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The Best and Most Talked-About TV Shows of 2021
Another year of continuous binge-watching and seeking solace in fiction is over. Peak TV may have been a bit less abundant than in years past during February and March of this year when the pandemic also brought productions to a halt. But after a bumpy start, new releases started piling up. And we’ve been swamped by good TV over the past few months.
We’ve barely been able to keep up with so many TV shows, and we’ve devoured a good chunk of remarkable new series and returning seasons this year. Let’s discuss some of the best — or maybe just most-talked-about and soul-soothing — TV shows of 2021.
Also, don’t miss our selection of best movies , best books , best music and best video games of 2021 .
Lupin (Part 1: January 8, and Part 2: June 11), Netflix
This French show starring the charismatic Omar Sy as a gentleman thief with a mild-to-severe obsession with the literary character Arsène Lupin didn’t only transport us to the streets and cafés of Paris during its first season. It also proved shows in languages other than English can be big international successes . This Netflix original broke records with 70 million households watching it during the first four weeks after being released.
Part one only had five episodes and ended in a big cliffhanger. Part two arrived just in time during the early summer weeks but was equally short, even if it ended in more of a contained manner. Fret not, though — part three has already been confirmed .
And if you’re in need of other European Netflix shows similar to Lupin , you should definitely give Money Heist — we just reviewed its fifth and last season — a watch. Be advised though: the Spanish heist melodrama is highly addictive. PP
Dickinson (Season 2: January 8 – February 26, and Season 3: November 5 – December 24), Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is one more of the many names on the ever-abundant list of available streaming services pining for your subscription dollars. And there are some titles — like The Morning Show and Ted Lasso — that justify checking it out for a few weeks. That’s also the case for this stylized teen dramedy with Hailee Steinfeld playing poet Emily Dickinson.
And while you shouldn’t take this show as a history lesson , you can watch it as a good blend of the TV format and poetry in a completely digestible way. Season two has some highs: the strong bond formed between sisters Emily and Lavinia (Anna Baryshnikov) and the family’s visit to the chic yet a-bit-too-bohemian spa where the Dickinson women try to relax. Also, the season finale will satisfy any Emily and Sue (Ella Hunt) shippers.
And season three might just be Dickinson’s best, according to our own Kate Bove . Plus, it sees the return of Zosia Mamet as writer and woman-without-a-moment-to-spare Louisa May Alcott. PP
All Creatures Great and Small (Season 1: January 10 – February 21), PBS
This soul-soothing tale of a Glaswegian veterinarian who ends up practicing in Yorkshire treating sick cows and spoilt dogs is based on a series of autobiographical books by James Herriot. Set right before WWII, the PBS Masterpiece features some very arresting landscapes — the show was shot on location at Yorkshire Dales National Park .
Its sick-animal-of-the-episode-that-needs-care formula doesn’t necessarily align with some of the more complex and sophisticated storylines that have proliferated in Prestige Television these last few years. But at the beginning of 2021 and with the pandemic still raging, the idea of getting a furry creature cured by the end of an episode proved to be the perfect antidote to some of our pandemic fatigue. Plus, the episodes also include a good amount of humor and quiet times that allow the characters to enjoy a much-needed cup of strongly brewed tea with shortbread biscuits. PP
WandaVision (January 15 – March 5), Disney+
Considering the box office triumph of Avengers: Endgame and the previous Marvel Cinematic Universe’s installments, WandaVision ‘s popularity is no surprise. Not for nothing, the nine-episode limited series was the first new Marvel title to be released since Spider-Man: Far From Home hit theaters in July of 2019.
What caught most viewers and TV critics by surprise was WandaVision’ s singularity. By paying homage to different classic TV sitcoms the show not only justified its TV format, but it also gave the audience a change of scenery and meta-references every week. Plus, it also gave us Kathryn Hahn playing a nosy neighbor with an enchanting backstory.
And of course, this wasn’t the only MCU show we’ve been obsessed with this year. While The Falcon and the Winter Soldier doesn’t necessarily fall among my favorite shows of 2021 (I tell you why in this article where I compare the second Marvel show to the much superior WandaVision ) but I can’t just ignore it completely. For one, it had the most-watched series premiere on Disney+ .
That’s until Loki premiered, of course, and broke that most-watched record again . Overall the show pleased me quite a bit more than The Falcon and the Winter Soldier but not as much as WandaVision . I loved the whole mash-up of comedy, time-travel adventure and personal soul-searching fare. Plus, watching Tom Hiddleston play the mischievous character is always a delight — even more so when Loki finds his perfect buddy in Owen Wilson’s Mobius and his soulmate in a variant of himself played by Sophia Di Martino. PP
It’s a Sin (February 18), HBO Max
Neil Patrick Harris does a British accent and has a small role in this five-episode limited series from Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies. Set in 1981, the show tells the story of a group of gay men — Ritchie (Olly Alexander), Roscoe (Omari Douglas) and Colin (Callum Scott Howells) — and their woman friend Jill (Lydia West). They all meet in London, a city synonymous with freedom and hope.
As with Davies’ previous show Years and Years , It’s a Sin shows years going by quickly and depicts a decade in which the characters are forced to learn to live with the threat of AIDS. PP
Mare of Easttown (April 18 – May 30) HBO
This seven-part limited series created by Brad Ingelsby ( The Way Back ) stars Kate Winslet as a small-town detective with a new case to solve and a past that haunts her everyday life. Ignore SNL’s sketch about the very specific accent the English Winslet manages to adopt in this Philadelphia-set show. Her performance garnered her a much-deserved Emmy , and several other members of the cast also won for their performances.
Apart from Winslet’s performance, you can enjoy Mare of Easttown for its many mystery twists and turns and for the solid cast that includes Jean Smart showing the perfect way to camouflage ice cream if you live in a crowded house. Smart is actually having quite the year. If you liked her here, check out the comedy Hacks on HBO Max, where she plays an addicted-to-work stand-up comedian.
But going back to Mare of Easttown , it’s not that often, especially in these binge-watching times, that we keep obsessing over the new episode of a TV show every Sunday night — or that we lament not knowing what to do with ourselves once the show has finished airing. And even though this was initially created as a limited series, there’s already buzz about a possible second season . PP
Exterminate All the Brutes (April 7- 8), HBO
This four-part documentary series is directed by Haitian filmmaker Raoul Peck ( I Am Not Your Negro ) and revisits some of the darkest moments in humanity’s history. The series weaves archival documentary material with interpretive scripted scenes. Josh Hartnett stars in those scripted portions.
The series makes us reevaluate history, revisiting European colonialism, Native American genocide and American slavery. It points at how history has been written — and from whose perspective — and shows the many implications of that in today’s world. PP
Rutherford Falls (Season 1: April 22), Peacock
Don’t judge this comedy by its Ed Helms cover — it’s much more than just that. Helms is one of the co-creators and executive producers here, along with Michael Schur ( Parks and Recreation ) and Sierra Teller Ornelas ( Superstore ). Teller Ornelas, who is Navajo, is one of the five Native writers on this show. Rutherford Falls has one of the largest Indigenous writers’ rooms, according to Peacock.
The show follows Helms as Nathan Rutherford and Jana Schmieding as Reagan Wells. They’re lifelong friends, but their relationship hits a bump when Nathan refuses to accept the removal of a statue of one of his ancestors, which sits literally in the middle of the small town where they both live. Schmieding and Michael Greyeyes play two of the members of the fictional Minishonka Nation who also have a pivotal role in this show. Rutherford Falls has been praised for its Native American depictions and inclusive representation. PP
Shadow and Bone (Season 1: April 23), Netflix
The proposition was risky. Shadow and Bone creator Eric Heisserer decided to blend the stories and characters from two of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse series of novels: the trilogy Shadow and Bone and the two heist novels of Six of Crows .
The result was surprisingly strong. Not only did Shadow and Bone become one more example of why fantasy is having a moment on TV, but the show also proved the value of having a diverse ensemble cast, with some of the supposedly secondary characters stealing all the scenes. The thing is, who wouldn’t want to watch Inej (Amita Suman), Jesper (Kit Young) and Kaz (Freddy Carter) pulling off all sorts of stings? PP
The Underground Railroad (May 14), Amazon Prime Video
Academy Award-winner and filmmaker Barry Jenkins ( Moonlight ) turns his gaze toward television, serving as showrunner and director of this 10-episode limited series. Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Underground Railroad tells the story of Cora (Thuso Mbedu) after she escapes a Georgia plantation in the antebellum South and discovers an actual railroad and a covert network of tunnels.
You can always count on Jenkins to narrate a story in the most cinematic and exquisite way possible, while also discovering new faces like Mbedu and Aaron Pierre. Brad Pitt is an executive producer for this show through his production company Plan B, which also backed Jenkins’ movies Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk . PP
Line of Duty (Season 6: May 18), Britbox
This BBC show that, in the U.S., can be watched on Hulu and Britbox — which has season six in exclusivity — started airing in 2012 and is hardly new. But its most recent sixth season garnered the show a lot of traction and made headlines. The season finale broke records in the United Kingdom by becoming the most-watched drama episode , other than a soap opera, since 2002.
The British police procedural, which actually shoots in Northern Ireland, focuses on the Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12). I do have a tendency not to root for them but for the alleged “bent coppers” they relentlessly investigate. It probably helps that said bad apples have been performed by Lennie James ( Snatch ), Keeley Hawes ( Bodyguard ), Polly Walker ( Rome ) and Thandiwe Newton ( Westworld ).
Kelly McDonald ( Boardwalk Empire ) finds herself at the center of AC-12’s interest during season six. And we also finally find out the identity of the nefarious H. Season seven of this addictive show that’s packed with twists and turns is still up in the air. PP
We Are Lady Parts (Season 1: June 3), Peacock
If you thought 2021’s small-screen musical moments peaked with Schmigadoon! or Hannah Waddingham’s rendition of Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” on Ted Lasso ‘s holiday episode, think again. Written and directed by Nida Manzoor, this six-episode British sitcom centers on the members of an all-women Muslim punk band. “The band’s music is such an intrinsic part of the show,” Manzoor said in an interview with Variety . “Through the music, we see the characters in their element and singing their truth, capturing them in all their joy and silliness.”
It’s that joy and silliness that sets the show apart from other comedies. As you might expect, We Are Lady Parts is subversive — the show challenges stereotypes that have long been associated with Muslim identity, for example. It also allows its characters to be complex, nuanced, and real. But the show is also stuffed with confidence; We Are Lady Parts is confident in its comedy, its writing, its characters, and its music. Between that infectious confidence and the equally absorbing energy this breakout hit exudes, it’s easy to see why We Are Lady Parts is one of the year’s best comedies. KB
Feel Good (Season 2: June 4), Netflix
Comedian and writer Mae Martin’s semi-autobiographical series, Feel Good , returned for a second and final season this year. In 2020, the show’s six-episode arc made for one of the best mini-marathons of the year — not to mention, Feel Good immediately carved out its place as a soon-to-be classic in the canon of LGBTQ+ television. In the show, Martin, playing a version of themself, is in recovery for substance abuse disorder, but the struggling comedian’s addictive behavior permeates all the facets of their life. Mae falls into an intense, all-consuming relationship with George (Charlotte Ritchie), and that relationship — by turns painful and joyful — becomes an axis for the show to revolve around.
Outside of the George/Mae relationship and the recovery and burgeoning comedian storylines, our Carhartt-wearing protagonist navigates the beautiful fluidity of gender, the way trauma never really leaves us, and a rather biting, complicated mother (played brilliantly by Lisa Kudrow). So many elements of queerness — from Mae’s moments of self-discovery that don’t hinge on a single Coming Out Scene™ to the specificity of sex scenes and relationship dynamics — are depicted with such honesty and nuance. If you’re looking for a show that’s both gutting and laugh-out-loud, Feel Good is the must-watch queer dark comedy for you. KB
Love, Victor (Season 2: June 11), Hulu
If you’re searching for the perfect short and sweet binge-watch that packs enough humor and a little bit of teen romance, then Love, Victor is what you’re looking for. Watch the 16 year olds Victor (Michael Cimino) and Benji (George Sear) as they figure out their relationship despite their many differences. This dramedy centers on several teen LGBTQ+ stories, but also focuses on the roles the parents play in their lives — namely their support or lack of it.
As in season one, the second season of this 10-episode-per-season Hulu show packs a killer soundtrack, very timely and culturally sensitive punchlines and enough soapy melodrama to keep you hooked. PP
Blindspotting (Season 1: June 13 – August 8), Starz
I’ll admit that living in Oakland could be part of the reason why I first sought this Starz comedy out. I liked the Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs-written movie Blindspotting (2018) but I’ve absolutely loved this spin-off series, which the two of them executive produced and co-created. Casal also serves as showrunner and reprises his role as Miles. But the real protagonist of this story is Jasmine Cephas Jones’ Ashley, Miles’ long-term partner and the mother of their son Sean (Atticus Woodward). She has to navigate life, work, love and parenthood all by herself while Miles is incarcerated.
The half-hour dramedy is not only a love letter to Oakland and the Bay Area but a very accurate representation of its vibrant culture and diversity. The eight-episode first season of the show dedicates an episode to the exploration of Blackness that also offers a history lesson about Oakland’s past and roots. The unconventional Blindspotting manages to portray Ashley and Miles’ love story — they’re a couple who have been together for 12 years — in a raw and realistic way we don’t see on TV very often. The singular show also brings music, dancing, singing, choreography, and sometimes even theatrical elements to the screen to tell the story of Ashley and her family. PP
The White Lotus (Season 1: July 11 – August 15), HBO
I don’t care what you thought of the ending of this show. For a few summery weeks in July and August, Mike White transported us to the paradisiac coasts of Maui and offered us a first-row view into the lives of the rich and not-that-glamorous guests staying at a luxury resort. They were entitled, obnoxious, clueless and lacked any kind of self-awareness. They also sported a very impressive selection of caftans and used the same Zoom filter you do to not look deranged in work meetings. And we couldn’t help but feel for the staff at the five-star hotel who had to deal with their every whim.
Sydney Sweeney and Brittany O’Grady lounging by the swimming pool, highbrow books in tow, sure looked terrifying. We soon learned how bad of an idea it was to try to engage with them in conversation.
The White Lotus has already been renewed for a second season , but it’ll feature a whole new array of guests and will be set at a different White Lotus resort. We’ll sure miss Hawaii and Armond’s (Murray Bartlett) high-as-a-kite hosting moments. PP
Reservation Dogs (Season 1: August 9 – September 20), FX on Hulu
We’ve already mentioned one show that’s centering Indigenous stories on TV in 2021, but this has been a very positive and trailblazing year for Native American representation on the small screen. Co-created by Taika Waititi and Sterlin Harjo, Reservation Dogs is a comedy and coming-of-age story about four Indigenous kids who live in rural Oklahoma and dream of moving to California.
The FX on Hulu (FX-produced content available exclusively on Hulu) show is completely written and directed and mostly acted by Indigenous people, but don’t let its singularity fool you. This is a very specific yet universal tale about four teenagers dealing with life, aspirations, family, culture and grief.
Reservation Dogs has already been renewed for a second season. Its writing is superb but the show deserves all the attention for its four young, talented leads: Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai and Lane Factor. PP
Only Murders in the Building (Season 1: August 31 – October 19), Hulu
If you’re into murder mysteries , you need to check out the first season of this 10-episode Hulu comedy that’s already been confirmed for a second season with the addition of Cara Delevingne to its roster of famous ensemble members.
Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez star as three neighbors in a posh Upper West Side building who have a penchant for true crime podcasts and just plain nosiness. When one of the other residents in the building turns up dead, they’re convinced something is afoot and start investigating — and podcasting about it.
Come for the whodunit and smart comedy ingredients and stay for the stellar trio of protagonists but also an ensemble cast that boasts Nathan Lane, Tina Fey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Amy Ryan and a cameo from Sting. You can read our Only Murders in the Building review here. PP
Sex Education (Season 3: September 17), Netflix
When it comes to this British teen dramedy, the title is self-explanatory. Regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or experience, there’s a lot of room for educating yourself with this series. The eight-episode season three is probably the best of the Laurie Nunn-created show so far since it veers further away from the whole Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Maeve (Emma Mackey) dynamic and gives more screen time to the rest of the performers to shine.
The rich ensemble kept growing this year with the addition of the non-binary — and American — character Cal (Dua Saleh), who shared an attraction with Jackson (Kedar Williams-Stirling). Aimee (Aimee Lou Wood) had to confront her trauma after being sexually assaulted on a bus the year before. Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) learned more about his Nigerian roots and, somehow, his current boyfriend, Adam (Connor Swindells), and his ex, Rahim (Sami Outalbali), found a way not to hate each other. Plus, Jean ( Gillian Anderson ) defied a few doctors who were treating her as an oddity just because of her pregnancy. PP
Maid (October 1), Netflix
This 10-episode limited series inspired by Stephanie Land’s memoir, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive , may not sound like the easiest of watches. In a way, it reminded me of the also excellent and not-easy-to-approach Unbelievable (2019). But, in the end, you’ll find solace and satisfaction witnessing the fight and journey of its protagonist.
In Maid, Margaret Qualley ( Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood ) plays Alex, a single mother who leaves an abusive relationship and ends up cleaning houses to provide for her young daughter. All that, while she tries to navigate the endless bureaucracy of getting much-needed government help and finds herself struggling to find a place to live. Andie MacDowell, who is Qualley’s real-life mom, plays Alex’s mother. PP
Succession (Season 3: October 17 – December 12 ), HBO
How can this show keep getting better? This satirical family saga about a lineage of billionaires who fight to see who becomes the next heir/heiress/CEO to the clan’s conglomerate and communications empire is having an especially addictive season three .
And even if it’s difficult to identify or even empathize with any of the Roys or their overgrowing entourage of acolytes, there’s something strangely soothing about watching them misbehave on TV. They’re the kind of characters that you’d never want to befriend or go grab a drink with, yet it’s eerily enjoyable to witness them plotting against each other. PP
Yellowjackets (Season 1: November 14 – ), Showtime
Sure, only three episodes of Yellowjackets have hit Showtime at the time I’m writing this, but it’s clear that it’ll turn out to be one of 2021’s best new shows. If Amazon’s The Wilds left you wanting more (or something a little darker and more grounded), Yellowjackets delivers on the Lord-of-the-Flies-but-with-young-women survivalism front, but it’s also so much more than that. As Emily VanDerWerff points out in a review for Vox , every show for the last decade has wanted to be the next Lost — and Yellowjackets ? “[It] really might be the next Lost ,” VanDerWerff writes. “Just don’t say that too loudly. You don’t want to jinx it.”
The premise? A high school soccer team ends up in a plane crash on their way to a post-season tournament. Stranded in the Canadian wilderness, the young women resort to extremes to survive. While the first few episodes only provide glimpses into this darkness, it’s enough to immediately draw you in. Part of the appeal does lie in daring to know exactly what happened in the woods, but there’s also a present-day thread that illustrates how a handful of these now-adults are trying to navigate life after being so shaped by this trauma from their teen years. While the cast features its fair share of solid newcomers, reliable greats like Juliette Lewis ( Natural Born Killers ), Tawny Cypress ( Unforgettable ), Christina Ricci ( Z: The Beginning of Everything ), Melanie Lynskey ( Castle Rock ), Jasmin Savoy Brown ( The Leftovers ) and Liv Hewson ( Santa Clarita Diet ) all excel here. Need another reason to watch? Karyn Kusama ( Jennifer’s Body ) directs the Yellowjackets pilot. KB
And Much More
That’s hardly all the television we’ve seen or talked about during this first half-season of the year. There was the food and travel docuseries Stanley Tucci did in Italy for CNN, Stanley Tucci Searching for Italy , as well as the food program with celebrity chefs, muppets and Michele Obama, Waffles+Mochi , on Netflix.
If, last year, you liked the period fantasy horror show that commented on race, Lovecraft Country , this year you’ve probably liked Them on Amazon.
For lovers of space history and alternate universes, there was the second season of For All Mankind on Apple TV+. Meanwhile, season five of The Good Fight on Paramount+ was less case-of-the-week and more reflection on our current situation. The procedural drama managed to incorporate the pandemic in a way that didn’t feel bleak and found a smart solution to bring the audience back up to speed after season four’s abrupt ending, which was caused by the pandemic.
On Netflix, there was The Chair , where Sandra Oh plays the first woman of color to be named chair of the English department of a fictional university. The show could be mandatory watching just for Oh, but it also features a must-see performance by Holland Taylor.
But we can’t talk about Netflix and not mention the South Korean phenomenon Squid Game , which pretty much broke all records and became Netflix’s most-watched show ever with more than 1.65 billion hours of viewing during its first 28 days of release .
And Netflix also premiered the miniseries biopic Halston , starring Ewan McGregor as the famed fashion designer. The show was co-written and executive produced by Ryan Murphy.
The very industrious Murphy was also an executive producer on the third season of his FX anthology series American Crime Story . The new episodes explore the Impeachment of former president Bill Clinton but puts Monica Lewinsky, who’s also a producer of the show, at its center .
HBO even managed to produce a second teen dramedy about what it is to be a member of Generation Z, Genera+ion , as a slightly lighter offering for all the Euphoria fans out there. And Apple TV+ gave us a backstory episode on the character C.W. Longbottom in Mythic Quest . Also on Apple TV+, the second season of Ted Lasso kept us very much delighted, even if it often veered into sentimentality; I didn’t appreciate the untimeliness — or excessive sweetness — of a Christmas episode in August.
And of course, we’re probably missing some titles. But who has time to watch everything good that’s been released on TV or streaming this year?
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Writing scripts for talkshows: complete breakdown
What are scripts and who writes them.
YES, even talk shows are scripted! A script is essentially the written version of a play, movie, or any other media production that requires a script. Naturally, scripts differ from production to production.
For talk shows in specific, the script can be described as a synthesis of the introduction, the following questions and topics, conversations, and all content linked to that. However, it is important to keep talk shows spontaneous (or make it seem spontaneous at least), which gives scripts a contradictory notion.
Regarding the terminology, it is important to keep in mind that different countries use different titles for specific roles. In this article, we’re sticking to the terminology that is used most in Belgium and the UK.
The Series Producer makes the main decisions about the script, its content (photos — aka stills , videos, soundtracks), and how it creates the feel of the show. It is written day per day by the Showrunner or Day Producer together with the producers below them in close collaboration with the host .
For daily talk shows, the Showrunner can change from day to day (they are often referred to as Day Producers ). The different producers under the authority of the Day Producer , are each responsible for the creation of a different section of the script, meaning a subject or a guest e.g., calling the guests, asking them questions and filtering out the interesting ones in the script. Thus, the questions AND answers are mostly already known beforehand.
Once the script has been agreed on, the PA (Production Assistant) will turn it into a rundown and the production team will make cue cards for the host. This can be digital (on a tablet) or printed out and glued onto physical cards. This is often the step where lots of frustration of the production team builds up, but we’ll discuss that later on.
The prompters turn the script into an RTF file and upload it to the prompting machine. With some small adaptations, they are pretty easily all set. Until someone decides to change something to the script of course, otherwise the presenter will struggle with reading and feeling comfortable with the text.
How do you write a talk show script?
Writing scripts happens in different steps. Firstly, you start by doing your research . It is important to properly understand the subject, the context, relevance and possible controversies around it, and of course the guests and their environment.
Consequently, you’ll have to write the teaser for the announcement of the show and the introduction . It is only obvious that this has to grab the audience’s attention. Introduce the subjects and guests in a way that triggers the viewers’ curiosity.
Same counts for the creation of the questions. Make them creative, unpredictable and engaging. They should yield open, thought-provoking and even personal answers that initiate a conversation of insight and entertainment. Again, it is important to let the conversation flow according to a flexible topic/question list rather than having a fixed chronological list of questions with no room for spontaneity.
Nonetheless, the majority of the show’s success depends on the host. Being a good host requires more than having the charisma to be charming and the comic timing to slay ‘em in the seats. It’s understanding your broadcast medium. Most importantly , the host needs to make sure the guests don’t divert too much from the topic and knows how to balance letting the guests express themselves but also keeping them in the right direction of the script.
Finally, the script ends with a brief summary of the issues that were discussed during the show, acknowledgements to the guests and audience with an open invitation to come back next episode.
Camera scripting in talk show production
Even though it’s mostly used in music shows, talent shows and other shows that involve a lot of music playing and cutting cameras accordingly, also talk shows often create scripts with the right shots for the camera crew.
Thus, a camera script is a cue sheet indicating the various camera positions to be used in a show. Examples of different shots are:
- As directed: When multiple shots are planned/filmed, but during actual broadcast/recording it can be decided which of the shots will be used.
- CU – Close-Up: A close-up shot is a type of camera angle, focus, and design that frames an actor’s face.
- Duplex: Shot with 2 side-by-side (shot of the host next to a video caller/guest,…)
- ECU – Extreme Close-Up: An extreme close-up shot, sometimes just called an ECU, focuses on a specific part of the actor, usually on their face.
- ELS – Extreme Long Shot: This shot is used to show the subject and the entire area of the environment they are in.
- LS or WS – Long Shot or Wide Shot: A wide shot (WS for short) is a type of camera shot where a character or group of characters is completely within the frame.
- MS – Medium Shot: This shot shows the subject from the knees up , and is often referred to as the 3/4 shot.
- O/S – Over-the-shoulder: An over the shoulder shot, often referred to as a third-person shot or an OTS, is a shot where the camera is facing one character from a position.
- Two Shot: A two shot is a shot that shows two subjects in the same frame. With the two shot, the director can choose between close-up shots, medium shots, long shots, and everything in between.
- X/S – Cross-Shot: A technique for filming interactions between two people in which the camera looks alternately at one or the other person, with the focus on the person farthest from the camera.
In TinkerList, there is a possibility to add a column in the script for the camera script. This makes it easy for the camera crew to follow along and know what shot to use at what moment.
Structure of scripts
As for the structure, the script exists of different ‘items’, or ‘sequences’, addressing a topic (with specific guests) or a guest. With every item, the PA makes a timing estimation of how long it will take to cover the topic and in that way, makes sure the length of the show stays within the agreed time slot.
Often, extra ‘backup items’ are created that can be added to the script just in case they run through the show a bit faster than predicted. In TinkerList, we call them ‘floating items’.
In this example, the script starts with a teaser that briefly ‘teases’ the content of the show, followed by an introduction , which is called ’ Cold Open ’ here. ‘ PR’ indicates text for the presenter. This is the text that is sent to the prompter and read by the presenter directed to the audience.
You can clearly see the division of the script in different parts, indicated with [card title] in bold. As mentioned before, the terminology in scripts is very dependent on the country. It is advised to consult the experts of the local industry to use the correct words, titles and labels.
Some examples of script media terminology:
- DLS = image (The Netherlands)
- PLAY, INSTART, OVERSTART = different types of clips (The Netherlands)
- VT, VT ITEM, FLT (= Float), ULAY,… = types of videos (United Kingdom), also called ‘Clip’, ‘Instart’, ‘BBW’
- Still = images (United Kingdom)
- GFX = graphics or images (United Kingdom & United States)
- Lower Third = a title, text overlaying the video, also called ‘SVO’, ‘Title’, ‘Strap’ or ‘CG’
- VO: Voice Over
Regarding playing videos, they can be played 3 ways:
- With the audio sent out in full, and the microphones in studio closed: called VT ITEM (UK), Compleet (NL), Volsom (BE), SOT(= sound on tape in US)
- With the audio at a lower level and the host speaking over it: VT(UK), Meelees (NL), Doorlees (BE), VO (Voice Over in US)
- Illustrative in screens on the set (the director decides when to show them). But mostly they use Meelees or VO.
In this example, ‘Complete’ indicates the videos are played with the audio sent out in full and the microphones in the studio closed.
Challenges in creating a talk show script
Version management.
As the Showrunner, it is necessary to keep a clear overview of the script and rundown . Collaborating with the production team in a well-structured way not only makes for a better show but also less stress. Nevertheless, version management, time pressure and last-minute changes in talk show productions often go hand-in-hand with chaos, frustration and mistakes.
The host receives the script, usually via email, and works with the Day Producer to finalise it. This step can sometimes take a lot of time when the host’s and producer’s visions are different, and the iteration process is quite tedious, with numerous back and forth emails.
Collaborative writing where you can clearly see who’s working on what and what changes were made ****is not optimal in a traditional scriptwriting workflow relying on tools such as Word or Google Drive, which makes version management a very draining task.
In addition, it is more of an exception to the rule that, if the script is ‘finished’, it remains that way. From ‘finishing’ the script to the moment they start shooting, endless adaptations to the script (e.g., changing the order of the items, using different media, changing titles and text, recalculating timings,…) make it very challenging for the production team to communicate and stay up to date in time.
Not only the presenter needs to be updated, but also everyone on the creative team, technical team, and prompters need to get informed. On top of that, the rundown and cue cards need to be reprinted and redistributed with every change to the script. You can only imagine how this is subject to mistakes and disorders.
We have been doing this for 15 years now, of which I have been editor-in-chief for 13 years and that has become very efficient thanks to TinkerList. We used to be in a camper with two people: Karl Vannieuwkerke and I: I made a Word file, put it on a stick and gave it to Karl who then started working on it, he then gave it back,… Very inefficient actually and there were constant calls with the people in Brussels. Thomas Swannet, Showrunner Vive Le Vélo
Media handling
Firstly, linking the right media to the right sections of the script can be challenging. Usually, the Day Producer puts references in the text of the script of where clips, images (stills), and other audiovisual media need to be played. In TinkerList, this audiovisual content can be put in the text itself (cf image further down below), but with traditional tools, all the files are put on a separate drive with specific names.
Often, the names in the script (and rundown) are not similar to the file names on the external disk or folder, which makes it an almost impossible quest for the technical team to match the right media with the right spot in the script and play it in time. Not to mention the constant change of media, order, titles and names.
As mentioned before, A LOT changes in the script during the production process. As a result, the constant back and forth flow of adapting, rewriting, printing the script (if the printer doesn’t break down), sticking and glueing the cue cards, etc., is first and foremost very detrimental to the environment, but also extremely frustrating for the team to stay updated and provided of the latest versions of the script.
Solution: introducing automation and collaboration to scriptwriting
Collaborative & remote writing.
Let your team simultaneously collaborate and edit in a cloud-based script, anytime, anywhere. With real-time updates, a traceable version history, and enriched with media in the cloud, you don’t have to worry anymore about useless script printouts and communicating edits to the right people in time. In TinkerList, you can also easily add all background information about the guests in ‘briefs’ or ‘files’ in the script itself.
Moreover, when the producers are writing the script, the technical staff can already easily add a column and write notes wherever needed.
TinkerList has really been a very big step forward for us. Both for the editorial team in Brussels and for our small main team in France, it is a major improvement, especially because communication between each other can be much easier. Thomas Swannet, Showrunner Vive Le Vélo
Enriched script with media in the cloud
As mentioned above, you can add the necessary media in the script itself in TinkerList, which means the end of wasting your time looking for — and linking — the right files. Simply add your clips, images or graphics in the script and let our automation play it at the right time.
If you prefer to play the media yourself, you can use the ‘TinkerList downloading app’ that lists all your media in the correct order and can easily be consulted by the technical team to play the right media at the right time during the broadcast.
Moreover, the app is synced to the script, which means it automatically downloads new files that are added to the script. Again, in the right order.
Go paperless
Did you know it takes a full grown tree of paper for the production of one season of a talent show? Climate change is a priority issue and obliges us to lower our environmental impact. At TinkerList, we make television production paperless: by exclusively using the editorial workflows, planning & calendar, script and rundown in our digital platform, the crew can eliminate paper use altogether. No more printing scripts 20 times a day, everything cloud-based ☁️
With our TinkerList tablet, you don’t need to worry anymore about printing cue cards either: instant updates for the presenter and the latest text ready to be presented. We don’t deliver the hardware, but you can read all about installing the Tablet Presenter App here .
Clearly, using cloud-based, remote and collaborative software makes script writing easier and better. Here’s TinkerList’s script writing benefits summarized:
- collaborative, cloud-based platform with easily to consult edit history
- linked with prompter (consult real-time updates to the script)
- linked with presenter tablet (digital cue cards are always updated to the latest version for the presenter)
- script and rundown are synced and in the same doc, switch from the script to the rundown view by one click
- media handling, team and studio are in sync
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How to Write a Talk Show Script
Writing a script for a talk show is a somewhat contradictory notion. Much of the appeal of a talk show comes from its unscripted nature. Still, the interviewer and presenter must be prepared before they sit down in front of the camera or microphone. When writing a script for a talk show, you must be prepared for contingencies. A talk-show script is largely the synthesis of these contingencies with interesting questions and an appealing introduction.
Do your research. Familiarize yourself with any experts that you may be interviewing about the topic at hand. You don't need to be an expert. However, it is important to know the ins and outs of the subject, as well as any controversies that exist. Further, biographical and professional information about people that you interview will pay off when you begin writing.
Write your introduction. Introduce your guests and the topic at hand. Your introduction should be thought provoking and grab the viewer's or listener's attention. It should introduce both the subject and guests in such a way that makes people want to know more.
Write basic questions. You should have a list of open-ended, thought-provoking questions for your guests. These questions should engage them and require answers that are longer than a word or two. Use your questions to draw the guests out, to get them to really contribute to the subject and maybe even catch them off guard a little. Nothing is more boring than a list of predictable questions with simple one-word answers.
Be prepared to follow up. Have a set of secondary questions at your disposal. You have a rough idea of where the conversation may go. Keep a list of questions to follow up on any material you are almost certain that your interviewee will delve into.
Keep to the matter at hand. It is easy for interviewees to become diverted from the topic at hand or digress onto a subject of only tangential importance. Use your script to keep the focus on the subject matter.
Write a brief summary and thank you. Your talk show should end with a summary of the issues as they were discussed. It is also important to take a second to thank the person you have interviewed for making time in their schedule to come on your talk show.
- George Mason University: Writing Your Talk Show Script
Nicholas Pell began writing professionally in 1995. His features on arts, culture, personal finance and technology have appeared in publications such as "LA Weekly," Salon and Business Insider. Pell holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
How to Write a Radio Script That Works
Stop waffling. Write a radio script to plan ahead for tighter shows that will keep your listeners hooked and engaged for longer.
by Jamie Ashbrook in Production
Last updated 07.06.2022
When broadcasting your radio show, every second counts. Nothing will drive away listeners away quicker than lacklustre content. Instead, create a custom-tailored show like a well made Italian suit. Write a radio script to plan ahead for tighter shows that will keep your listeners hooked and engaged for longer.
New to radio? Get help by talking to a specialist. Book a demo for sound advice.
Why You Should Write a Radio Script
Scripts aren't essential. But they're a good fallback and structure if you're new or anxious. Before you start writing a radio script, recognise what you're trying to get across and how best to convey it that matches your tone.
Make sure it fits your brand and the tone you’re aiming for, while being appropriate to the content you’re covering. A script for a news update regarding politics or economics is going to sound very different to a short link between two songs. Despite this, there are a few universal guidelines you should remember when you write a radio script.
Radio Presenter Fails
Before you write a radio script, you should know the many pitfalls. Both writing scripts and 'on-the-fly' presenting.
You don' want to upset your audience, drive them away, and possibly ruin your reputation. So steer clear of things like swearing and nail-biting topics (depending on your audience). An abrasive personality works for Howard Stern , but not for everyone.
New listeners have no loyalty. Earn trust by being respectful and creating engaging content.
Anything that paints you in a negative light should be avoided. No one likes a bully, so be kind and understanding to engage with your listeners. Avoid anything that would turn people away.
- Talking excessively (when it's not a talk show).
- Shouting / being alarmist.
- Blaming or broadcasting misinformation.
New listeners have no loyalty. Earn trust by being respectful and creating engaging content. On the flip side, take Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross' epic fail on BBC Radio 2 back in Ocotber 2008.
After a guest (Andrew Sachs) didn't answer, the two left a number of inappropriate voice messages regarding Brand’s relationship with Sachs’ granddaughter. Swearing, sexual references, and multiple attempts to apologise failed and descended into more attempts at humour.
After the British press picked up the, the two were suspended from the BBC. In a follow-up show, Brand attempted to apologise. Instead, focusing on The Daily Mail (the newspaper that reported the story) supporting Germany in the 1930’s prior to WW2, trying to shift the focus rather than taking responsibility for what he said.
Brand later left the BBC altogether. The careers of both presenters didn't fully recover for nearly 2 decades.
A cautionary tale like Brand and Ross highlights how badly presenters can get things wrong. So with that in mind, write a radio script that works for you, structures your content, and keeps listeners engaged.
Write as You Speak
Wooden conversations are difficult to hear. A script should sound natural when reading aloud. Don’t make the mistake of writing too formally, as it results in a stiff-sounding read through.
One of the reasons people tune into radio is for companionship, whether for long drives or doing household chores, so sounding like Hal 9000 isn’t going to fill the void in someone’s day. Sounding natural is simple; use contractions like “don’t” and “can’t” instead of “do not” and “cannot”, as people don’t normally talk like that unless in formal situations. Likewise, depending on your audience, consider including slang terms, although only if appropriate; nothing will switch a listener off faster than cringe-inducing attempts to sound ‘hip’ or ‘trendy’. Try to write as though you’re speaking off-the-cuff and inject some personality into it.
If you’re having trouble writing, try talking through your script. Read it aloud to see if it flows and sounds natural, then edit appropriately.
Keep it Clear and Concise
When you write a radio script, try to keep it as tight as possible. Avoid unnecessarily flowery words or sentences that don’t add to what you’re trying to say. Make sure your grammar is correct and be as concise and clear as possible, it will allow you or your presenter to improvise and expand on what is written in the script. Radio is at its best when it doesn’t sound rigid, whether fully scripted or not.
It’s worth being aware that when we refer to terms such as ‘concise’, these are not to be misinterpreted as meaning ‘as short as possible for the sake of it’. What they mean is to convey information as clearly and briefly as possible, which is relative to the topics you’re covering. So don’t skip over things just to make them short if there’s more to discuss.
Tell Your Story Right, Set the Scene
Whether you’re breaking a news story or telling a joke on your comedy and music show, you have to remember that your listeners don’t have the visual aid of a television or online video. Try to paint a picture in the listeners head, help them to understand what you’re talking about. This doesn’t mean you need to go into excruciating detail, just give them enough to work with.
Write for Other Presenters
Running your own station, you may find yourself writing scripts for other presenters. Write material they will work best with. Depending on their personality, you need to ask yourself if they need full scripting, bullet points, etc.
Tailor your writing style to their natural speech patterns and how they phrase things to make sure that it comes across as authentic to how your audience recognises the presenter. It’s worth giving them input into the script too; they’re likely to point out anything they wouldn’t say normally and could have some good ideas to add.
Radio Script Types
Radio comes in all shapes and sizes, but there are two categories most shows can be placed in; talk radio and music radio. When you write a radio script you need to account for the differences in style and content between these categories; like your choice of song or guest, choose your words wisely.
Talk Radio Script
Because this type of radio is focused on specific topics and conveying information in interesting ways, it can help to script out what you want to say to avoid needless waffling or, God forbid, you or your presenter running out of things to say. Avoiding dead air is one of the benefits of scripting, after all.
Although there is no industry standard script style, we’ve put together a brief example with notes that may help you with yours. Note how even though there are larger passages of text, they are succinct and easy to read. To access these examples, fill in your details in the red box above and we’ll send them to your chosen email address.
Music Radio Script
A music radio script may have less fully scripted passages and more notes and bullet points to guide the presenter through. This is because music radio is meant to feel more improvised than, say, news or talk radio show.
Despite this, if your music show has a news segment or something that needs a more formal tone, it can still be beneficial to script it out. One of the most important questions you need to ask when preparing your show is whether something needs a full script, bullet points or whether you’ll just allow the presenter to wing it. This decision needs to be informed by everything else you know about the show; what topics you’re covering, who will be presenting, what their personality is like and any other variables your show has.
Again, there is no set script for music radio, but we’ve put together a possible example that could help your shows through the red box above. Note how there are passages of texts for features called read-throughs, which are often used for promotional trails, but the rest of the links are note based to allow for more informal and flowing conversation.
Talk to a Radio Specialist
Practice what you preach. Use your radio script to record or broadcast shows. But if you're struggling then we can help.
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Sample of a Script in a Talk Show
Talk - Show English Script Rayca: We want to sing Mark: We want to dance. Jhesmin: We want to act. Everyone: We want to ROCK!!! Mark: Welcome to Marillans Speak-Out or simply M-SPEAK where you can sing‚ dance‚ act and do whatever you wish for.l: Since we are live…pause… Where’s Sena? Jerome: Sena! Sena! Sena: You caught me ha. Well‚ I’m sorry. Very sorry. It’s just that im busy reading this. Rozel: What’s that? Sena: This? It’s a poem that I saw on the net. Do you want me to read this? (Reading
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Talk Show Script
Host | Good morning to everyone. Welcome to CCY talks show . Haha..XD As u ppl knw ‚ I am the most famous MC. Dont scream at me > <..not LA just kidding.Today‚ we’ll be talking about the advantages and disadvantages of using Facebook. To better understand these events‚ we’ll talk with Ms Jenny Wong‚ who is a student in Swinburne university; as well as Ms Kelly‚ who is a teacher in a private institution .Also ‚ we have Mrs Lee who is a representative from parents –teacher association. Finally
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Talk Show Example Script
HIGHER SCORE TOEFL‚ TOEIC and IELTS classes for serious students How to Paraphrase Effectively Introduction “Paraphrase” is a verb which means to re-write a phrase or sentence with the same meaning but using different words. Paraphrasing is a very important skill for most English tests‚ including TOEFL iBT‚ IELTS and TOEIC Speaking and Writing. In TOEFL iBT‚ for instance‚ paraphrasing is an important skill in the reading section‚ in the listening section and‚ above all‚ in the speaking and writing
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patient-physician communication‚ it can be used by physicians working in any medical specialty. The presentation is divided into four major components in which presenters give a brief overview of the issues and background related to the initiative‚ show a short video‚ lead the group in a role play and discussion sessions based on the video‚ and summarize the presentation’s goals and findings. Included in the kit are a video‚ a presenter’s guide and supporting overhead transparencies‚ and participant
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A Talk Show
A talk show (American and Australian English) or chat show (British) is a television program or radio program where one person (or group of people) discuss various topics put forth by a talk show host.[1] Usually‚ ‚ usually consisting of a group of people who are learned or who have great experience in relation to whatever issue is being discussed on the show for that episode. Other times‚ a single guest discusses their work or area of expertise with a host or co-hosts. A call-in show takes live
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entertainment‚ TV talk shows have undoubtedly flooded every inch of space on daytime television. Many of us have seen and heard the often recycled topics found on such shows as Jerry Springer and Oprah Winfrey. And anyone who watches talk shows on a regular basis knows that each one varies in style and format. One might enjoy watching the sometimes trashy subject matter found on Jerry Springer‚ while someone else might prefer the more serious and light hearted feel of the Oprah Winfrey show . A talk show is should
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TALKSHOW SCRIPT Dr. X: Hello and welcome to Your Life Sucks‚ Get Over It. Today’s topic will be violent relationships and why the heck people stay in them. We have 5 very special people on the show today. Now‚ first we have to get to know you. Please state your name and blood type. Tom: What does blood type have to do with ANYTHING? Dr X: Just answer the question. Tom: Uh…Tom…and I don’t know my blood type… Dr X: Right then. And you‚ please state your name and blood type Elsa:
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TALK SHOWS The television talk show is‚ on the face of it‚ a rather strange institution. We pay people to talk for us. Like the soap opera‚ the talk show is an invention of twentieth century broadcasting. It takes a very old form of communication‚ conversation‚ and transforms it into a low cost but highly popular form of information and entertainment through the institutions‚ practices and technologies of television. The talk show did not originate over night‚ at one time‚ or in one place. It
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Radio Show Script
A Live Radio Show Script What follows are the first pages of the script . This sample will familiarize you with the style of the piece and how a radio play differs from a traditional play script . Holiday music plays. We’re in a radio studio. On the stage are two microphones and a sound effects table ‚hanging above all are Applause‚ On the Air and WBFR illuminated signs (at the moment‚ only the later is lit). Maybe there’s a window in the background overlooking a skyline‚ maybe it snows outside
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script for dance show
MAPA- Mumbai Academy of Performing Arts ! Show name – Fusion Nach 20 14. TIMING- 11.30- 1.30 (by 2) aprrox timing before break 30 mins. BREAK can be arround 10-15 mins. approx timing after break 45 mins. Hum jante hai aap hai bekaraar ‚ Par sirf kuch paloan ka intezaar ‚ Aur phir shuru hoga yeh show ekdam Dhamaaakedaaarrrr!!!!…. Hum Hai KHUSSHBU –KHUSSHBU AWATRAMANI Rakhenge aapka kahayal‚ Aayiye dekhe hum sab ajj ke performances bemisaal!!!! A very good morning
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The Genre of Talk Shows
Leadership Project The Genre of Talk “ Talk Shows will never be in trouble because of the subject matter. The more controversial‚ the bigger the shows get” ( Abt‚ Mustazza). In our public sphere today we see a disturbing trend arise with the popularity of lowbrow‚ emotional‚ and chaotic genre called “trash television.” For decades‚ television has been an important resource to help Americans stay informed and entertained as well. In addition to news programs‚ variety shows ‚ comedy‚ drama‚ and sports;
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Talk Shows in Society
today. Television shows such as Talk Shows ‚ that are watched by me frequently have persuaded me in making many of my judgments and dissuasions. As I lay back with my remote control browsing through the channels. I come across at least six-seven Talk Shows within an hour. Talk Shows in the world of television‚ have undoubtedly taken up almost every inch of space on daytime television‚ and while doing so has caused much controversy. In the nineteen eighties‚ soap opera’s and game shows ruled the daytime
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Radio Show Scripts
Polygon/Circle |P = Perimeter C = Circumference distance around the polygon/circle | A = Area the surface inside the boundary( perimeter) | | |triangle | [pic] |[pic] | |a = altitude |P = b + c + d |A = 1/2ab | |b = base |or |Note:
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Classification of Talk Shows
different types of talk shows on the television today. I have classified the three main types of talk shows which I watch. The main talk shows that I watch are tabloid shows ‚ late night shows ‚ and daytime talk shows . It’s a wonder that with the millions of people watching these various shows that we have people that still go to work! Tabloid talk shows are a type of talk show which achieved maximum viewers during the late 20th century‚ airing typically during the day. This type of show started with
Script Format Sample
long way out from here. Plus! If not‚ how do I know I didn´t just bring a loony aboard? ANTHONY (Offended) Well in that case‚ how do I know that you aren´t the loony here!? VERONICA (To herself) Make peace not war. (To Anthony) Very well let´s talk about me. My name is Veronica but my friends call me Very. I´m from Michigan sure of that‚ however not quite sure where I’m goin´. ANTHONY Huh.. I see you´re pretty indifferent about where life takes you. VERONICA It´s not that I’m indifferent
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Talk To His Heart Script
Today we are going to review the Talk To His Heart program by Samantha Sanderson. To make everything easier to understand‚ this post will be broken into two parts: 1. A quick section that contains basic information regarding the Talk To His Heart program. 2. An in-depth review that covers Samantha Sanderson’s system in details‚ and provides you with all the information which we believe will help you make an informed decision… Basic Details Product’s Name: Talk To His Heart Release Date: 2015
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Macbeth Radio Show Script
Macbeth Radio Show Script - Act 5‚ Scene 1 Doctor: I have watched Lady Macbeth for the last two nights‚ and I am starting to think you are fibbing about her behavior. When was the last time she was sleep-pogo sticking? Gentlewoman: Since Macbeth became king. I have seen her get up from her bed‚ put on her night gown‚ unlock her closet‚ grab her pogo stick and hop away for a bit and then return back to bed‚ all while she is asleep. Doctor: While she is asleep‚ besides her actions‚ have you
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Debate Sample Scripts
for fairness. Our teamline today is that “The relationship between social media companies and their users is largely unequal and non-consensual.” Today‚ I will be talking about the inequality between companies and users‚ then my 2nd speaker will show you how social media get personal information from users without their consent and my 3rd speaker will make some rebuttal and summarise the case. First of all‚ users have to sign unequal treaties with social media in order to use their services. Nowadays
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The Ellen Degeneres Talk Show
daytime talk show that is aired on NBC called The Ellen DeGeneres Show . The show is on during the week and each day she has a wide variety of guests. The main goal of the show is to make people laugh. The show comes on right after the local news‚ which in todays society is always filled with sad and depressing news. Ellen wants to be the person to make everyone smile after listening to all the negative things being said on the news. Each episode she starts the show off with a funny monologue about
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Life of Pi Talk Show
________________________________________ Life of Pi Talk show host‚ Mr Patel‚ Yann Martel‚ member from the audience host: (face the audience) Welcome to today’s show where here we have the novel Life of Pi (point to the novel on desk) and the author and protagonist‚ Mr. Yann Martel and Mr. Pi Patel (gesture towards the author and Pi)‚ where we are going to discuss the perils and comedy of being stranded at sea. (face the author) Hello Mr. Martel‚ So you are currently living in Costa Rica
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How to Write a Television Show Script
Last Updated: December 8, 2022 References Approved
Choosing a Format
Outlining the story, formatting the script, writing the pilot, revising the script.
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This article was co-authored by Lucy V. Hay and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising . Lucy V. Hay is an author, script editor and blogger who helps other writers through writing workshops, courses, and her blog Bang2Write. Lucy is the producer of two British thrillers and her debut crime novel, The Other Twin, is currently being adapted for the screen by [email protected] TV, makers of the Emmy-nominated Agatha Raisin. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 21 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 503,637 times.
Every year, TV networks and streaming services release multiple new shows that all started off as scripts. If you want to write for TV, create a script of your own to showcase your talents. After you brainstorm ideas and make an outline, write the first draft of your script so it's correctly formatted. With a little bit of hard work and creativity, you can have a TV script written within a couple of months!
- Scripts for 30-minute comedies are shorter than those for hour-long dramas, but jokes may be more difficult to write.
- Look online for examples of scripts for the TV show you want to write.
- Watch multiple episodes of the show you want to write a spec script for so you familiarize yourself with how characters interact.
Tip: If you're looking for a job as a TV writer, avoid writing spec scripts for shows that are finished or canceled. For example, you shouldn't write scripts for shows like Friends or The Office , but you could write an episode of Rick and Morty or Riverdale .
- For example, “What if a documentary crew followed the crazy day-to-day events in an office?” is the premise for The Office , while “What if a chemistry teacher uses his knowledge to create and sell illegal drugs?” is the premise for Breaking Bad .
- The pilot script introduces readers and viewers to your characters and story that the rest of the season will tell.
- You do not have to write all the episodes of your TV show.
- For example, a logline for the first episode of Breaking Bad is, “A chemistry teacher learns he has cancer, so he decides to make and sell illegal drugs to raise money for his surgery.”
- If you're creating an original pilot, you might want to write a logline for your entire series so someone has an idea of what to expect if there are ever more episodes made.
- If you don't want to use note cards, you can also type the events in a word document or screenwriting software, such as WriterDuet or Fade In.
- Some screenwriting software has built-in note card functions so you can rearrange and edit things easily.
- Play around with the continuity and order of the events if you want to make TV shows that are mind-bending or have twists, such as Westworld .
- Comedies usually have a funny cold open that ends on a joke, much like the scenes in Parks and Recreation before the opening credits.
- Dramas tend to have a teaser that ends in a cliffhanger that leads directly into the conflict for the episode. For example, teasers in shows like Criminal Minds usually introduce the killer or the crimes that need to be solved.
- A 30-minute comedy usually only has 2 acts, but it can have more.
- There is no set length for how long an act needs to be.
Tip: Watch your favorite TV shows to see when they cut to commercial so you can determine where their act breaks are.
- For example, if your characters committed a crime in the episode, the cliffhanger could be a cop finding a piece of evidence.
- In a comedy, the tag may be a few final jokes and not relate to the main conflict or have a cliffhanger.
- If you based the script on a book or movie, include the phrase “Based on” followed by the title and original creators. Put the line underneath your name so readers can see it easily. You do not need to do this if you're only writing a spec script.
- Use formatting, such as bold, underline, or italics, sparingly since it could be distracting to someone who's reading your script.
- Don't start a new act in the middle of the page. Always add a page break between the end of one act and the start of another.
- Screenwriting software will already format your spacing and margins for you.
- For example, you may have a scene heading that reads: INT. JOHN'S BEDROOM - DAY.
- Don't let your scene headings go longer than 1 line or else it seems overwhelming and confusing.
- If you want to specify locations within a location, you can write something like: INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - DAY.
- When you first introduce a character in your action blocks, write their name in all caps.
- You can have multiple action blocks in a row, but don't use too many or else it fills up your page too much.
Tip: Don't include things in your action blocks that can't be seen on screen. For example, instead of writing, “Jane thinks about pushing the button,” you may write, “Jane's hand hesitates over the button. She grits her teeth as a bead of sweat drips down her face.”
- If you want to list how a character is feeling, include a parenthetical underneath the character's name so it's 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) from the left side of the page. For example, you may write (tense) or (excited) to convey the emotion.
- Tell other people about your writing goal or deadline so they can hold you accountable as well.
- If you ever feel a creative spark, sit down and start writing to take advantage of it even if it's not during the time you set aside.
Tip: Turn off your phone and internet connection during your writing time so you don't get too distracted.
- For example, if you had a character that was a 6-year-old, don't use dialogue like, “I would like 2 cookies and a large glass of milk,” since it doesn't sound believable. Instead, they may say something like, “Mom, can I have some milk and cookies?”
- Make sure your characters all have a unique voice so readers don't have a hard time distinguishing between different characters while they're reading.
- It's okay if your script runs a little long since some dialogue and action blocks may go by faster than others when they're actually filmed.
- Try starting another script while you wait if you want.
- Print out your script if you can so you can write on it directly if you want.
Tip: Don't be afraid to act out the scenes or do voices for your characters since this can help you see how your dialogue works.
- Look for other writers so you can swap scripts and give each other feedback.
- Start writing your second draft in a new document so you can get a fresh start. This way, you can copy and paste sections from the first draft and reorder them if you need to.
Expert Q&A Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
- There are no set rules for writing a screenplay, so if you feel like you need to break standard formatting for your story, try it. ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
- Read scripts written by other writers to see how they write and format them. You can find many PDFs online if you search for the script title. ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
- Try reading screenwriting books, such as Save the Cat by Blake Snyder or Screenplay by Syd Field for ideas and information about formatting your script. ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
You Might Also Like
- ↑ https://blcklst.com/help/tv_script_standards.pdf
- ↑ https://www.tv-calling.com/ten-spec-writing-rules-and-why-you-should-care/
- ↑ https://medium.com/sitcom-world/how-to-write-a-tv-pilot-pt-1-concept-considerations-a9d19bd6902d
- ↑ https://thewritepractice.com/great-logline/
- ↑ Lucy V. Hay. Professional Writer. Expert Interview. 16 July 2019.
- ↑ https://screencraft.org/2018/01/05/the-screenwriters-guide-to-formatting-television-scripts/
- ↑ https://screenwriting.io/what-is-standard-screenplay-format/
- ↑ https://screenwriting.io/how-long-should-it-take-to-write-a-screenplay/
- ↑ https://thescriptlab.com/features/screenwriting-101/9296-mastering-the-art-of-revising-and-editing-your-screenplays/
About This Article
To write a television show script, choose a 30-minute format if you want to write comedies or a 1-hour format if you’re more interested in dramas. If you don’t want to create characters, study an existing show and write a spec script for it, which is a potential episode that you’d like to see produced. Otherwise, if you want to create something new, write an original pilot episode by brainstorming characters, settings, and motives. Once you have an idea for your story, write a 1 to 2 sentence logline to summarize the episode you're writing to catch the reader's interest. In the logline, include the main conflict of the episode or series. After you have a sense of the plot, outline the story by writing scenes you want to include on notecards, then arrange them in the order that they would appear. To learn how to properly format your script, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to Write a Script for Your Live Radio Event
Planning out your live radio event is a great way to ensure you are prepared and that you deliver the best possible content to your listeners. A great way to plan out your event is by creating a script to follow. This script can help keep you focused and gives you the direction that you may need as you move through your live radio show. After all, the event is live, so a script can certainly come in handy if you are ever at a loss for words. So, to help you get started with writing your script, we gathered our best tips for creating a script.
Write Your Script for Speaking
Writing your script for how you speak instead of writing it as if you are going to be reading it will help keep your scripts natural-sounding. The way that we formally read and write is usually much stiffer than how we speak. So, write your script in your voice and with the flow of your mind.
Paint Pictures with Your Words
Given that your listeners do not have a visual aid, ensure that you are setting the scene whenever need be. Now, this doesn't mean that you need to talk about every single detail of everything you talk about, but just be aware that your listeners may need that extra description once in awhile to help them picture the stories, news, etc. in their heads.
Keep it Concise
Keeping your script concise gives you the room for improvisation and expansion while live broadcasting. You never want to read directly from your script as you want to sound natural on-air, so ensuring that your scripts are directly to the point without unnecessary words or sentences allows you the space and time to be creative with your delivery.
Give Yourself Flexibility
This ties into writing your script as if it is going to be spoken aloud. If there are certain words that you want to use on-air, include them on your script. Similarly, if there are certain stories, news pieces, topics, etc. that you want to talk about on-air, include them on your script as well. However, also give yourself different options for vocabulary, stories, news, topics, etc. and the space to explore what you are particularly interested in talking about at the moment while live broadcasting. This flexibility can make your live event that much more interesting. So, on your script, give yourself only what you need to allow yourself that freedom.
As a guide, we've created our own radio script template examples for music radio and talk radio. Take a look at the radio script template examples below. Keep in mind that these templates are not meant to be complete scripts, but rather examples that can help guide you with writing your own.
Music Radio Script Template:
Intro : [Jingle or Speech Introduction] (Duration) Cue DJ : "Hello and welcome to the [Insert Radio Station Name or Segment Name] live show. First up is a song by [Insert Artist]." (Duration)
- (Artist Notes: Have some facts prepared about the songs/artists that you are playing and you can use them if you want while on-air. Having facts prepared, but not scripted, gives you the freedom you need.)
Cue track : [Insert Song Details and Start Song] (Duration) Cue DJ : "That is an absolute classic by [Insert Artist]. Now, we've got a lot to talk about today. [Insert News, Story, or Gossip here]." (Duration)
- (News, Story, Gossip Notes: Have some facts prepared about the stories that you are talking about and you can use them if you want while on-air. Having facts prepared, but not scripted, gives you the freedom you need.)
End of segment.
Cue DJ : "Coming up next, we have [Insert Song Details], but first, [Insert News, Story, or Anecdote related to song/artist or other topic]." (Duration) Cue track : [Insert Song Details and Start Song] (Duration)
End segment.
Cue DJ : "Well, that's the end of our live hour. Thanks so much for tuning in, we've got [Next scheduled event] coming up next." (Duration) Outro : [Speech Outro or Jingle] (Duration)
Talk Radio Script Template:
Intro : [Jingle or Speech Introduction] (Duration) Cue DJ : "Hello and welcome to the [Insert Radio Station Name or Segment Name] live show. First up is a story about [Insert Story Topic here]." (Duration)
Story 1 : [Title of your story] (Duration) Introduction : [Summary of Story/Anecdote that captures attention of your listeners] Background : [Tell the bulk of the Story/Anecdote, including any background info] Conclusion : [End the Story/Anecdote distinctly and memorably]
News 1 : [Title of your News Story] (Duration) Introduction : [Summary of News Story] Background : [Tell the bulk of the News Story, including any background info] Conclusion : [End the News Story distinctly]
Tip: Including the duration for each part of your script will help you schedule your live event duration properly and will help you stay on track with time while live broadcasting.
Writing a script for your live event is a great way to ensure that you are prepared. However, writing a script does not have to be difficult nor does it have to be complete with word for word what you are going to say on-air. A good script is truly more of a guide that keeps you on track and gives you the cues you need, but allows you the room for personality, creativity, and improvisation. There's honestly no right or wrong way to make your script as it is your script for your radio station, so just include what you need and organize it in a way that works for you. For your next live event, make a quick script beforehand and see how it can benefit you while on-air!
If you are looking for tips on how to be a great live broadcaster, check out our article here .
Ready to start your own station? Contact one of our Product Consultants today.
Discover thousands of free stations from every genre of music and talk at Live365.com . Keep up with the latest news by following us on Facebook ( Live365 (Official) and Live365 Broadcasting ) and Twitter ( @Live365 and @Broadcaster365 )!
Article Image: A person writing in pen in a notebook. ( rawpixel.com via Pexels.)
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