Everyone has their favorite TV show that they cannot get enough of. With box sets coming out of our ears, the rise of streaming services, and conversation on social media, it’s hard to get away from the world of television.

But what happens if your beloved show from yesteryear returns after a hiatus, and it’s not exactly how you remember? Do you jump for joy, or sink back onto your couch reevaluating your life choices? Welcome to the world of television reboots and remakes.

A well-developed arc can work wonders for audience engagement in our screenplays, turning them either into a fan-favorite or most-hated. Crafting relatable and interesting characters makes the stories they’re part of shine. Not all characters necessarily need to change, but when it comes to the protagonist, antagonist and other major characters, it’s vital to writing a killer story.

Whether you’re writing a short piece of fiction, a novel, poem, or screenplay, the general rule of thumb is to hook your audience. That hook could come in the first line, paragraph, or page. But the truth is, for each and every one, the hook is key! 

What makes a TV pilot tick? Which ones are successful, and why? Which ones fail to inspire audiences, and why? 

…how do you start? Which route is the one for you? You’ll never know until you try! What you do need to know is that the screenwriting game is an unpredictable one, with passion, dedication and gritty hard work at the center of most screenwriters’ journeys. 

Explore the key differences between US and UK sitcoms—from humor and pacing to structure and tone—with examples from both sides of the Atlantic.