Pilot season

Definition

Pilot season is the specific time of year when television networks and streaming platforms develop, film, and evaluate pilot episodes for new series. This period usually occurs in the winter and early spring and is crucial for determining which shows will be picked up for a full season based on audience testing and network decisions. The outcome of pilot season can significantly impact the landscape of television programming for the upcoming year.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pilot season typically occurs between January and May each year, when networks and platforms evaluate new shows for potential full-season orders.
2. During pilot season, writers and producers pitch their ideas, and if selected, they create a pilot script and shoot a pilot episode for review.
3. Audience testing is a critical component of pilot season, as networks gauge viewer reactions to pilots to decide whether to pick them up for a full series.
4. The number of pilots produced during each season can vary widely based on industry trends and the competitiveness of network programming.
5. Many successful long-running series begin as pilots during this crucial time, making pilot season a pivotal moment in the television industry.

Review Questions

• How does pilot season influence the types of shows that are ultimately produced for television?
  • Pilot season plays a key role in shaping television programming by allowing networks and streaming platforms to test new ideas through pilot episodes. The audience's response during testing informs decisions on which shows will move forward into full production. As a result, trends in viewer preferences can significantly influence the types of stories, genres, and formats that gain traction in the industry.
• What are some challenges faced by writers and producers during pilot season when creating their pitches?
  • Writers and producers encounter several challenges during pilot season, such as intense competition for limited slots, tight deadlines to develop high-quality scripts, and the need to appeal to both network executives and potential audiences. Additionally, they must navigate shifting trends in viewer preferences while balancing creative storytelling with commercial viability. The pressure to stand out can lead to innovative concepts but also stress in delivering a standout product.
• Evaluate the impact of pilot season on the overall diversity of content available on television and streaming platforms.
  • Pilot season has a significant impact on content diversity as it dictates which narratives are greenlit for full series production. When networks prioritize certain genres or demographics based on perceived marketability, this can limit representation in storytelling. However, an increased emphasis on inclusivity in recent years has led to more diverse pilots being produced. By fostering a wider range of voices and perspectives during this crucial time, pilot season can contribute to enriching the overall content landscape, provided that networks continue to prioritize diverse stories beyond mere trends.

Related terms

Pilot episode: A pilot episode is a standalone episode of a television series that serves as a prototype to sell the show to networks or streaming platforms.

Network Upfronts: Network Upfronts are presentations made by television networks to advertisers, showcasing their upcoming programming for the next season, typically held after pilot season.

Greenlight: A greenlight is the approval given by a network or studio to move forward with the production of a project, such as a television series or film.