How to Write a TV Show

Writing for television isn't just about putting words on paper. It's about crafting stories that captivate viewers episode after episode. If you've ever wanted to write a TV show, this guide will walk you through the process, step by step. From creating compelling characters to plotting riveting story arcs. We'll cover everything you need to know to get your show from an idea to a script that producers want to see.

Finding Your Show's Unique Concept

Before you start writing, you need a solid concept. This is the central idea that will make your show stand out from the rest. A strong concept is clear, unique, and packed with potential for storytelling. Ask yourself, what makes your idea different? How does it fill a gap in the current TV landscape?

Consider popular shows like "Stranger Things" or "Breaking Bad." Each has a clear, unique premise: a group of kids encountering supernatural forces in a small town, or a high school chemistry teacher turning to a life of crime. Your concept should be equally distinctive and engaging.

Once you have a concept, refine it into a short, compelling pitch. You should be able to explain your idea in one or two sentences. For example, "A high school teacher diagnosed with cancer turns to cooking meth to secure his family's future." This pitch is succinct and immediately intriguing.

Creating Memorable Characters

Characters are the heart of your show. They drive the story and keep audiences coming back. When developing characters, think about their backgrounds, motivations, and flaws. They should feel real and complex, not one-dimensional.

Start by writing character bios. These should include:

• Background: Where does your character come from? What are their past experiences?
• Personality: How do they interact with the world? What are their quirks?
• Motivations and Goals: What do they want, and why?
• Flaws: What are their weaknesses or blind spots?

Your characters should have room for growth and change throughout the series. A character who starts off as an antagonist might evolve into an ally, or a seemingly perfect protagonist might have hidden depths to explore.

Building the World of Your Show

The world in which your story takes place is just as important as the characters themselves. Whether it's a small town, a big city, or a distant planet, your setting should feel vivid and lived-in. Consider the following when building your world:

• Location: Where does your show take place? How does this affect the story and characters?
• Rules: Are there specific societal or supernatural rules that define this world?
• History: What events or histories have shaped the setting?
• Culture: What are the customs, traditions, and norms of this world?

Your world should complement the story you're trying to tell. For instance, a show set in a dystopian future will have different societal rules and challenges than a show set in a present-day high school.

Structuring Your Episodes

TV writing requires a strong grasp of structure. Each episode should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with its own mini-arc. At the same time, it should contribute to the overarching narrative of the series.

Here's a typical structure for an episode:

• Cold Open: A hook to grab the viewer's attention, often unrelated to the main plot.
• Act One: Introduce the main conflict or problem of the episode.
• Act Two: Complicate the conflict, raising stakes and tension.
• Act Three: Resolve the conflict, or at least bring it to a new phase.
• Tag: A short scene that closes the episode, often with a cliffhanger or a comedic beat.

Writing episodes is like building blocks. Each piece should fit perfectly with the next to create a cohesive structure. If you're struggling with this, Spell can help streamline your writing process by generating drafts and refining your script in seconds.

Developing Season Arcs

Beyond individual episodes, you'll need to plan the trajectory of your entire season. A season arc gives your viewers a larger story to follow and invest in. It should have its own beginning, middle, and end, with key events and turning points mapped out.

Think about how your characters will evolve over the season. What challenges will they face, and how will they change as a result? Your season arc should build to a climax and resolve in a way that sets up future seasons.

Consider shows like "The Crown" or "The Mandalorian," which masterfully weave episodic stories with larger arcs that span the season. Planning your arc can be complex, but it's essential for maintaining coherence and momentum.

Writing the Pilot Episode

The pilot is arguably the most important episode of your series. It sets the tone, introduces the main characters, and hooks the audience. A strong pilot will make your series irresistible to both viewers and network executives.

When writing a pilot, focus on establishing the premise and stakes quickly. Introduce your protagonist and their world, and hint at the conflicts and themes that will drive the series. Remember, you only have one shot to make a first impression.

Here's a simple breakdown of what your pilot might include:

• Opening Scene: Grab attention with a compelling scene or image.
• Character Introductions: Introduce your main characters and their relationships.
• Inciting Incident: Present the event or decision that sets the story in motion.
• Main Conflict: Establish the primary conflict that will drive the series.
• Cliffhanger or Resolution: End with a hook that leaves viewers wanting more.

If you're unsure how to start your pilot, give Spell a try. It's like having a collaborator who helps you brainstorm and refine ideas on the fly.

Dialogue: Making It Real and Engaging

Dialogue is the lifeblood of your script. It should sound natural, reveal character, and move the plot forward. Avoid exposition-heavy dialogue that feels forced or unnatural. Instead, let your characters speak in ways that reflect their personalities and relationships.

Here are some tips for writing strong dialogue:

• Keep It Concise: Avoid long-winded speeches. Characters should speak in short, impactful sentences.
• Use Subtext: Let characters say one thing but mean another. This adds depth and tension.
• Show, Don't Tell: Use dialogue to imply information rather than stating it outright.
• Read It Aloud: Dialogue should sound natural when spoken. Reading it aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing.

Here's a quick example of effective dialogue:

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

JANE
(sipping coffee)
You know, you never told me why you left.

MARK
(avoiding eye contact)
I figured it was better that way.

JANE
(leaning forward)
Better for who?

Good dialogue reveals character dynamics and keeps the audience invested. Experiment with different styles until you find what fits your show best.

Formatting Your Script

Proper formatting is crucial in TV writing. A well-formatted script not only looks professional but also makes it easier for producers and directors to understand your vision.

Here are some formatting basics:

• Scene Headings: Indicate the location and time of day (e.g., INT. OFFICE - DAY).
• Action Lines: Describe what the audience sees and hears.
• Character Names: Centered and in uppercase before dialogue.
• Dialogue: Centered beneath the character's name.
• Parentheticals: Used sparingly to indicate how dialogue should be delivered.

Here's a quick example layout:

INT. OFFICE - DAY

The room is cluttered with papers. A single lamp casts a dim glow.

JANE
(pacing)
We can't keep doing this, Mark.

MARK
(sitting)
What choice do we have?

Tools like Spell can assist with formatting, ensuring your script meets industry standards and leaves a lasting impression.

Getting Feedback and Revising

No script is perfect on the first draft. Getting feedback from trusted readers can provide valuable insights. Be open to constructive criticism and prepared to revise your work multiple times.

Here’s how to approach feedback:

• Choose Your Readers Wisely: Seek feedback from people who understand storytelling and can offer insightful perspectives.
• Listen Carefully: Even if you disagree, consider all feedback. There may be underlying issues you hadn't noticed.
• Revise Thoughtfully: Use feedback to make meaningful improvements. Don't be afraid to make big changes if necessary.
• Trust Your Gut: Remember, it's your story. If advice doesn't resonate, it's okay to disregard it.

The revision process is where your script truly comes to life. It’s a chance to refine your vision and ensure your story resonates with viewers.

Final Thoughts

Writing a TV show is an exciting journey filled with creativity and challenges. Whether you're just sketching out your ideas or polishing a full script, remember that Spell is here to make the process easier, helping you craft high-quality content quickly and efficiently. Embrace the process, and enjoy bringing your vision to the screen.