How to Write a TV Series: When Penguins Learn to Fly

Writing a TV series is an art form that combines storytelling, character development, and visual narrative into a cohesive and engaging experience. Whether you’re crafting a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a mind-bending sci-fi, the process requires a blend of creativity, structure, and a deep understanding of your audience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complex world of TV writing.

1. Conceptualization: The Seed of Your Series

Every great TV series starts with a compelling concept. This is the core idea that will drive your story and captivate your audience. Ask yourself: What is the unique hook of my series? Is it a fresh take on a familiar genre, or does it introduce a completely new world? For example, “Breaking Bad” took the familiar concept of a man turning to crime but added the unique twist of a high school chemistry teacher becoming a methamphetamine manufacturer.

• Brainstorming: Spend time brainstorming ideas. Write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how outlandish. Sometimes the most bizarre ideas can lead to the most innovative concepts.
• Research: Look into existing TV shows to see what’s already been done. This will help you identify gaps in the market and avoid clichés.
• Pitch: Once you have a solid concept, refine it into a concise pitch. This should be a one or two-sentence summary that encapsulates the essence of your series.

2. Character Development: The Heart of Your Series

Characters are the lifeblood of any TV series. They are the vehicles through which your audience experiences the story. Well-developed characters can make even the most mundane situations compelling.

• Protagonist and Antagonist: Start by defining your main characters. Who is your protagonist, and what do they want? Who or what stands in their way? The antagonist doesn’t always have to be a person; it could be a situation, a system, or even the protagonist’s own flaws.
• Character Arcs: Plan out how your characters will evolve over the course of the series. A strong character arc can keep viewers invested in the story. For example, Walter White’s transformation from a meek teacher to a ruthless drug lord is a masterclass in character development.
• Supporting Characters: Don’t neglect your supporting cast. They should have their own motivations and arcs, even if they’re not the focus of the story. Think of Jesse Pinkman in “Breaking Bad,” who starts as a small-time drug dealer but grows into a complex, multi-dimensional character.

3. Plot Structure: The Backbone of Your Series

A well-structured plot is essential for keeping your audience engaged. TV series typically follow a multi-act structure, with each episode contributing to the overall narrative.

• Pilot Episode: The pilot is your chance to hook the audience. It should introduce the main characters, establish the world, and set up the central conflict. Think of the pilot as a microcosm of the entire series.
• Season Arc: Plan out the major plot points for the entire season. Where do you want your characters to end up by the finale? What are the key events that will drive the story forward?
• Episode Structure: Each episode should have its own mini-arc, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. However, it should also contribute to the larger season arc. This balance between episodic and serialized storytelling is crucial for maintaining viewer interest.

4. Dialogue: The Voice of Your Series

Dialogue is one of the most important tools in a TV writer’s arsenal. It’s how your characters express themselves, reveal their motivations, and interact with the world around them.

• Naturalistic Dialogue: Strive for dialogue that feels natural and authentic. Avoid overly expositional lines; instead, let the characters reveal information through subtext and context.
• Character Voice: Each character should have a distinct voice. This can be achieved through word choice, sentence structure, and even rhythm. For example, the rapid-fire, witty banter in “Gilmore Girls” is a key part of the show’s charm.
• Conflict and Tension: Use dialogue to create conflict and tension. Characters should rarely agree on everything; their disagreements and misunderstandings can drive the plot forward and reveal deeper layers of their personalities.

5. World-Building: The Canvas of Your Series

The world of your TV series is more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the story. Whether you’re creating a realistic contemporary setting or a fantastical alternate universe, the world should feel alive and immersive.

• Setting: Decide on the time and place of your series. Is it set in the present day, the past, or the future? Is it in a real location, or a fictional one? The setting should influence the characters and the plot.
• Rules of the World: If your series involves any kind of fantastical or sci-fi elements, establish the rules early on. Consistency is key; if the rules change, there should be a logical reason for it.
• Cultural Context: Consider the cultural, social, and political context of your world. How do these factors influence the characters and the story? For example, “The Handmaid’s Tale” uses its dystopian setting to explore themes of power, control, and resistance.

6. Themes and Motifs: The Soul of Your Series

Themes and motifs add depth and resonance to your series. They are the underlying messages and recurring elements that give your story meaning.

• Central Themes: Identify the central themes of your series. What are the big ideas you want to explore? For example, “The Wire” uses its crime drama format to delve into themes of systemic corruption, poverty, and the failure of institutions.
• Motifs: Use recurring motifs to reinforce your themes. These can be visual, auditory, or narrative elements that appear throughout the series. For example, the use of color in “Breaking Bad” is a subtle but powerful motif that reflects the characters’ emotional states and moral transformations.

7. Collaboration: The Team Behind Your Series

Writing a TV series is rarely a solo endeavor. It involves collaboration with directors, producers, actors, and other writers. Embrace this collaborative process; it can lead to richer, more nuanced storytelling.

• Writers’ Room: If you’re working in a writers’ room, be open to feedback and new ideas. The best TV shows are often the result of a collective creative effort.
• Showrunner: The showrunner is the person who oversees the entire production. They are responsible for maintaining the vision of the series and ensuring that all elements—writing, directing, acting, etc.—are aligned.
• Feedback: Be open to feedback from all members of the team. Constructive criticism can help you refine your ideas and improve the overall quality of the series.

8. Pacing and Timing: The Rhythm of Your Series

Pacing is crucial in TV writing. It’s the rhythm at which your story unfolds, and it can make or break the viewer’s engagement.

• Episode Pacing: Each episode should have a balance of action, dialogue, and quieter moments. Too much of any one element can throw off the pacing.
• Season Pacing: Consider the pacing of the entire season. You want to build tension and suspense, but also give the audience moments of relief. A well-paced season will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next episode.
• Cliffhangers: Use cliffhangers strategically to keep viewers coming back for more. However, don’t overuse them; they should feel earned and not manipulative.

9. Visual Storytelling: The Language of Your Series

TV is a visual medium, and your writing should reflect that. Use visual storytelling to convey information, emotion, and subtext.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Whenever possible, show rather than tell. Use visuals to convey information that might otherwise be communicated through dialogue. For example, a character’s body language can reveal their emotions more effectively than words.
• Cinematography: Consider how the camera can be used to enhance the story. Different shots, angles, and movements can create different moods and emphasize different aspects of the scene.
• Editing: Think about how the editing will affect the pacing and tone of the series. Fast cuts can create tension, while longer takes can allow the audience to soak in the atmosphere.

10. Marketing and Audience Engagement: The Lifeblood of Your Series

Once your series is written, it’s important to think about how it will be marketed and how you will engage with your audience.

• Target Audience: Identify your target audience. Who is most likely to enjoy your series? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your marketing efforts.
• Social Media: Use social media to build buzz around your series. Engage with fans, share behind-the-scenes content, and create a community around your show.
• Merchandising: Consider how your series can be extended beyond the screen. Merchandising, spin-offs, and interactive experiences can help keep your audience engaged and invested in the world you’ve created.

Related Q&A

Q: How long should a TV series pilot be? A: A typical TV pilot is around 60 pages for a one-hour drama and 30 pages for a half-hour comedy. However, this can vary depending on the network and the specific requirements of the show.

Q: How many episodes should a season have? A: The number of episodes in a season can vary widely. Network TV shows often have 20-24 episodes per season, while cable and streaming shows may have shorter seasons, typically 8-13 episodes.

Q: How do I protect my TV series idea? A: To protect your idea, consider registering it with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) or copyrighting your script. While these measures won’t prevent someone from stealing your idea, they can provide legal recourse if necessary.

Q: How do I get my TV series noticed by producers? A: Networking is key. Attend industry events, join writing groups, and consider hiring an agent or manager who can help pitch your series to producers. A strong pitch and a well-written pilot are essential for getting noticed.

Q: Can I write a TV series without any prior experience? A: While prior experience can be helpful, it’s not a requirement. Many successful TV writers started with no formal training. The most important thing is to have a strong concept, compelling characters, and a well-structured story. Practice, persistence, and a willingness to learn are key to breaking into the industry.