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

Pilot

Also called: pilot episode

ELI5

The first sample episode used to introduce and test a television series.

Used in conversation

“The pilot introduces the world well, but the series engine arrives too late.”

Definition

A first or sample episode created or written to establish a prospective series' world, characters, tone and operating system.

Here “Pilot” means: A first or sample episode created or written to establish a prospective series' world, characters, tone and operating system. Other meanings are stored as separate sense entries and must be chosen explicitly.

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.

Connected terms

  • Pilot presentationA pilot is a full proof episode; a pilot presentation is a shorter or partial sample made to test the series.
  • Pilot scriptThe search label “Pilot” can route to both entries.
  • Feature filmA pilot demonstrates a continuing series.
  • Pilot orderOne possible US-centred path from pilot to continuing series.
  • Pilot pickupOne possible US-centred path from pilot to continuing series.
Sources & evidence · 12

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.