How to pitch a TV show to netflix, networks and more like a pro.

Learning how to pitch a TV show is just an important skill to learn as writing the script itself. You can write the best pilot in history, but if you don’t know how to pitch it, it’s unlikely your show will get produced.

Apart from great writing, you need to be able to convince the financial gatekeepers (read: executives) that your idea has the originality, longevity and “wow-factor” to turn it into a successful series. And turn over a tidy profit.

To do so, you will need to learn how to pitch a TV show. But what does “pitch” mean exactly?

• What kind of pitch should you put together in order to sell them on your big idea?

• What should you include in such a document?

• How should it be tailored to suit the particular entity you’re pitching to?

Below, we’ll aim to answer these queries by running through the means and methods behind pitching a variety of documents to different TV mediums.

In this post you will learn:

• The #1 thing that makes a successful pitch to a TV show

• How to create a pitch document

• How to pitch a TV show to Netflix and other streaming and cable platforms

• How to pitch a TV show to a network

• How to pitch a reality TV show

• Why writing credits are so important when pitching TV shows

We’ll also include a TV show pitch example in each section so you also get an idea of what you should be creating as part of the pitch process. So let’s dive on in…

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How to pitch a TV show: it’s all about the core concept.

Just like with a feature screenplay, it all begins and ends with the concept.

A TV script lives and dies by its concept: the core idea behind the show that will make people want to watch the pilot and keep watching the series.

The cable and streaming world in particular have never been bolder creatively than they are today. So you must really put in the effort to make sure your show’s concept stands out from the pack.

The logline, otherwise known as an “elevator pitch.”

The way to do this is to come up with a script logline: a short one or two sentence summary of your TV show’s core idea. It should be short and snappy enough to engage an exec during a chance encounter in an elevator, hence the term “elevator pitch.”

For example, let’s say your logline for a new TV show is:

When a mother’s young son disappears she must fight to get him back.

This is fine as an initial idea for a TV script, but it’s missing that “wow factor.” A boy just going missing by itself is not interesting or original enough a concept to sustain a full TV series.

But how about this?:

When a young boy disappears from a quiet 1980s suburban town, his mother, friends, and the police chief must confront terrifying alien forces in order to get him back.

In other words, once the initial concept is expanded upon to create a unique world and situation we’ve never seen before, you have Stranger Things.

The expanded logline.

However, as opposed to feature script loglines, in TV it’s sometimes necessary to prefix a TV logline with a few more specific elements noting the channel, time slot and length.

In other words, is your show for cable, streaming or a network? Will it be shown in the morning or at prime-time? Is it a half-hour show, or one hour?

Our Stranger Things logline, therefore, could become this:

The show is a prime-time, hour-long, sci-fi comedy thriller about a young boy who disappears from a quiet 1980s suburban town, and his mother, friends and the police chief, must confront terrifying alien forces in order to get him back.

Tighten the concept.

Once you think your logline is strong enough, put it out of mind for a couple of weeks. Then, go back to it and ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this concept truly original?

• Will this idea stand out from the pack?

• What makes this show’s world unique?

• What am I showing viewers they’ve never seen before?

If, after this, you’re not sure if the concept is really a knockout, it probably isn’t. In which case it’s time to go back and brainstorm ways to make it better.

Get feedback.

Once you think your show’s idea is truly exceptional, tell other people about it. See how they respond. It’s hard to feign enthusiasm, so this will tell you a lot. (You can email people your idea, but telling them face-to-face is probably the best method as you’ll get a real-time gut reaction.)

Does the person seem non-plussed? Or are they genuinely excited? Do they respond with something along the lines of “I wish I’d thought of that!” Or “That’s freaking AWESOME!” If not, your idea might still need tweaking.

This process of getting feedback on your concept from other people or a script consultancy is essential, rather than just deciding it’s good enough by yourself.

How to pitch a TV pilot: write a rocking script.

Once you’re 100 percent certain your idea is rock solid, it’s time for the hard part: writing a script that lives up to the concept.

Generally, any pitch package will entail completing a finished pilot script to go with the logline. This should give the executive a sense of your writing style and the general direction the story is headed in.

As you write, make sure every aspect relates back to the core concept. Stay true to that initial idea that got you excited to write it in the first place and this enthusiasm will come across in your writing.

(We have a post on how to write for TV that you may find helpful when it comes to the actual writing of your script.)

Again, once the script’s done, put it out of sight and mind for at least two weeks. Then, ask someone you know (preferably who works in the industry) or a script consultant to give you feedback on your pilot.

Only once your concept and script are lock tight, is it time to learn how to create a pitch document for a TV show…

How to pitch a TV script: create a pitch document.

Given the greater need for specificity in television formats than features, a TV pitch also typically requires a pitch document.

This is a concisely worded tract which breaks down the concept, marketability, and long-term vision of the prospective show. Particularly in the realm of cable and streaming TV, it’s preferable to create what’s called a “series bible” otherwise known as a “bible.”

The series bible.

Your show bible should go into greater detail about the potential program’s aesthetic choices, dramatic arcs, and pop-culture reference points.

Though there is no one set length, we recommend not preparing a pitch document any shorter than six to seven pages. This is due to the sheer amount of topics you should address in it. Generally, these should include:

• Title. Create an interesting title that touches on the main theme of the story, or the dramatic tension faced by your character.

• Logline. A punchy yet impactful summation of the story concept. No more than two sentences, ideally one. A logline for a narrative series will usually delve into the particular circumstances and conflict that drives the plot forward.

• Synopsis. A broad overview of the series, making clear the world it’s set in and the dynamics between the characters. This is of particular importance from a commercial perspective to a network, because you’re highlighting the most compelling thematic facets of the series. This could be accomplished in a few paragraphs, or a number of pages, so long as the writing itself is polished and reads at a nice clip.

• Characters. Describe your protagonist and other key players in the show. Speak to their backgrounds as well as their current lifestyle in a paragraph or so. Explain the way in which they view the world; how they see themselves and how they relate to other people. Find their flaws, their quirks, and the unique peccadillos that make them tick.

• Pilot outline. A step-by-step breakdown of the pilot episode, running through the machinations of the plot.

• Future episodes. A list of eight to thirteen descriptions of potential future episodes—something akin to a logline for each one.

Series bible elements.

All of these elements put together should broadly address the following:

• How are your primary characters and your characters’ world unique?

• What makes the audience care about these characters?

• What are their complexities and their flaws?

• What drives them to make the choices they do?

• Why do you as a writer feel the need to tell this particular story?

• What do you want the audience to take away from it?

• What is the overall tone of the show?

• If possible, compare it to a combination of other, existing programs or movies.

Track the character arcs over the course of the entire season to show how the characters evolve throughout it. A broad, “big picture” look at the story of the first season, which outlines its major beats and movements.

What makes this show stand out from the pack? Why should they green-light your vision over any number of similar, competing ones?

(You’ll find a TV show pitch example for cable, network or reality show in each section coming up.)

The complete pitch package.

Your pitch document/series bible should complete a pitch package that looks something like this:

• Logline/“elevator pitch”

• Pitch document/series bible

• TV pilot script

Once you have all these and have received positive professional feedback on your script, it’s time to learn how to pitch a TV show to a cable or streaming channel.

How to pitch a TV show to Netflix and other streaming and cable platforms.

At this point, streaming and cable services have become a de facto part of everyday life. Millions subscribe to companies like Netflix, Amazon and HBO. But if you’re hoping to get all those eyeballs on your show, you’ll first need to learn how to pitch a TV show the right way.

The bad news is most cable/streaming services have a no-unsolicited submissions policy. This means if you don’t yet have an agent or manager, you most likely won’t be able to send them your script.

However, all is not lost… Later in the post, we go into some strategies and tactics you can use to get your foot in the door without an agent or manager

(Amazon Studios did offer an unsolicited submissions program but that ended on June 30, 2018.)

Gain representation.

With this in mind, the first step towards being able to pitch a TV show to almost any cable or streaming platform is to gain representation. This is no easy task in and of itself, but you can read more here on how to get a screenwriting agent.

Also, it’s very difficult to pitch a TV series to a streaming, cable or network company unless you already have a track record of working in television or film.

Once these boxes are checked, and assuming you have a kick-ass logline and script, below you’ll find a TV show pitch example that sums up the materials necessary for a successful Netflix pitch document.

TV show pitch example: Stranger Things.

Here’s the first page of the TV pitch document for their smash hit Stranger Things (then called “Montauk.”)

You can read and download the entire Stranger Things series bible here.

This particular TV show pitch example runs an impressive twenty-three pages, though it is peppered with numerous stylized images.

Given that Netflix is something of a “disrupter” in the entertainment industry, they’re looking for more dynamic, out-of-the-box choices than other platforms might. They also put less of a premium on seeing multiple season arcs than some of their more traditionally-minded competitors.

Once you have your logline, series bible and script, you’re then ready to submit to a streaming/cable company via your agent or manager. Or pass your materials along to someone you know who works at Netflix, HBO, Amazon, etc.

If these aren’t options, we’ll show you some real-world strategies on how to pitch a TV show to Netflix and more at the end of the post.

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How to pitch a television show to a network.

Unlike cable and streaming services, network TV is a somewhat more rigid and traditional arena in which to pitch your TV series.

Network pilot season.

For one thing, the networks actually operate on a particular schedule. This is mostly centered around the so-called “pilot season.” It begins with scripts being ordered in January and ends with casting and production crews being assembled by mid-Spring.

In June or July (of the year prior to said season) you would pitch your work to a studio, which can be thought of as a sort of bank. If they like your idea, they will then advance you, as show creator, the finances to produce a pilot.

This pilot is then shopped around to the networks, looking for a “pick-up” to series. Networks are essentially renting out these shows for one premiere airing and a few repeats. So if the show costs more to produce than what the network will pay up front (which is usually the case), then the studio must finance the deficit.

Network vs. cable.

With all these risks in mind, studios that create network TV are looking for much more of a safe bet. And this desire that should be reflected in your pitch document.

Typically, these documents would be more succinct and to-the-point than their artier cousins in the streaming/cable world. It should ideally focus on the basics and eschew any more stylized effects.

Again, these materials present should include the title, a logline, synopsis, character breakdown, pilot outline and summaries of future episodes. This last step is of particular importance in the network TV realm.

Unlike Netflix, they’re only greenlighting a pilot, rather than entire season’s worth of content. So you need to prove to them that you have enough gas in the tank, story-wise, to allow for future episodes and seasons.

In addition to writing a pilot script, you might even want to consider writing a second or third episode to give an even better idea of where things are headed. Netflix is (essentially) a bottomless pit of money and resources. A studio, though, is making a fairly speculative investment by taking on your pitch.

TV show pitch example: New Girl.

For a prime tv pitch document example, read this official pitch for Fox’s hit show New Girl:

You can access the New Girl series bible here.



As you can see, this document is full of pizzaz and humor, but it lacks the intensely visual component and the level of detail found in the one for Stranger Things. Despite their differences, however, both these shows place story and character up front.

How to pitch a reality TV show.

Unlike other types of shows, reality TV is obviously set apart due to its lack of a pre-determined script or story. That being said, just as much preparation—if not more—must go into such a show’s development.

Your pitch document will need to be brimming with information to communicate the particular brand of reality show you’re aiming to create.

Arc-style reality TV vs. self-contained.

First, you have to decide whether you are proposing an “Arc-Style” concept or a “Self-Contained” concept.

• Arc-Style. This is a long-term competition format, wherein the same set contestants are pitted against one another and one person is voted off each week. Examples include Survivor, The Bachelor and Top Chef.

• Self-Contained. This format would involve new contestants/challenges each week. The structure is limited to its run-time, rather than a full season. Examples include Fear Factor, Undercover Boss, and Chopped.

Making a reality TV show stand out.

Once you’ve settled on a format, the next step is to begin putting together your pitch. Just like narrative television, a premium is placed on originality and a fresh voice, so it’s always wise to try tackling a subject that has never been exposed before.

Choose a particularly odd profession, a wild and wacky family, a niche lifestyle, or anything that is, in some way, alien to the general public.

Just as in the narrative world, pitching reality begins with a title, logline, and synopsis. The title should hit on what we’re seeing in a more straightforward manner, as opposed to the sometimes ambiguous nature of dramatic TV.

Similarly, the logline needs to be more direct in terms of hitting upon the nature of the premise and the “rules” that the cast must abide by.

Next comes the synopsis, which would typically range from one to four pages long, depending on the idea. For a docu-style series, remember that you are pitching a specific world and the individuals inhabiting it in the place of a traditional story.

This is content based on real lives, after all. Keep in mind that you have no way of predicting exactly how things will turn out, so rather than approximating specific situations, it’s better to lay bare the ways in which you would try to drum up drama (particular challenges, gimmicks, and so forth.)

Reality vs. narrative schedules.

Unlike the fixed schedule inherent to network narratives, most reality TV producers do not operate under any limited period. Instead, they scout all year round, since it costs relatively little to develop unscripted programming.

One way to put your reality show pitch over the top would be to shoot a “sizzle reel.” This essentially amounts to a proof-of-concept video showing how your program would play visually.

You’ll most likely be financing such a reel yourself. But it could be worth it as an additional motivating factor for a production company to agree to underwrite your vision.

For some insight on how to pitch a reality show, see this article pertaining to the documents for a potential season of Survivor.

How to pitch a TV script: gaining writing credits.

It’s incredibly difficult to successfully pitch a TV show without representation and some kind of professional writing credits. With that in mind, check out our ultimate guide on how to get a screenwriting agent. But here are a few strategies you should use to get your script in front of the right people.

Top 4 strategies.

• Place highly in a screenwriting contest. Not all contests have TV script categories but do some research and submit and if you win or place in at least the top five, doors may start to open. Here’s a list of the best screenwriting contests out there.

• Upload your TV show online. Screenplay submissions sites like the Blacklist are used by many aspiring TV writers to get their work noticed by industry professionals. Most require a fee of some kind to place your script on them, so proceed with caution. Here are some ideas on how to sell a screenplay you may find useful.

• Find success in a different medium first. If your idea for a TV show first gets published as a novel or receives millions of hits online as a web series, you’ll have a ready-made built-in audience. Developing a successful existing IP will go a long way to convincing execs you have what it takes to make them money.

• Get a job at a streaming, cable, network or reality platform. If you’re unable to walk right into an executive’s office and hand them your script, why not get a position at the kind of company you’d like to write for? Working in the mailroom, as an intern or assistant, or on set, will provide you with a network who can help your career.

How to pitch a TV show: conclusion.

It’s a long road learning how to pitch a TV show to a network, cable or streaming company. But if you’re willing to put in the work outlined in this post, you’ll get there.

Your step-by-step process should go something like this:

• Come up with an awesome, never-seen-before concept for a TV show.

• Learn how to write for TV and write a spectacular pilot.

• Get some professional writing credits and gain representation.

• Put together a pitch document.

• Research which companies are the best fit for your show.

• Pitch your TV show.

Follow these steps, but not necessarily in this order. Repeat (a lot) and you should hopefully find success pitching your TV show.

More things you can do.

Enter contests, submit your scripts to online submission sites. Soon you’ll be able to land yourself an agent and manager who’ll be able to guide you through the tricky waters of how to pitch a TV show.

Pitch documents/series bibles are as varied and multifaceted as the content they aim to sell. Depending on the platform, market, or discipline you’re trying to work in, the nature of your pitch can veer into entirely different directions.

That said, one unifying principle remains: you must have a clear and concise idea of what it is you’re looking to do and why.

The more firm and specific your reasoning—and the better you can explain it on the page—the more likely it is that someone of importance in the industry will eventually say the magic word: yes.

Most importantly, keep writing and studying existing TV shows of the type you want to sell and keep improving your craft.

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We hope you found this post on how to pitch a TV show helpful. If you’d like us to give you feedback on your TV show’s concept, pitch document or on the script itself, check out the following links:

Thanks for reading and we look forward to working with you.

Enjoyed this post? Read more on how to become a TV writer…

How to Write for TV: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Career

50 of the Best TV Scripts to Download and Study to Improve Your Writing

How to Write a TV Pilot Script: The Ultimate 8-Step Master Plan

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