How to Write a Sitcom: Sitcom Writing Guide

A sitcom, or situational comedy, is a half-hour comedy television show centered on the experiences of a fixed cast of characters in a specific location, usually the main character’s home, workplace, or a combination of the two. Sitcoms are one of the most popular television show genres and have been around since the advent of television.

Sitcom writing is not very different from any other type of TV writing or screenwriting in that it follows a storyline or subplots of a cast of main characters. The main elements of sitcoms are:

1. 1. Cold open or teaser: A cold open is a brief scene that airs before the main title sequence to grab the audience’s interest and keep them watching. Learn how to write a cold open.
2. 2. End tag: An end tag is a short humorous scene after the episode’s climax, showing the story’s aftermath.
3. 3. Jokes: Sitcom scripts are a form of comedy writing, which means there are a lot of jokes and callbacks (references to jokes made earlier in the script). Even serious scenes should have jokes in a sitcom to add levity to the story and maintain a lighter tone.
4. 4. Three-act structure: Sitcom scripts often adhere to a three-act structure divided by commercial breaks. Act One introduces the main plot and subplots, which is usually a problem the main character or characters must address. In Act Two, the characters attempt to solve the problem but usually make it worse. Act Three resolves the main plot line, and the characters return to the status quo.

There are two types of sitcoms: multi-camera and single-camera. Here are some examples of each:

• Multi-camera: Multi-camera sitcoms are shot on a permanent set (usually built on a soundstage) in front of a live audience, using four cameras to capture footage. They frequently include the audience’s laughter in the final product to enhance the comedic experience. Examples of multi-camera sitcoms include Fuller House, Cheers, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Big Bang Theory, Seinfeld, and How I Met Your Mother.
• Single-camera: Single-camera sitcoms are shot on location with a single camera and do not use a laugh track. Single-camera sitcoms include Abbott Elementary, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Modern Family, The Office, and Arrested Development. Some adult animated shows also fall under the single-camera sitcom genre, including The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, and Futurama.

Follow this step-by-step guide to write your own sitcom:

1. 1. Choose your genre. Watch different types of television shows and choose a TV genre that appeals to you. Then answer the following questions: What kind of sitcom do you want to write? Would you prefer to write a workplace sitcom or one that centers on a family or a relationship? Do you want to write a multi-camera or single-camera show?
2. 2. Watch shows and read scripts related to the genre. One of the best ways to prepare for the writing process is to research your chosen genre, which will give you a better understanding of different character tropes, pacing, structure, jokes per page in the script, and tone. It can also help you figure out how to handle certain issues and identify genre pitfalls to avoid. During this process, you may even develop a fresher take on the genre that can make your script stand out from the competition.
   
3. 3. Work on character development. Take the time to flesh out your characters, including their character names, descriptions, backgrounds, behaviors, and how they relate to one another. Consider creating a single-sheet profile for each character (or a long-form bio) that you can refer to throughout your writing process. Get Judd Apatow’s tips on character development.
4. 4. Outline your pilot. Start with a logline, then write a synopsis. (Learn more about loglines.) Once you have a top-level understanding of where you want your story to go, complete an outline defining the event that happens in each act. Remember that this is the pilot episode (the first episode of a TV series), so in the first act, introduce your characters and their backgrounds along with the main plotline.
5. 5. Write the first draft. The most convenient way to write a sitcom script is to use a template in scriptwriting software such as Final Draft (a popular choice among TV writers), Scribler, Fade In, or Celtx. Single-camera sitcom scripts are typically twenty-eight to thirty pages and have a single-spaced format. (Some studios prefer shorter TV comedy scripts, while others may desire longer scripts.) Multi-camera scripts are double-spaced and are usually forty-eight to fifty pages. Comedy pilots are often longer because you must introduce the characters and setting and set the ground for the story. Aim to write the tightest story you can and try not to focus too heavily on page count, which you can always adjust up or down after receiving a round of notes from peers or professionals. Get Issa Rae’s tips on writing a compelling pilot episode.
6. 6. Review the draft. Once you complete your first draft, set it aside for a few days, then reread it. Putting some distance between you and the story will allow you to return to it with a fresh perspective. Do a complete read-through of the script and leave comments in the doc as you go. After reading through, start your second draft and address those comments. If you have pacing issues, look at each act and write down the main actions that occur. If your first act simply features characters having a discussion, but nothing happens to move the story forward, consider adding more elements to the act to improve the pacing or pull an element from a meatier act and incorporate it into your first act.
   
7. 7. Ask peers for feedback. Consider asking for feedback from your peers or friends to get an outside perspective. However, you may want to wait for feedback until after your first revision. First drafts often have basic structure and grammar issues you should address before asking for notes. That way, your reader can focus on whether the story works and whether the jokes land without getting caught up on technical issues. While receiving notes from a professional is especially beneficial, consider cranking out a few rewrites before asking other sitcom writers to read your work. You always want to put your best foot forward when working with professionals who could recommend you for future jobs. Sending over unpolished work can warp their impression of your skills, so wait until the script is in good shape before requesting feedback.
8. 8. Work on multiple rewrites. With so many writing contests and fellowships occurring year-round, you may feel tempted to submit your script before it’s ready. Refrain from doing so. It may take multiple drafts to get your work to a solid place. Create a rewriting plan focusing on the major areas you need to nail: structure, tone, voice, pacing, and story. Then schedule writing sessions to address each of these areas. Remember that rewriting is a part of the process, and you will most likely write multiple drafts before settling on a final draft.

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