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A Fall TV Preview Checklist for Spotting Series Concepts Built to Last

A Fall TV Preview Checklist for Spotting Series Concepts Built to Last

Overwhelmed by the fall TV lineup? Use our checklist to spot the signs of a truly durable series and decide which new shows are worth your time.
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What to Look for in a Pilot to See Whether a TV Drama Has a Strong Story Engine

What to Look for in a Pilot to See Whether a TV Drama Has a Strong Story Engine

A TV pilot lives or dies by its ability to reveal its narrative engine. Here's the one type of scene that shows if a new drama has what it takes.
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What Shondaland’s Ensemble Storytelling Can Teach Us About Reading a Fall TV Slate

What Shondaland’s Ensemble Storytelling Can Teach Us About Reading a Fall TV Slate

Overwhelmed by the fall TV season? Shonda Rhimes' playbook for creating hit ensemble shows offers a powerful guide for sorting the keepers from the flops.
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How Distinct Character Functions Strengthen a TV Ensemble

How Distinct Character Functions Strengthen a TV Ensemble

Discover the screenwriting secret that powers the best TV ensembles, from classic sitcoms to modern hits, by assigning every character a distinct function.
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What “Back to Basics” Can Mean for a Long-Running TV Franchise

What “Back to Basics” Can Mean for a Long-Running TV Franchise

When showrunners promise a 'back to basics' season, it's a coded message. Here’s what those production choices actually look like on your screen.
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Fall TV Reboot vs. Original Concept: Which Gives Writers More Room to Surprise?

Fall TV Reboot vs. Original Concept: Which Gives Writers More Room to Surprise?

Exploring whether TV reboots or original shows offer writers more creative freedom to deliver unexpected twists and satisfying narrative surprises.
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How American Horror Story Helped Popularize The Modern Seasonal Anthology

How American Horror Story Helped Popularize The Modern Seasonal Anthology

Producer Ryan Murphy didn't just create hit shows; he invented a new business model for television that turned the anthology series into a bankable, must-see event.
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DC's 'Lanterns' Series Embraces Non-Canonical Storytelling for Broader Appeal

DC's 'Lanterns' Series Embraces Non-Canonical Storytelling for Broader Appeal

DC's 'Lanterns' Series Embraces Non-Canonical Storytelling for Broader Appeal
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How One Music Cue Can Define A TV Pilot’s Emotional Identity

How One Music Cue Can Define A TV Pilot’s Emotional Identity

A single song in a pilot episode can do more than set the mood; it can establish a TV show's entire identity. Here's how the perfect needle drop works.
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When A Fall TV Reboot Promises “This One’s Different,” Here’s What Viewers Should Look For

When A Fall TV Reboot Promises “This One’s Different,” Here’s What Viewers Should Look For

Tired of disappointing TV reboots? Here’s a practical guide to spotting the signs of a genuinely great revival versus another lazy cash grab.
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Why Fall TV Preview Coverage Can Miss Shows That Take Several Episodes to Find Their Voice

Why Fall TV Preview Coverage Can Miss Shows That Take Several Episodes to Find Their Voice

Fall TV reviews often judge a show on its pilot, but the real story and character depth frequently don't emerge until the fourth episode.
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Hayden Panettiere's Magnetic Performances Led to Rewritten Roles in Major Shows

Hayden Panettiere's Magnetic Performances Led to Rewritten Roles in Major Shows

Hayden Panettiere's Magnetic Performances Led to Rewritten Roles in Major Shows