So much has changed in the world of television with the rise and ever-evolving change in writing. “Miniseries,” or “Limited Series,” have surged in popularity. This shift, along with what different networks seek, has been examined by countless writers and bloggers over the last few years about what this means in the writing world.
Even with this, getting a miniseries script, a miniseries “bible,” or multiple scripts for one notice, let alone signed, is difficult. Networks and production companies remain closed mainly off to TV pitches and ideas from writers who haven’t yet cleared that first professional hurdle of securing representation. Regardless, as a result, let’s discuss the rise of mini-series and how it can change how we write.
Still from 'Watchmen' (2019). Photo credit: IMDb
The Mini-Series Investment
Unlike a series that can gradually build an audience over time or span across multiple years, a miniseries gives you just one shot to get it right. It's a massive investment of capital and time; as a writer, it's an enormous commitment of your time and energy. These projects are challenging to write and prominent in every sense.
So, the first question you must ask yourself is, “Does this story need to be a miniseries?” If the answer is yes, you had better be prepared to do the work and figure out how to make it work because you have to tell the story in the format it demands.
But if you're an early-career writer, and your craft isn’t fully honed yet, you might ask yourself, “Can I tell this story as a feature? Could it be a series pilot or a traditional TV or web series? Is there a way to approach it without tackling this enormous beast?”
Before writing a miniseries, ensure you’ve mastered the basics: writing a scene, crafting a compelling act, constructing a full-length movie, and creating a strong hook.
Because if you look at the structure of a miniseries like Chernobyl or True Detective, you’ll realize you’re essentially creating two or three movies’ worth of content, all of which need to tie together into one massive, cohesive script seamlessly. Even though each episode is an hour long, the pacing and structure differ significantly from the typical one-hour TV show.
Large Scope
In today’s market, a miniseries is generally not ideal for a quiet, character-driven story about a chill family who owns a bowling alley. Not to say a miniseries couldn’t be built around such a concept, but it’s exceptionally challenging to pull off. This is because, to justify the investment, people typically expect a miniseries to have an epic scope.
When writing for a limited series, having a strong concept is crucial. Unlike traditional TV shows, limited series have a defined endpoint, so knowing where your story is headed from the start is essential. Your concept should be distinctive, compelling, and capable of sustaining multiple episodes. Take the time to brainstorm and refine your idea before you begin writing carefully.
Mini-Series Writing Tips
Compelling characters are the core of any successful television show, and limited series are no different. Because a limited series has a shorter runtime, creating characters that audiences can connect with and care about is even more crucial. Take the time to flesh out your characters’ backstories, motivations, and flaws. Ensure that each character has a clear arc resolved by the series finale.
Furthermore, having a well-structured story arc is key. Unlike traditional TV shows, limited series are confined to a set number of episodes, so it's essential to know what will happen in each episode and how the story will evolve. Each episode should have its narrative arc, while contributing to the overarching plot.
With a fixed number of episodes and a defined story arc, there’s little room for filler or wandering subplots. While this may initially feel limiting, it can also be liberating. Embrace these limitations to your advantage by crafting a tight, focused story that maintains audience engagement from start to finish.
Lastly, collaboration is essential when writing for a limited series. Unlike traditional TV shows, limited series are often developed as a complete package before production begins, giving writers more influence over the show's direction. Work closely with your showrunner and producers to ensure your vision aligns with theirs, and be open to constructive feedback and suggestions along the way.
Great Examples Of Mini-Series
Chernobyl is a five-part miniseries based on a true story aired on HBO in 2019. It dramatizes the catastrophic disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 and its aftermath. While the event itself is well-documented in history, the series delves deeply into the causes and consequences of the meltdown.
Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson portray real-life figures who risked their lives to mitigate the disaster, all while navigating the Soviet Union’s efforts to cover up the crisis.
The series offers viewers a sobering look at the environmental and human toll of the disaster, as well as its long-lasting effects on the surrounding communities. With its vast scope and meticulous attention to detail, Chernobyl tells an unforgettable story that earned it the Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series.
Based on Walter Tevis’s novel, The Queen's Gambit was adapted into a miniseries in 2020. The gripping story follows Beth Harmon, an orphan who discovers chess and quickly rises to become a prodigy.
The miniseries is a unique coming-of-age tale, balancing Beth's extraordinary chess abilities with her struggles through tragedy, relationships, and mental health. Though her life is full of turmoil, the chessboard remains a source of clarity.
The series makes chess exciting for viewers of all kinds, but Beth’s character arc drives the narrative, making it even more compelling than the game itself. Anya Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Beth earned widespread acclaim, culminating in a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards.
Watchmen was an HBO Max series inspired by the Vertigo comic books. Instead of directly adapting Alan Moore’s iconic graphic novel like Zack Snyder's 2009 Watchmen film, this series serves as a sequel decades after the comic's events.
In this new narrative, the catastrophic event orchestrated by Ozymandias to enforce world peace ultimately led to a society just as rife with hatred and prejudice as before.
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the series intertwines the real-life Tulsa Race Massacre into its plot. A police officer steps into the role of a masked vigilante, working to take down a malevolent organization bent on using Doctor Manhattan to dominate the world. The series masterfully builds on the original story while offering a sharp commentary on contemporary society and subverting typical superhero tropes.