How To Write a TV Show
Want to learn how to write a TV show?
In this video, I break down the two main types of TV scripts writers create: original TV pilots and spec scripts of existing shows. We’ll cover story structure, A-stories and B-stories, cold opens, sitcom formatting, brainstorming ideas, writing stronger characters, and how to make your script stand out to producers and showrunners.
If you’re trying to write a TV pilot, spec episode, sitcom, or drama series and want professional feedback on your script, you can
BOOK HERE.
What Is a TV Spec Script?
A spec script is an episode of an existing TV show that you write yourself.
Instead of creating original characters, you take characters from an established show and create new storylines for them.
I’ve written spec scripts for shows like:
TV Writing Tip 1: Watch and Research the Show.
If you want to spec write a TV show, you need to become obsessed with it.
Watch every episode. Study the tone. Study the pacing. Study how the characters talk.
The more you know the show, the easier it becomes to write believable dialogue and storylines.
When I wrote a spec for 30 Rock, I printed out character descriptions and highlighted little quirks and details that could become storyline ideas later. You want to know the show inside and out.
TV Writing Tip 2: Choose a Show That’s Relatively New.
One of the best things you can do when writing a spec script is choose a show that’s still early in its run.
A show in season one or season two is usually the sweet spot.
If you try speccing a massive long-running show like The Simpsons, it can take forever to catch up on every episode and storyline.
Shows also evolve over time. Characters change. Tone changes. Earlier seasons are often more consistent.
TV Writing Tip 3: Brainstorm Tons of Storylines
Before you start writing your TV script, brainstorm dozens of ideas.
Seriously. Write way more ideas than you think you need.
Some ideas will be terrible. That’s okay.
Sometimes a bad idea leads to a really good one.
When I wrote a spec for Broad City, I watched every episode multiple times and kept writing down random storyline possibilities as I watched.
Don’t judge yourself too early in the brainstorming phase.
TV Writing Tip 4: Understand A-Stories, B-Stories, and C-Stories.
Most sitcoms and TV dramas have multiple storylines happening at once.
The A-story is usually the most important storyline and is typically given to the lead character.
For example:
Understanding TV structure is incredibly important if you want to write a professional TV pilot or spec script.
TV Writing Tip 5: Learn the Structure of the Show.
Every TV show has its own structure.
Most one-hour dramas use five acts.
Most sitcoms use two or three acts.
Some newer comedies use four acts.
Shows also usually include:
One of the best examples comes from The Office when Dwight tricks everyone into thinking there’s a fire in the office.
That cold open immediately grabs attention and sets the comedic tone.
TV Writing Tip 6: Read Actual TV Scripts
One of the best ways to improve your TV writing is reading real scripts from professional shows.
You can often find TV pilot scripts online by Googling:
“Show Name + Script PDF”
Reading scripts teaches you:
For example:
TV Writing Tip 7: Understand Multi-Cam vs Single-Cam Sitcoms.
Multi-cam sitcoms are shows filmed in front of a live audience and usually include a laugh track.
Examples include:
Examples include:
TV Writing Tip 8: Know the Characters Completely
Character voice is everything in TV writing.
You should know how every major character talks, reacts, jokes, and behaves.
When I wrote my 30 Rock spec script, I became completely obsessed with the show for a month.
You want the characters living in your head constantly while you write.
Pay attention to:
TV Writing Tip 9: How to Write a TV Pilot
Writing a TV pilot is different because now you’re creating your own world from scratch.
The first thing you need is a strong concept and hook.
The hook is the thing that makes your series stand out.
For example:
TV Writing Tip 10: Write a Strong Logline.
A logline is a very short summary of your TV series idea.
Usually around 30 words or less.
You want your logline to:
“Monsters and their spouses work on relationship issues in marriage therapy.”
That simple concept immediately tells people the tone and premise of the show.
TV Writing Tip 11: Make the First 10 Pages Amazing.
The beginning of your TV pilot matters more than almost anything else.
You need to hook the reader immediately.
If you’re writing comedy, there should be strong laughs early.
If you’re writing drama, there should be compelling conflict quickly.
If you’re writing a thriller, there should be suspense immediately.
Your script should feel impossible to put down.
The goal is to write something so strong that producers want to share it with everyone else in their office.
Want Professional Feedback on Your TV Pilot or Spec Script?If you want help improving your TV pilot, sitcom script, drama series, or spec episode, I offer one-on-one screenwriting coaching and script feedback.
Whether you need help with structure, dialogue, pacing, characters, comedy, rewrites, or pitching your series, I’d love to help. Book Here
Common TV Writing Mistakes
FAQ: What is a TV spec script?
A spec script is an original episode of an existing TV show written by a screenwriter as a sample.
Should I write a spec script or an original pilot?
Both can help your career. Spec scripts show you can write existing characters and structure. Original pilots show your creativity and voice.
How long should a TV pilot be?
Most half-hour comedy pilots are around 25 to 35 pages. One-hour dramas are usually around 50 to 65 pages.
How do I make my TV pilot stand out?
Strong concepts, memorable characters, clear structure, and a great hook are incredibly important. Your first 10 pages especially need to grab attention quickly.
Where can I get feedback on my TV script? If you want professional feedback on your TV pilot, sitcom, or spec script, you can 👉 BOOK HERE
In this video, I break down the two main types of TV scripts writers create: original TV pilots and spec scripts of existing shows. We’ll cover story structure, A-stories and B-stories, cold opens, sitcom formatting, brainstorming ideas, writing stronger characters, and how to make your script stand out to producers and showrunners.
If you’re trying to write a TV pilot, spec episode, sitcom, or drama series and want professional feedback on your script, you can
BOOK HERE.
What Is a TV Spec Script?
A spec script is an episode of an existing TV show that you write yourself.
Instead of creating original characters, you take characters from an established show and create new storylines for them.
I’ve written spec scripts for shows like:
- 30 Rock
- Parks and Recreation
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Broad City
- A.P. Bio
TV Writing Tip 1: Watch and Research the Show.
If you want to spec write a TV show, you need to become obsessed with it.
Watch every episode. Study the tone. Study the pacing. Study how the characters talk.
The more you know the show, the easier it becomes to write believable dialogue and storylines.
When I wrote a spec for 30 Rock, I printed out character descriptions and highlighted little quirks and details that could become storyline ideas later. You want to know the show inside and out.
TV Writing Tip 2: Choose a Show That’s Relatively New.
One of the best things you can do when writing a spec script is choose a show that’s still early in its run.
A show in season one or season two is usually the sweet spot.
If you try speccing a massive long-running show like The Simpsons, it can take forever to catch up on every episode and storyline.
Shows also evolve over time. Characters change. Tone changes. Earlier seasons are often more consistent.
TV Writing Tip 3: Brainstorm Tons of Storylines
Before you start writing your TV script, brainstorm dozens of ideas.
Seriously. Write way more ideas than you think you need.
Some ideas will be terrible. That’s okay.
Sometimes a bad idea leads to a really good one.
When I wrote a spec for Broad City, I watched every episode multiple times and kept writing down random storyline possibilities as I watched.
Don’t judge yourself too early in the brainstorming phase.
TV Writing Tip 4: Understand A-Stories, B-Stories, and C-Stories.
Most sitcoms and TV dramas have multiple storylines happening at once.
The A-story is usually the most important storyline and is typically given to the lead character.
For example:
- In Frasier, Frasier usually gets the A-story.
- In The Office, Michael often gets the A-story.
- In Breaking Bad, Walt drives most of the A-storylines.
Understanding TV structure is incredibly important if you want to write a professional TV pilot or spec script.
TV Writing Tip 5: Learn the Structure of the Show.
Every TV show has its own structure.
Most one-hour dramas use five acts.
Most sitcoms use two or three acts.
Some newer comedies use four acts.
Shows also usually include:
- Cold opens
- Teasers
- Act breaks
- Tags
One of the best examples comes from The Office when Dwight tricks everyone into thinking there’s a fire in the office.
That cold open immediately grabs attention and sets the comedic tone.
TV Writing Tip 6: Read Actual TV Scripts
One of the best ways to improve your TV writing is reading real scripts from professional shows.
You can often find TV pilot scripts online by Googling:
“Show Name + Script PDF”
Reading scripts teaches you:
- formatting
- pacing
- scene structure
- dialogue rhythm
- act breaks
For example:
- New Girl was originally called Chicks and Dicks
- The Goldbergs had a different original title too
TV Writing Tip 7: Understand Multi-Cam vs Single-Cam Sitcoms.
Multi-cam sitcoms are shows filmed in front of a live audience and usually include a laugh track.
Examples include:
- Friends
- I Love Lucy
- The Big Bang Theory
Examples include:
- 30 Rock
- Veep
- Arrested Development
TV Writing Tip 8: Know the Characters Completely
Character voice is everything in TV writing.
You should know how every major character talks, reacts, jokes, and behaves.
When I wrote my 30 Rock spec script, I became completely obsessed with the show for a month.
You want the characters living in your head constantly while you write.
Pay attention to:
- recurring jokes
- speech patterns
- quirks
- relationships
- insecurities
TV Writing Tip 9: How to Write a TV Pilot
Writing a TV pilot is different because now you’re creating your own world from scratch.
The first thing you need is a strong concept and hook.
The hook is the thing that makes your series stand out.
For example:
- The Goldbergs uses the 1980s nostalgia hook
- Dharma & Greg centers around two opposite people getting married immediately
TV Writing Tip 10: Write a Strong Logline.
A logline is a very short summary of your TV series idea.
Usually around 30 words or less.
You want your logline to:
- grab attention
- explain the concept quickly
- make people curious
“Monsters and their spouses work on relationship issues in marriage therapy.”
That simple concept immediately tells people the tone and premise of the show.
TV Writing Tip 11: Make the First 10 Pages Amazing.
The beginning of your TV pilot matters more than almost anything else.
You need to hook the reader immediately.
If you’re writing comedy, there should be strong laughs early.
If you’re writing drama, there should be compelling conflict quickly.
If you’re writing a thriller, there should be suspense immediately.
Your script should feel impossible to put down.
The goal is to write something so strong that producers want to share it with everyone else in their office.
Want Professional Feedback on Your TV Pilot or Spec Script?If you want help improving your TV pilot, sitcom script, drama series, or spec episode, I offer one-on-one screenwriting coaching and script feedback.
Whether you need help with structure, dialogue, pacing, characters, comedy, rewrites, or pitching your series, I’d love to help. Book Here
Common TV Writing Mistakes
- Starting the pilot too slowly
- Weak character voices
- Not understanding the show’s structure
- Writing storylines that feel repetitive
- Having too many characters introduced too quickly
- Forgetting strong act breaks
- Not escalating the conflict enough
- Trying to copy another show too closely
FAQ: What is a TV spec script?
A spec script is an original episode of an existing TV show written by a screenwriter as a sample.
Should I write a spec script or an original pilot?
Both can help your career. Spec scripts show you can write existing characters and structure. Original pilots show your creativity and voice.
How long should a TV pilot be?
Most half-hour comedy pilots are around 25 to 35 pages. One-hour dramas are usually around 50 to 65 pages.
How do I make my TV pilot stand out?
Strong concepts, memorable characters, clear structure, and a great hook are incredibly important. Your first 10 pages especially need to grab attention quickly.
Where can I get feedback on my TV script? If you want professional feedback on your TV pilot, sitcom, or spec script, you can 👉 BOOK HERE