What does Pilot mean?
Pilot refers to the first episode of a TV series, produced as a test to evaluate whether the show will be picked up by a network or streaming service. Pilots are often used to gauge audience interest, receive feedback from executives, and secure funding for a full season. If a pilot is successful, the network may order additional episodes or a full season. Pilots are crucial in determining the future of a TV show and are often produced on a trial basis before committing to a larger production.
Example:A TV network airs a pilot episode to see how audiences respond before deciding whether to greenlight a full season of the series.
Example: The cast and crew of a new show film a pilot to showcase the premise and characters, hoping to secure a deal with a streaming platform.
Did You Know?
Many successful TV shows, like Friends, owe their start to well-received pilots that impressed both network executives and audiences!
You can also find “Pilot” and related terms in this category: Planning and Pre-Production.
