Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Pilots, presentations & launch · Working

Backdoor pilot

Also called: spinoff pilot

ELI5

An episode of an existing series designed to introduce characters or a world that may become a separate series.

Used in conversation

“The season plan needs to show how the backdoor pilot functions within the run.”

Pitch context

You may encounter this in a series pitch, pilot process, writers' room or commissioning conversation.

Why it matters: Explains how series are structured, staffed, commissioned, produced and released.

Sources & evidence · 12

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.