How to Write a Series: Getting Started

Developing scripts for a TV series or any kind of serialised format requires a structured approach to storytelling through storylines and character arcs. Here are some of the key steps you should remember when planning and writing episodes for your series.

Don't Skimp on Planning

Rushing in to start writing scripts without a strategy often leads to major character problems and plot holes later on – something you want to avoid at all costs! The more time you take to brainstorm and plan, the more headaches you'll save later on.

1. Create a Killer Concept

   The biggest difference between writing a series and writing, for example, a film, is that a series must have a story engine. This engine has to be capable of powering multiple episodes over, possibly, several seasons. So you need to spend time getting the core concept right, ensuring there's enough inherent drama and conflict to fuel compelling storylines.

   
   

2. Build Strong Characters  

   Characters are the heart of any TV series. They need to be relatable, authentic, complex and capable of growth over several episodes or seasons. Spend time developing detailed character bios so you have multi-layered personalities with interesting backstories. This is also crucial for the audience to understand character motivation.

   
   

3. Plan Your Story Arcs  

   Series have overarching storylines that span an entire season, along with shorter ones that might only last an episode. Plan storylines for each character, relationship and situation, then weave them together over the course of your series.

   
   

4. Hooks & Cliffhangers

   These are a key aspect of serialised stories. By creating a winning story concept, you will hopefully already have an inbuilt hook that piques interest. But you also need further visual and narrative hooks to capture audience attention as well as cliffhangers that ensure they keep watching. Start brainstorming possible ideas.

   
   

5. Outline the Series & Episodes

Don't let all the brainstorming, planning and plotting go to waste! Outline what will happen in your series. This means breaking the main points of action into episodes so you have clarity on not only where the story is going, but at what pace. Then outline your first episode in more detail. The beats you have for your story roughly represent what happens in each scene.

Writing Your Episode Scripts

When you think it's time to start writing the "pilot script" or first episode, keep these guidelines in mind.

1. Understand the Format  

Screenplays follow specific formatting rules. Whether you’re writing a half-hour sitcom, a one-hour drama or a two-minute short form micro drama, knowing the correct format is crucial. This includes scene headings, action lines, dialogue, and transitions. Using software like Final Draft or WritersDuet simplifies the process.

2. Keep Scenes Concise  

TV scripts need to maintain a brisk pace. Avoid long, drawn-out scenes that don’t serve the story. Every scene should have a clear purpose. A useful rule of thumb for scenes: Enter late, leave early.

3. Write Engaging Dialogue  

   Dialogue in TV scripts should sound natural yet distinctive. While dialogue can reveal character and advance plot, avoid anything exposition-heavy and make use of subtext. Listen to the rhythm of natural speech, words and slang used by different generations and types of people around you.

   
   

4. Revise and Get Feedback  

   Writing is rewriting. After completing your first draft, put it away for a few weeks at least then revise for pacing, plot, and character consistency. Sharing your script with trusted peers or mentors can provide valuable feedback.

How to Write a Series & Scripts That Stand Out

To make your episode scripts stand out in a competitive landscape, consider these practical tips:

• Think About Your Audience

When thinking about your idea, you should have a clear idea of who your audience might be. Who would enjoy watching your series? Pre-schoolers? Tweens? Women 40+? If you want to attract a specific audence then it's useful to know what that demographic will find entertaining to watch.

• Research the Genre & World

Each TV genre has its own conventions and audience expectations. Watch shows similar to the one you want to write and analyse series and episode structure as well as tone. If you're not familiar with the world of your show (e.g., it's set in a hospital), don't skimp on the research!

• Focus on Visual Storytelling  

Television is a visual medium. Use action and setting descriptions to create vivid scenes that directors and actors can bring to life. Lean away from explaining everything in dialogue-heavy conversations. This isn't audio – although that too is an interesting genre to write for!

• Develop a Unique Voice  

Your writing style and voice are YOUR unique selling point. Whether you're writing a comedy, drama, or thriller, it's the distinctive way that only you can tell the story that will build a strong reputation.

What are the 3 C's of Screenwriting?

Remember the 3 C's of screenwriting are Character, Conflict, and Change. These elements are fundamental to crafting successful screenplays.

1. Character  

   Characters drive the story. They should be complex beings with external goals, internal needs and flaws. Investing emotionally in the characters is what keeps viewers watching.

2. Conflict  

  Conflict creates tension and drama. It can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or from their environment). Without stakes of some kind, audiences will lose interest.

3. Change  

  Change refers to character development or plot progression. Characters should evolve in response to the conflict, leading to satisfying resolutions or cliffhangers that compel the viewer to watch the next instalment.

And most importantly, keep writing!

Consider enrolling in the next cohort of PILOT READY: Online TV Writing Course. It provides a unique blend of structured learning, group brainstorming, personalized mentoring and industry insights.

Story Inkubator was founded by writer, scriptwriter and teacher, Kristina Jilly, an Australian living in Central Europe who's written for HBO Europe and RTL Television. A teacher at the University of Applied Sciences in Austria, Kristina also writes online content about the art of storytelling and topics that inspire creativity. 

Subscribe to Story Inkubator for our monthly newsletter and get two free workbooks on creating multi-dimensional characters and solid story concepts delivered to your email.

More about our courses here.