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Blueprints for tv series part 1

Guides, Treatments, and Pitches for Screenwriters

Television Series Guidebooks, Treatments, and Pitches for Screenwriters

Read and download real examples of what showrunners use to help sell their project. Behold, the Bible.

They've been around almost as long as television itself. A "Writer's Guide", or a "Bible" as it's sometimes referred to, is the single most important blueprint a TV series can have.

Basically, the "Series Bible" describes how the show will thrive and tell a story. Just like religious texts from where its name derives, this "Bible" details how its characters, locations, and situations should tell the story of their life.

Showrunners and senior writers are generally the only production staff who have access to the most sacred of texts within the bible: how the series will end.

How to Write a Series Bible

Bigger isn't always better.

"Bibles" can be as detailed as "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry's 53-page "Writer's Guide" to "T.O.S." Written in 1967, its basic principals are still followed to-this-day by "Star Trek" writers; no mater the franchise, movie, or Star Date.

Alternatively, a "Writer's Guide" can be as simple as "The Dead Zone's" seasonal 5-page "dos and don'ts" memos. This type of approach encourages writers to pitch specific episode storylines, while still developing the sub-plots and arc of the series' main characters.

A well written "Writer's Guide" enables new scribes, who have no historical knowledge of the series, to pitch a storyline, write it, and eventually produce 'their' episode without disrupting the long-established vibe.

Discover What We Have

Is there a format one needs to follow when writing the Series Bible?

The short answer is: no!

We have more than 30 examples of pitches, treatments, and writer's guides available to discover! And unlike writing scripts, creating a series bible doesn't necessarily follow an industry standard. That's why 8FLiX has included a wide-variety of examples below. Read and study how others have done it, and in how many different ways showrunners have been able to communicate their ideas. Each is as unique as the next one.

Enjoy the reads!

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Battlestar Galactica

Seasons: 4 (2004–2009)

Image showcasing the Battlestar Galactica tv series poster representing the teleplay.

When an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... 12.17.2003
Genres ... ActionAdventureDrama
Showrunner ... Ronald D. Moore
IMDb ID ... 0407362

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Bordertown

Seasons: 1 (2016)

Image showcasing Border Town tv series poster representing the teleplay.

Follow two families living in a Southwest desert town on the United States-Mexico border and how these two families inevitably cross and are bound by friendship and conflict.

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... [undated]
Genres ... AnimationComedy
Showrunner ... Mark Hentemann
IMDb ID ... 3323254

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Callan

Seasons: 4 (1967–1972)

Image showcasing Callan series poster representing the teleplay.

David Callan is the top agent/assassin for the Security Service (British counterintelligence), but he is an embittered man who performs his duties "for Queen and country" under duress. This bleak, "Spy who Came in from the Cold"-style espionage drama concentrates on the seamy underside of covert operations: assassinations, blackmail and dirty dealing.

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... 11.28.1966
Genres ... CrimeDramaMystery
Showrunner ... James Mitchell
IMDb ID ... 0061238

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Charlie Jade

Seasons: 1 (2005)

Image showcasing Charlie Jade series poster representing the teleplay.

A missing persons detective finds himself caught between three parallel universes.

Type ...
GUIDEBOOK
Date ... 10.07.2003
Genres ... CrimeDramaMystery
Showrunners ... Chris RolandRobert Wertheimer
IMDb ID ... 0408378

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You’ll need to create a free account to access our scripts and screenplays database. If you’re already registered, simply log in and start your journey of discovery!

You’ll need to create a free account to access our scripts and screenplays database. If you’re already registered, simply log in and start your journey of discovery!

You’ll need to create a free account to access our scripts and screenplays database. If you’re already registered, simply log in and start your journey of discovery!

The Corner

Seasons: 1 (2000)

Image showcasing The Corner series poster representing the teleplay.

Chronicles West Baltimore family living in poverty on the front lines of America's drug war.

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... [undated]
Genres ... CrimeDrama
Showrunners ... Ed BurnsDavid SimonDavid Mills
IMDb ID ... 0224853

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The Crow: Stairway to Heaven

Seasons: 1 (1998–1999)

Image showcasing The Crow series poster representing the teleplay.

A deceased street musician returns to life, and must restore the balance between good and evil to be reunited with his dead girlfriend.

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... 03.28.1998
Genres ... ActionCrimeDrama
Showrunners ... Bryce Zabel
IMDb ID ... 0166425

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Dark Skies

Seasons: 1 (1996–1997)

Image showcasing Dark-Skies series poster representing the teleplay.

In 1960s America, a young couple struggle to expose the truth about a hidden alien invasion, while a secret government organization follows its own agenda in dealing with the threat.

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... 02.08.1995
Genres ... AdventureDramaMystery
Showrunners ... Brent V. FriedmanBryce Zabel
IMDb ID ... 0115151

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The Dead Zone

Seasons: 6 (2002–2007)

Image showcasing The Dead Zone season 1 writers' guide series poster representing the teleplay.

Johnny had the perfect life until he was in coma for six years. When he awoke, he found his fiancée married to another man. His son doesn't know him. Everything's changed, including Johnny. With one touch, he can see things.

Type ...
GUIDEBOOK
Date ... 08.25.2003
Genres ... DramaFantasyMystery
Showrunners ... Michael PillerShawn Piller
IMDb ID ... 0281432

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You’ll need to create a free account to access our scripts and screenplays database. If you’re already registered, simply log in and start your journey of discovery!

You’ll need to create a free account to access our scripts and screenplays database. If you’re already registered, simply log in and start your journey of discovery!

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Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

Seasons: 2 (2016–2017)

Image showcasing Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency series poster representing the teleplay.

Holistic detective Dirk Gently investigates cases involving the supernatural.

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... 11.13.2015
Genres ... ActionAdventureComedy
Showrunner ... Max Landis
IMDb ID ... 4047038

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Family Biz

Seasons: 1 (2009)

Image showcasing Family Biz series poster representing the teleplay.

Three latchkey kids are at their wits end when their corporate dad gets downsized and decides to work from home, ruining their teen insanity lifestyle. Too bad they can't just fire dad!

Type ...
BIBLE
Date ... 06.11.2007
Genres ... Comedy
Showrunner ... James Nadler
IMDb ID ... 1167346

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