| By John Finnegan
Introduction
Crafting a TV show season is like putting together a puzzle—each piece should contribute to the larger picture while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. A well-mapped season has compelling story arcs, rich character development, and twists that feel both surprising and inevitable. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to map out a season for a TV show, from initial concept to final episode.
1. Define the Core Theme and Genre
Every successful season starts with a strong theme and a clear genre. The theme serves as the season’s backbone, guiding plot and character decisions, while the genre establishes tone.
For example:
Theme: Redemption, betrayal, resilience, power.
Genre: Comedy, thriller, mystery, drama, fantasy.
In the case of a show like Game of Thrones, the fantasy genre is clearly outlined in the first episode, when we see White Walkers chasing men through the woods and the theme of power and betrayal unfolding through the characters and their relationships with each other.
This continues throughout the first season, though the high-fantasy elements remain quite subdued until later on.
Defining the core theme and genre at the outset will keep you focused and help you create a cohesive experience for your audience. This also helps set expectations for viewers - when will we see more of these White Walkers?
2. How to Write a TV Series: Identifying Major Story Arcs"
Plotting out a season involves identifying the primary arcs that will carry the story from beginning to end. There are typically two types of arcs to consider:
Season Arc: The overarching storyline that spans the entire season. For example, in a detective series, this might be the "case of the season."
Episode Arcs: These are individual episode plots that contribute to the season arc while delivering a self-contained story.
Example: In Westworld, the season arc could be Dolores' attempt to to revolt against her human captors and free the other 'hosts' in the park, while individual episodes explore challenges, alliances, and personal growth along the way.
Once you have your season arc, outline the key turning points. Think about how the season begins, where it peaks (often around mid-season), and how it will end.
PRO TIP: While it's helpful to have multiple season arcs in mind to future proof your show, it's also helpful to imagine the show as a single limited series. Streaming platforms nowadays love a good limited series - and they love renewing them if they're popular enough.
3. Create Character Arcs and Development Plans
Characters drive the emotional core of any story, so it’s essential to plan out their development over the season. A character arc shows how each character evolves based on their experiences and relationships. To develop character arcs:
Determine Character Goals and Flaws: Give each character a goal that drives them through the season, as well as flaws that create obstacles.
Plan Key Moments: Map out significant moments for each character, such as breakthroughs, setbacks, and turning points.
Align with the Season Arc: Each character's journey should tie into the main storyline, whether it’s through personal stakes or key decisions.
Exercise: List out the main characters of your story and map out where they are in their lives at the beginning of the pilot and at the end of the pilot. Try to give the main protagonist a particularly noticable shift in status by the end of the pilot to act as a teaser for what is to come.
Example: In Westworld, Dolores is described as someone who "couldn't hurt a fly" at the beginning of the pilot. However, by the end, we see her swat a fly and kill it with lightning fast reflexes. This is a clear message to the audience that she's changing. Imagine what she'll do by the end of the series...
4. Plan Major Plot Twists and Cliffhangers
Every great TV season has moments that leave audiences begging for more. Plot twists and cliffhangers are tools to maintain suspense, drive engagement, and create memorable episodes. Consider:
Mid-Season Twist: Introduce a twist that changes the stakes or reveals new information halfway through the season. This helps renew audience interest.
Episode Cliffhangers: Especially in serialized shows, ending episodes with cliffhangers encourages viewers to keep watching. These could involve character reveals, unforeseen complications, or sudden threats.
Season Finale Twist: Conclude the season with a significant development or revelation that leaves room for a future season while satisfying the season’s story arc.
Example: In a mystery series, the mid-season twist might reveal that the person they trusted is actually working against them.
5. Break Down Episodes and Write a Story Outline
With your season arc, character arcs, and major twists in place, it’s time to outline each episode. Break down the episodes with a focus on pacing, progression, and emotional beats.
A season outline could include:
Episode Summaries: A brief paragraph for each episode that outlines the main conflict and resolution.
Key Scenes and Beats: Identify crucial scenes or moments for each episode, especially those that advance the main story or develop character arcs.
Cliffhangers or Hooks: Plan where each episode will end to maintain engagement.
This outline serves as a roadmap for writers and helps identify any pacing issues or gaps in the story before scripting begins.
6. Develop B-Stories and Subplots
In your journey to learn how to write a tv series, we cannot ignore the importance of subplots and secondary stories. These elements add depth to your show and give minor characters room to grow. These “B-stories” should complement the main arc and contribute to the season’s theme. For instance:
Character Relationships: Explore friendships, rivalries, or romantic interests that enrich character development.
Secondary Conflicts: Include minor conflicts or personal challenges that add tension and variety.
For example, while the politics of Shogun are the main attraction of the series, it is the b-story relationships that steal the spotlight.
7. Refine the Flow and Structure
Once you have a season outline, review it to ensure pacing and flow. Ask yourself:
Does each episode build on the previous one?
Are there episodes that drag or feel disconnected from the main arc?
Is there a good balance between high-stakes moments and quieter, character-driven scenes?
Editing and refining the season’s structure is crucial to ensure each episode contributes to a satisfying and cohesive season.
8. Prepare for Scripting with a Writer’s Bible
Once your season is mapped out, creating a writer’s bible can help keep the entire team aligned. This document should include:
Character Profiles: Include backstories, goals, and defining traits.
Episode Summaries: Summarize each episode’s plot and key moments.
Themes and Style Guide: Clarify the tone, themes, and overall style to keep writing consistent across episodes.
A writer’s bible is especially useful if multiple writers are working on the season, ensuring everyone stays true to the vision.
Conclusion
Mapping out a season for a TV show is a blend of creativity and strategic planning. From defining a compelling theme to balancing character and story arcs, each step is essential for creating an engaging season that keeps viewers hooked from the premiere to the finale. With a well-structured plan, you can build an unforgettable season that leaves audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
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