easy to watch, it’s addictive, and it’s fun, it’s pure escapism. But beyond that, it’s opening doors. It’s giving opportunities to the underdogs, to new actors and directors, or simply to people who just want to work. In an industry where so many of us can go months, even years, without a job, having the chance to be on back-to-back sets and gain real-life experience is invaluable. At the same time, the challenge is making sure the space continues to grow with integrity. It can’t just be about quantity; it needs to be about quality and protecting the people who bring these stories to life.
What makes you believe in the Vertical storytelling format?
For me, it’s about the democratization of storytelling. You don’t need a huge studio budget to make something meaningful, you can connect with an audience in a raw, authentic way. And when you see the impact, when you see people bingeing episodes or emotionally connecting with characters in this format, it’s hard not to believe in its power.
If you could shape the future of VertiLand, what direction would you like to see it take?
If I could shape the future of VertiLand, I’d love to see it move toward the kind of storytelling we got during the golden CW days. I’m talking Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf, those big, dramatic stories with sprawling ensembles, layered relationships, and the kind of twists that keep you addicted. I think vertical can absolutely carry that kind of energy. The key is making it tasteful and intentional, really investing in the storylines and characters while also making sure it’s a safe, supportive environment for the actors. That’s where I see the future: content that’s binge-worthy and dramatic, but created with integrity.
Have you personally felt the shift in tone over the past year — especially with the rise of toxic tropes? How do you navigate that as a creative?
Dude, it’s hard. The tone in the space feels like it’s constantly swinging, on one side, you’ve got content that’s really dark or toxic, and on the other, you’ve got stuff that’s so over-the-top it’s ridiculous… but sometimes you can still get on board with it because it’s fun. What I’d really love to see is more diversity, more LGBTQ+ stories, more narratives that feel fresh and inclusive. Honestly, I think it’s time to move past the recycled, XXL-style storylines and give audiences something real. For me personally, I try to navigate it by being intentional about what I say yes to. If something completely goes against my values, I’ll decline the role. There are just certain things I can’t support, and I think as artists we have a responsibility to protect not only ourselves but also the stories we’re putting into the world.
What inspired you to co-found CheraTV? Can you share the core vision behind the platform?
Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to work on numerous vertical projects, and honestly, it’s been some of the most exciting and rewarding work I’ve done outside of LA. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential of this format, not just as entertainment, but as a career-launching platform for actors, directors, and writers. I’ve watched friends get signed to amazing agencies, seen artists finally being able to make a living off their craft, and experienced the joy of people being able to fully dedicate themselves to the work they love. But at the same time, I’ve also witnessed the challenges and pitfalls of the space. I’ve seen people put in unsafe situations with cast and crew, noticed intimacy and stunt coordinators not being prioritized, and experienced set environments that weren’t supportive or positive. It made me realize that while vertical content has immense potential, many platforms are run by people who care more about profit than about the art itself or the people creating it.That realization inspired me to co-found CheraTV. I wanted to build a platform where creativity and care go hand in hand, a space where you can make money and still produce content that’s meaningful, beautiful, and respectful to everyone involved. CheraTV is about elevating the art, protecting the artists, and creating opportunities for talent who might not have had access to traditional pathways. I truly believe we can redefine what vertical storytelling can be: addictive, entertaining, and high-quality, but done with integrity and heart.
Who else is involved in this project, and how did the team come together?
A little backstory: before founding CheraTV, my day job was Head of Production at an advertising agency. My bosses there have always been incredibly supportive of my artistic career. They’ve seen me take risks, pursue creative projects, and really invest myself in the vertical space, and they recognized the potential not just for the app, but for the entire format. They believed in the vision enough to become the main investors in CheraTV, which means a lot to me, having people who both understand the business and support the art side of things.
The development team is really personal to me, because it’s made up of people I know, trust, and genuinely admire. Candace Mizga is a true vertical superstar, she knows the space inside and out, and she brings this incredible creative insight and energy to every project. Then there’s Emma Dusenbury, one of my best friends. She’s worked in vertical content, in production, and as an actor herself, so she has this holistic perspective that’s invaluable. And Rachel Beck, also an actor with production experience, rounds out the team. These are my closest collaborators, my girl squad.
Honestly, the way the team came together feels really organic. It wasn’t about just hiring people for roles; it was about surrounding myself with people I know will protect the integrity of the platform, bring creativity and heart, and share the same passion for building something meaningful. We all believe in the same thing: that vertical content can be elevated, that artists should be valued and safe, and that the work we create can be fun, dramatic, and high-quality, all at the same time. Being able to build this with friends who are also brilliant artists is one of the most rewarding parts of the whole project.
What will set CheraTV apart from other platforms already active in the Vertical drama space?
What sets CheraTV apart is our commitment to both the art and the artists. Many platforms in the vertical space focus primarily on quantity and monetization, they churn out content fast, but the people creating it often get overlooked or undervalued. At CheraTV, we’re building a platform where quality, creativity, and safety come first. We invest in stories that are dramatic, binge-worthy, and emotionally engaging, but we also make sure the actors, directors, and crew are supported every step of the way. That means thoughtful production practices, prioritizing safety, and creating an environment where artists can thrive, take risks, and grow. We want CheraTV to be a space where the audience gets addictive, high-quality vertical storytelling, and the creators behind it feel respected, empowered, and part of something meaningful. It’s about redefining what vertical drama can be: entertaining, bold, and impactful—but done with integrity and care for everyone involved.
As an actress and now a co-founder, how involved will you be in the production and creative direction of CheraTV’s content?
As the VP of Production and Development, I’m involved in every aspect of CheraTV’s content. From selecting scripts, casting talent, and assembling crews, to deciding on the types of shows we produce and even shaping the app experience itself, I’m deeply involved at every stage. On top of that, I’ll also be directing and acting in some of our projects, so I get to engage creatively both behind the camera and in front of it. Being able to wear multiple hats allows me to ensure that every show aligns with our vision, high-quality, engaging storytelling that’s safe, supportive, and empowering for the artists involved. It’s hands-on, it’s exciting, and it’s exactly why I wanted to build this platform in the first place: to create a space where the art and the people creating it are equally valued.
Do you see CheraTV as a space for collaboration — especially with other actors, writers, and directors who want to tell stories that challenge the current tropes?
Absolutely. CheraTV is built to be a collaborative space. One of our core goals is to give actors, writers, and directors a platform to tell stories that feel fresh, inclusive, and challenging to the current tropes dominating the vertical space. We want to support creators who are passionate about pushing boundaries while still producing content that’s entertaining and binge-worthy.
For me, collaboration is everything, working closely with talent, listening to their ideas, and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to take creative risks. CheraTV isn’t just about putting content out there; it’s about nurturing a community of artists who can innovate, experiment, and make meaningful stories together.
Will CheraTV focus on specific themes or genres to reflect your values — like more empowering narratives, diverse casts, or healthier romance?
Yes, CheraTV will have a very intentional approach to themes and genres that reflect our values. We’re steering clear of overdone tropes like billionaires, CEOs, and surrogates, and instead focusing on stories that feel relatable, inclusive, and dynamic. You can expect romance, villains, and drama, but in a way that’s thoughtful and engaging. We’re committed to showcasing LGBTQ+ stories and making sure our leads reflect the diversity of the world we live in, including strong representation of POC characters. Ultimately, we want CheraTV to be a space where audiences can connect with stories that are empowering, authentic, and full of heart.
What does it mean to you to be part of a female-founded and managed platform in this space?
Being part of a female-founded and managed platform like CheraTV means the world to me. It’s about more than just having a seat at the table, it’s about creating the table, setting the rules, and building a space where women and other underrepresented voices can thrive. So much of the entertainment industry has historically been male-dominated, and that lack of representation affects the stories that get told and the people who get to tell them. For me, CheraTV is a chance to flip that script. It’s a platform where women can lead, create, and make bold creative choices without compromise. It’s personal because I get to work alongside my best friends, talented women I admire, who bring heart, creativity, and integrity to everything we do. Knowing that the vision, the decisions, and the culture of this platform are driven by women, and that we’re prioritizing safety, inclusion, and artistic freedom, makes every challenge worth it.
Do you already have any original series in development that you can tease or hint at?
Yes! We actually finalized the outline just today. One of our leads is Madeline Massingill, and if you peek at her Instagram, you might get a hint of what the show’s about, wink wink. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story set in college, full of romance, drama, and a little bit of steam. Fans of early-2000s series might notice some familiar vibes, but we’re bringing our own modern twist to it. We’re shooting the show at the end of the year.
When can fans expect CheraTV to officially launch?
Fans can expect CheraTV to officially launch at the end of January or beginning of February! That said, we’ll be rolling out plenty of promo in the months leading up to the launch, and there’s a chance people might even get a sneak peek of the app before then.
After reading her answers, I’m even more excited for what’s coming. CheraTV’s vision aligns perfectly with what many of us dream of for VertiLand: stories that entertain while uplifting women instead of tearing them down.
Why This Matters
This is what I love about VertiLand: it’s not just a corner of the entertainment industry recycling trends. It’s a space where creatives are experimenting, building, and pushing for positive change. Initiatives like CheraTV remind us that vertical dramas can evolve into something meaningful—something that entertains while empowering its audience.
A Final Word of Thanks
Thank you so much, Kylie, for sharing your vision with us and giving us a glimpse into CheraTV’s journey. VertiLovers, make sure you follow CheraTV and support this amazing initiative. Together, we can amplify the stories we want to see and encourage the future of vertical storytelling.