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6 Fall TV Pilot Elements That Can Reveal Whether a Series Has a Sustainable Engine

6 Fall TV Pilot Elements That Can Reveal Whether a Series Has a Sustainable Engine

Here are the core elements in a TV pilot that signal whether a new series has the narrative engine to become your next favorite show.
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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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Why Ensemble-Driven TV Fits the Modern Streaming Landscape

Why Ensemble-Driven TV Fits the Modern Streaming Landscape

Explore the shift in television from shows built around one big star to complex ensemble casts, and what it means for the future of storytelling.
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What Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Writing Can Teach About Character-Driven TV Premises

What Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Writing Can Teach About Character-Driven TV Premises

Explore how Phoebe Waller-Bridge's character-first writing, seen in 'Fleabag' and 'Killing Eve,' offers a powerful lesson for new TV shows.
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What A Fall TV Cast Size Can Reveal About Budgets, Scheduling, And Story Bandwidth

What A Fall TV Cast Size Can Reveal About Budgets, Scheduling, And Story Bandwidth

The number of actors in a fall TV show isn't just a creative choice; it's a complex business calculation involving salaries, schedules, and story.
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6 Development Traps That Can Weaken A New TV Series Early

6 Development Traps That Can Weaken A New TV Series Early

Discover the six common development pitfalls that can doom a new fall TV show before it even airs its third episode, from concept to casting.
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The Fall TV Series That Refuses a Cliffhanger-Heavy Pilot Can Feel More Confident

The Fall TV Series That Refuses a Cliffhanger-Heavy Pilot Can Feel More Confident

Explore why a TV pilot that forgoes a dramatic cliffhanger might be a sign of a more confident show, one that trusts its characters and world to earn your attention.
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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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Why Some TV Comedies Benefit From Taking Longer To Find Their Voice

Why Some TV Comedies Benefit From Taking Longer To Find Their Voice

In an era of binge-watching, the old TV pilot formula feels outdated. The comedies that play the long game are the ones that are winning.
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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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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