Top 7 TV Series Scripts Every Aspiring Writer Must Examine
In the world of writing, success doesn't come easily; it requires hard work and a keen eye for detail. Two iconic pieces of media, The Godfather and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, offer valuable lessons for those tackling crime, family, or legacy dramas, as well as workplace stories in sitcoms.
The Godfather, a cinematic masterpiece, offers a required lesson in clarity, world-building, and inevitable conflict for writers aiming at prestige TV. The opening techniques of this film are particularly useful, with each character's first line signaling core wants and fears. Dialogue in The Godfather always carries weight, focusing on power, loyalty, or threat. Moreover, rituals in the film reveal the social hierarchy without bulky exposition.
The structure in The Godfather is built on chained events, never standalone beats. This intricate web of interconnected scenes is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of its creators, Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, who penned the pilot script.
On the other hand, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a groundbreaking sitcom, reset expectations for workplace stories. The "Pilot" by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns introduced a witty, warm tone from the opening lines, balancing workplace antics with genuine emotional stakes. Each emerging conflict in the show becomes a series engine, not just a one-episode gag.
Mary's first job interview at the TV station defines her entire character arc in the show, setting the stage for the predictable, repeatable tension created by the supporting cast. Lou Grant's bluntness, Rhoda's sarcasm, and Murray's warmth create a rich tapestry of character interactions that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
To truly master these scripts, it's not enough to simply watch them; one must study their DNA. Work in layers, apply the "but/therefore" chain logic, build a swipe file, create pilot pages modeled on these scripts, get real feedback, schedule your rewrites, and track your progress. By transforming the way you study scripts, you're setting yourself up for your own greenlight moment.
So, don't just watch great shows; study their DNA. The lessons from The Godfather and The Mary Tyler Moore Show are invaluable tools for any writer striving for success.
