I personally think the best ideas for TV shows - at least…
“I personally think the best ideas for TV shows - at least comedies - are very low-fi ideas. High concepts often sell pitches in movies and TV, but, especially in TV when you're talking about hopefully a 100 or 150 episode proposition, those concepts just burn off, and then you're stuck with nothing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Low‑concept, character‑driven ideas sustain long‑run TV series better than high‑concept premises that lose steam.
In simple terms: Simple premises last longer on TV.
Key Takeaway
Character depth beats flashy concepts for serial storytelling.
Themes
writing
TV production
creativity
Mood
pragmatic
optimistic
Type
industry
advice
When to use this quote
- showrunner pitching a sitcom
- developing a 100‑episode drama
- writing a web series
Key Concepts
narrative sustainability
Practical Applications
- focus on strong character arcs
- use high concepts as hooks, not foundations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a high‑concept idea be grounded in character?
- What balance works for your project?