If you’ve ever wondered how long a TV episode script should be, you’re not alone.
In the competitive world of television writing, understanding script length and formatting is crucial for aspiring screenwriters.
Whether you’re writing a drama, sitcom, or streaming series, the number of pages in your script can make or break your pacing, structure, and production time.
This guide’ll break down standard page counts, essential formatting rules, and tips to help your script stand out. In addition, look at what professional screenwriters follow when creating scripts for major networks and streaming platforms.
Understanding TV Script Page Counts
When it comes to TV writing, the ideal script length depends on the show’s runtime, genre, and platform. The golden rule every screenwriter follows is simple:
One page of script equals roughly one minute of screen time.
This estimate accounts for dialogue, pacing, and action, but it can vary based on network demands, commercial breaks, and creative style. Streaming platforms, for instance, allow more flexibility since they don’t have fixed ad slots.
Page Length for Half-Hour TV Shows
Half-hour episodes, especially sitcoms and light comedies, typically run 22 to 30 minutes, including commercials on broadcast networks.
For these, scripts usually range between 22 and 35 pages.
If you’re a new writer, aim for the 25–30 page range. It’s concise, engaging, and easier to keep your pacing tight.
For example:
The Office pilot script was around 40 pages, featuring a short 1.5-page cold open and two main acts of about 19–20 pages each.
On streaming platforms like Netflix or HBO, where there are no ad breaks, scripts can stretch closer to 35 pages to allow more dialogue or character depth.
In multi-camera sitcoms, which double-space dialogue for clarity, a 22-minute episode might reach 40–44 pages, and that’s perfectly normal.
Page Length for Hour-Long TV Shows
Hour-long dramas, procedurals, and serialized series generally target a 42–60 minute runtime.
Their scripts typically fall between 45 and 65 pages, with most landing in the 50–60 page sweet spot to balance pacing and act structure.
Pilots often run slightly longer to introduce characters and the world of the story.
For instance, Breaking Bad’s pilot was about 56 pages, structured into four acts.
Once the show is established, regular episodes usually tighten to 50–55 pages. On premium cable or streaming platforms like HBO or Amazon Prime Video, episodes may stretch to 61 pages or more, allowing room for cinematic pacing and longer emotional beats.
Keep in mind that act structures vary by network:
Older four-act formats aimed for roughly 15 pages per act.
Modern five-act structures often target 9–12 pages per act, giving writers more flexibility in tension and story flow.
Factors Influencing TV Script Page Count
The total length of a TV episode script is shaped by several key factors, from genre and structure to formatting and platform requirements.
Understanding these influences helps you write scripts that fit professional expectations and flow naturally on screen.
1. Genre and Writing Style
Your show’s genre has a huge impact on script length.
- Comedies are often dialogue-heavy, which can naturally inflate the page count.
- Action-driven dramas or thrillers, on the other hand, rely on short, punchy descriptions and fast pacing, usually keeping scripts under 60 pages.
2. Act Structure
Traditional network TV scripts are divided into four or five acts, often including a teaser and a tag.
Each act typically runs 9–15 pages, depending on commercial breaks and story pacing.
This structure helps writers build tension and deliver natural points for ads or transitions.
3. Platform Differences
Where your show airs also affects script length:
- Broadcast networks must account for 4–6 minutes of commercials in every half-hour slot, meaning your story fits into a shorter runtime.
- Streaming platforms like Netflix or HBO are ad-free, giving writers more room to expand scenes, add subplots, or explore emotional depth.
4. Pilot vs. Regular Episode
Pilot episodes usually run longer than later episodes. They introduce the show’s world, tone, and characters, sometimes stretching up to 70 pages for complex setups like The Sopranos or Breaking Bad.
Once the series format is established, later scripts typically tighten to fit standard runtime limits.
5. Formatting and Writing Density
The way you format your script also affects the total page count.
- Dense action lines, parentheticals, or camera directions can add unnecessary length.
- Keeping descriptions clean and visual ensures a smooth read and keeps the script within expected limits.
Overly long or unevenly formatted scripts can signal inexperience. That’s why professionals rely on screenwriting software such as Final Draft, WriterDuet, or Fade In to automatically manage formatting and pagination.
The Basics of TV Script Format
Formatting a TV script correctly is one of the first signs of professionalism in screenwriting.
Unlike novels or short stories, TV scripts are built for visual storytelling and dialogue flow, using a clean, standardized layout that producers and showrunners instantly recognize.
Most TV episode scripts follow industry-standard screenplay conventions, with additional act breaks to account for commercial timing on network shows or natural story beats on streaming platforms.
Font, Margins, and Overall Layout
The industry standard for all professional scripts is the Courier 12-point font.
This monospaced font mimics typewriter text and ensures consistent timing; roughly one page equals one minute of screen time.
Set your margins as follows:
- Top and bottom: 1 inch
- Left: 1.5 inches (for binding)
- Right: 1 inch
Include page numbers in the top-right corner.
Your script should start with a title page that lists:
- The episode title
- Your name
- Your contact information
Note: For spec scripts, omit draft dates and production details.
To avoid formatting mistakes, always use professional screenwriting software like Final Draft, Celtx, or Fade In, which automatically handles pagination and layout.
Scene Headings (Sluglines)
Scene headings, also known as sluglines, indicate where and when a scene takes place. They are always written in ALL CAPS and often underlined in multi-camera sitcom formats.
Format:
INT. or EXT. + Location + – + Time of day
Example:
INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
Follow each slugline with an action line describing what’s happening. Start new acts on a fresh page.
For flashbacks or intercut sequences, specify them clearly:
FLASHBACK – INT. CLASSROOM – DAY
INTERCUT – LOCATION A / LOCATION B – NIGHT
Action Lines and Descriptions
Action lines describe only what can be seen or heard on screen, written in the present tense and third person.
Keep them concise, ideally no more than 4–5 lines per paragraph. Avoid internal thoughts or long descriptions.
Example:
John rushes through the crowd, clutching a briefcase. Horns blare as he crosses the street.
In multi-camera scripts, actions may appear in ALL CAPS for emphasis. Always double-space between action paragraphs for readability.
Character Names, Dialogue, and Parentheticals
When a character speaks, their name appears in ALL CAPS, centered above the dialogue block.
Dialogue follows directly underneath, written in sentence case (not centered).
Example:
JANE
I can’t believe this!
Use parentheticals (in parentheses) for short delivery notes like (whispering) or (beat), but sparingly. Place them on a separate line before the dialogue line.
Voiceovers and off-screen lines use:
- (V.O.) – Voice Over
- (O.S.) – Off Screen
Example:
JANE (V.O.)
Sometimes, silence says everything.
Transitions and Act Breaks
Transitions mark key changes between scenes or acts.
Start the script with FADE IN: and end acts with FADE OUT.
When writing network TV scripts, clearly label act breaks:
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
…and conclude with:
END OF ACT ONE
Streaming or spec scripts can be less rigid but should still indicate major story shifts.
Avoid overusing transitions like CUT TO: or DISSOLVE TO:; these are typically reserved for shooting scripts.
For montages or series of shots, list them as:
A)
B)
C)
to keep them visually organized.
Differences Between Single-Camera and Multi-Camera TV Formats
Single-camera shows (e.g., Breaking Bad) resemble film scripts: no underlined slugs, flexible acts, and standard action lines. They’re shot like movies, allowing creative freedom.
Multi-camera formats (e.g., The Big Bang Theory) are stage-like: underlined sluglines, ALL CAPS actions, and rigid acts for live audiences. These often have shorter page counts but denser dialogue. Network TV favors multi-cam for comedies, while streaming leans toward single-cam for dramas.
Tips for Writing and Optimizing Your TV Script
If you want your work to stand out, both creatively and in industry searches, you need to think strategically.
A well-written script isn’t just about great storytelling; it’s also about structure, pacing, and discoverability.
When sharing or publishing your script online, naturally include keywords like “TV episode script length” or “TV writing format” to help it reach producers, agents, and fellow screenwriters.
Here are a few proven tips to help you write and optimize your TV script like a pro:
1. Research Existing Shows
Before you write, study scripts from shows similar to yours.
This helps you understand pacing, tone, and act structure.
- For multi-camera comedies, check out Seinfeld or Friends (usually two acts with a tag).
- For procedurals, study CSI or Law & Order, which use a teaser followed by several acts.
Reading professional scripts teaches you page economy, how to tell more with fewer words.
2. Outline Before Writing
A detailed outline keeps your script tight and focused.
Start with:
- A logline (one-sentence premise)
- Character summaries
- A short synopsis or beat sheet
This helps control your page count and ensures every scene serves the story.
3. Edit Ruthlessly
After your first draft, cut everything that doesn’t move the story forward.
Trim long descriptions and unnecessary dialogue.
For most TV episodes, aim for 12–20 scenes depending on genre and runtime.
A tight, readable script always feels more professional and easier for producers to visualize.
4. Use Screenwriting Tools
Professional screenwriting software like Final Draft, WriterDuet, or Fade In keeps your script properly formatted and automatically tracks pagination.
These tools also include templates for half-hour and hour-long TV formats, so you can focus on story, not spacing or margins.
5. Get Constructive Feedback
Join online writing communities such as Reddit’s r/Screenwriting, Stage 32, or Script Revolution to receive feedback from peers and experienced writers.
Fresh eyes can help you catch pacing issues, structural gaps, or formatting inconsistencies before you submit your work.
Conclusion
Mastering TV script page counts and industry-standard formatting is more than a technical skill; it’s part of proving you understand how television storytelling really works.
Whether you’re writing a tight 25-page sitcom or a 60-page drama pilot, every page should serve the story.
Stick to professional guidelines, keep your pacing natural, and make each line of dialogue or action earn its place.
Remember: one page equals about one minute of screen time, but what truly matters is rhythm, flow, and emotional impact.
A perfectly formatted script that reads fast and feels cinematic will always stand out to producers, agents, and showrunners.
Use the right tools, seek feedback, and study the greats, from The Office to Breaking Bad. Over time, your sense of timing and structure will sharpen, and your scripts will start to look and sound like they belong in the writers’ room.
In TV writing, precision is power, and every page counts.