Often while the storylines are different, the entire series is held together by the same themes. An anthology series is different from the types above because each episode or season introduces an entirely new storyline with a new cast of characters. It’s not ultimately necessary for your show to be one or the other, but you do need to understand what your show is to write the script and then pitch it to people in a way they’ll understand.Īnother type of TV show we see more of is anthologies.
#Tv pilot structure serial
Abrams, all had both serial and procedural elements present during the shows’ run.
Think “Law & Order,” created by Dick Wolf, or “Criminal Minds,” created by Jeff Davis.Īre there shows that combine a bit of both? Interestingly enough, yes! Shows like “Hannibal,” created by Bryan Fuller, “The Good Wife,” created by Michelle and Robert King, and “Fringe,” created by J.J. However, the main characters will usually be the same. You could watch any episode of a procedural and understand what’s going on because there's no connecting overarching plot from one episode to the next. Weiss.Ī procedural is a show where each episode finishes a story. Serials include “The Sopranos,” created by David Chase, “The Walking Dead,” created by Robert Kirkman, or “Game of Thrones,” created by David Benioff and D.B. Each episode builds and connects to the previous and the following episodes. Is it a series that tells longer stories that rely on each episode to delve deeper and resolve plot lines (think NBC’s “This Is Us,” created by Dan Fogelman)? Or does each episode exist as a self-contained anthology (think Netflix's “Black Mirror,” created by Charlie Brooker) or procedural?Ī serial is a television show that relies on the series as a whole to tell complex stories. It’s important to consider what type of show you’re writing. You never want the audience to know how the show will end, or on the other hand, If it will ever end. Make sure your original idea has legs that will continue to generate new ideas, plotlines, and scenarios for the characters to encounter. During this pre-writing phase, you can build the world of your story, learn who your characters are, and figure out the show's vehicles – meaning, what keeps the show going. You need to know where the story is going beyond the pilot script and well into the potential future for your show. While all scripts require some pre-writing to plan and figure out the overall story and important beats, it’s even more critical for a pilot script. So, if you’ve got a great idea for a TV show, and you’re ready to sit down and put the story to paper, let me show you where to start! Below, I cover what needs to be included in a TV pilot to set up your future series for success.
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