When is pilot season?

When is Pilot Season?

Pilot season, also known as the mid-season replacement period, is a crucial time for TV shows and networks. For those new to the TV industry, pilot season may seem like a mysterious event, but it’s an essential part of the content creation process. In this article, we’ll demystify pilot season and provide a comprehensive overview of what it’s all about.

What is Pilot Season?

Pilot season typically takes place during the summer months, roughly from May to August or September. During this time, networks and streaming platforms order and produce pilots (short for "pilots," which are also known as "back-door pilots") for new and existing TV shows. The goal is to create fresh content that will premiere on their respective platforms later in the year.

Key Dates and Deadlines:

While pilot season officially begins in May, several key dates and deadlines frame the process:

• May 15th: Upfronts: Major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox announce their fall schedules to advertisers, including the shows and pilots they’ll be premiering.
• June 15th: Pilot Orders: Networks order pilots for selected shows, which are produced over the summer.
• July 15th: Script Orders: Some networks may order scripts only, which means they don’t commit to producing the pilot episode.
• August/September: Filming: Pilots begin filming, and production takes place over the summer.
• October/November: Premiere Dates: New TV shows, including those whose pilots were ordered during summer, premiere on their respective networks.

How Do Networks Decide Which Shows to Order?

Network executives, along with their production teams, carefully evaluate proposals, scripts, and budgets to decide which shows to order. Here are the key factors they consider:

• Concept and Quality: Is the show engaging, original, and relevant to the target audience?
• Target Audience: Does the show appeal to the network’s desired demographic, such as young adults, families, or specific age groups?
• Casting: Are the potential leads and supporting actors credible and attractive to the intended audience?
• Script and Storytelling: Is the writing strong, and are the characters developed well?
• Producers and Production Companies: Are the production companies reliable, and do they have a track record of creating successful shows?
• Budget and Cost: Are the production costs reasonable and aligned with the network’s budget?

Types of Pilots:

While most pilots are standalone, some may be part of a larger franchise or network. Here are the two main types of pilots:

• Standalone Pilots: These are the most common type, often featuring a self-contained storyline and a clear beginning and end.
• Sequel Pilots: Some shows, like Seinfeld or Brooklyn Nine-Nine, begin as pilots for a larger franchise. These episodes often serve as a prequel or a bridge between the original series and new content.

Pilot Season for Streaming Platforms:

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have changed the landscape of TV production. For these platforms, pilot season is less formalized but still essential:

• Original Content: Streaming services focus on creating original content, often with a single-season commitment.
• Binge-Worthy Episodes: These platforms prioritize condensed, binge-worthy episodes or seasons.
• Showrunners and Creators: Streaming services often offer more creative freedom to showrunners and creators.

Table: Pilot Season Timeline

Conclusion:

Pilot season is a critical juncture in the TV production process, where networks and streaming platforms invest time, money, and talent in creating new content for their audiences. By understanding the key dates, evaluation criteria, and types of pilots, you’ll be better equipped to navigate this exciting time in the industry.