A Writer’s Guide to TV Structure
Structuring the One-Hour Drama
Foundations (A, B, C Stories)
Most hour-long dramas weave multiple plotlines together, organized by importance:
- The “A” Story: The main plotline.
- The “B” Story: The second most important plotline.
- The “C” Story: A smaller, tertiary plotline.
The Four-Act Structure (Broadcast)
The traditional template for a one-hour network drama, built around commercial breaks. Each act must end on a cliffhanger2 to keep the audience from changing the channel.
Basic Four-Act Grid
| (T) | ACT I | ACT II | ACT III | ACT IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | ||||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. | ||||
| 4. | ||||
| 5. | ||||
| 6. | ||||
| 7. |
4-Act Structure Breakdown (by Page Count)
| Act | Pages |
|---|---|
| Act 1 | ~17 |
| Act 2 | ~13 |
| Act 3 | ~15 |
| Act 4 | ~15 |
The 5 and 6-Act Structures (Broadcast)
Some networks mandate five or six acts to create more commercial breaks, resulting in a “speeded pace” with shorter acts.
5-Act Structure Breakdown
Each act is roughly equal, about 12 pages.
6-Act Structure Breakdown
Each act is roughly equal, about 10 pages.
The Character-Driven Approach (Streaming)
Instead of building to act-break cliffhangers, shows without commercials often break stories “by character”. The primary concern is keeping you watching the next hour, so the most important cliffhanger is the one at the very end of the episode.
Structuring the Half-Hour Episode
While sharing principles with one-hour dramas, the half-hour comedy (sitcom) has its own distinct, fast-paced structure, typically running about 22-25 pages.
Half-Hour Structure Breakdown
| Section | Pages |
|---|---|
| Teaser | ~2 |
| Act One | ~8 |
| Act Two | ~8 |
| Act Three | ~6 |
| Tag | ~1 |
Act One (approx. 8-10 pages)
This is the setup. The main goal or problem of the A-story is introduced, and the character’s plan to achieve that goal is set in motion. The B-story is also typically introduced here. The act ends on a turning point where the initial plan hits a significant snag.
Act Two (approx. 8-10 pages)
The “muddle in the middle.” The characters try to solve the problem from Act One, but their efforts only make things worse. Complications escalate, new obstacles arise, and plans backfire spectacularly. This act ends at the character’s lowest point, where the situation seems hopeless or has reached maximum chaos.
Act Three (approx. 6-8 pages)
The resolution. The characters make one last, often desperate or unconventional, attempt to fix everything. The A and B stories are resolved, and the characters learn (or fail to learn) a lesson. The climax of the story happens here.
Tag (1 page)
A very short scene after the main story has concluded. The tag is almost always a final joke that provides one last laugh, often calling back to a smaller joke from earlier in the episode. It serves as a fun, conclusive beat before the credits roll.