Months before The Umbrella Academy premiered in 2019, showrunner Steve Blackman was confident it would be a hit, attracting 45 million viewers in its first season. However, controversies soon emerged as a pregnant writer was allegedly fired due to her pregnancy, while other staffers accused Blackman of creating a toxic work environment. Sources revealed instances of retaliation, inappropriate remarks, and improper crediting. Despite complaints to HR, Blackman received a $50 million deal from Netflix in 2020. The investigation into the complaints did not fully address the issues raised, leaving former staffers disillusioned with the lack of accountability in the industry. Blackman's behavior sheds light on the unchecked power of showrunners and the challenges faced by those who seek to expose toxic work environments in Hollywood.