Pilot season

Definition

Pilot season is a specific time of year, typically in the winter and early spring, when television networks and streaming platforms develop and greenlight new television pilots for potential series. During this period, production companies pitch their concepts, and networks choose which pilots to fund based on factors such as current trends, audience preferences, and potential ratings performance. The success of these pilots can lead to full series orders, making pilot season crucial for shaping the upcoming television schedule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pilot season typically occurs between January and May, aligning with the television industry's planning for fall schedules.
2. During pilot season, networks can receive hundreds of pitches but only greenlight a small percentage for actual production.
3. Pilots are often tested with audiences before making the decision to order a full series, allowing networks to gauge potential success.
4. Ratings data and audience demographics play a significant role in determining which pilots get picked up for series order.
5. Changes in viewing habits, such as the rise of streaming services, have altered how pilot seasons are structured and how many pilots are produced.

Review Questions

• How does the pilot season process influence which television shows ultimately make it to air?
  • The pilot season process is essential for determining which television shows make it to air because it allows networks to evaluate numerous concepts and select those with the highest potential for success. During this time, production companies pitch their ideas, and networks assess them based on trends, audience preferences, and potential ratings. The pilots that resonate well with test audiences or meet certain metrics may then receive a series order, while others may be dropped.
• Discuss the impact of audience ratings on the selection of pilots during pilot season and how it shapes future television programming.
  • Audience ratings are critical during pilot season because they help networks gauge viewer interest and determine which pilots are likely to succeed if turned into full series. This data informs network decisions as they prioritize shows that align with current viewer preferences and can attract larger audiences. Consequently, successful pilots can shape future programming by establishing trends that influence what types of shows get produced in subsequent seasons.
• Evaluate how changes in technology and viewing habits have affected the traditional model of pilot season in recent years.
  • Changes in technology and viewer habits have significantly impacted the traditional model of pilot season by introducing alternative methods for content delivery, such as streaming platforms. These services often operate on different schedules than traditional networks, allowing for more flexibility in producing content year-round rather than adhering strictly to a seasonal model. Additionally, streaming platforms may opt for immediate release of entire seasons instead of focusing on individual pilot episodes. This shift creates a more competitive landscape where diverse content can be developed outside the conventional pilot season framework.

Related terms

Series Order: The decision made by a network to produce a full season of a television show after the pilot episode has been successfully developed and tested.

Pitch: A presentation made by writers and producers to network executives in which they outline the concept, characters, and potential storyline of a new television show.

Showrunner: The individual responsible for the overall creative direction of a television series, overseeing all aspects of production from writing to final edits.