How to Write a Sitcom

Last Updated: June 7, 2022

Inspired by classics like 3rd Rock From The Sun, Seinfeld, Spaced, and Friends? Writing a popular sitcom is a great goal, but there are plenty of factors you need to consider before submitting your finished script. We've got you covered—read on to learn everything you need to know about this unique TV genre, so you can crack the sitcom code and write your own masterpiece.

1

Learn the proper formatting techniques.

Understanding sitcom formatting is key if you plan to make this a career. The easiest way to do this is to get some software that will format what you type into it appropriately (for example, Celtx).^{[1]
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- At the beginning of every scene write where it is, and whether you are indoors or outdoors (Int. = Indoors Ext. = Outdoors).
- Stage directions are written in blocks of text spanning from the margin on the left to the margin on the right.
- Text is in blocks at the middle spanning from the center (imagine the page is split into three equal thirds, you would be writing text in the center).
- Always have characters' names in capitals except within dialogue.

2

Study the sitcoms that are currently on air.

Look at where they come from. The show's nation usually dictates the comedy used. For example, American comedy is mainly slapstick and focuses on what happens to the characters, whereas British comedy is more about what the characters do to each other. Of course, there are many other styles, so just look around and find an amusing balance.^{[2]
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3

Choose your genre and audience.

There are lots of different options to choose from. You can have sci-fi, adventure, or something as simple as the misadventures of two friends (also known as slice-of-life).^{[3]
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4

Plan your characters.

Get a notebook and dedicate a page to a character. Explain how they act and behave, how they talk, and most importantly, why. The characters are the basis of your story.^{[4]
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5

Write a basic plot line in your notepad.

Draft about 15-20 plot points in chronological order. You don't want to write any jokes here, as this comes with the script.^{[5]
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6

Start to write the script.

Get your laptop, computer, book, or whatever you prefer. Type in Courier New, size 12, since this is the industry standard. You want to write about 25 pages (the general rule of thumb is one minute per page).
- This is where you put the jokes in. Make them true to your character and to your style.

7

Read your script thoroughly and revise it.

Look for character consistency and plot holes. Once you have read that, revise it into the second draft. Always save every draft as a different file. This is so that you can read them all through, and if you think the humour starts to slip somewhere, go back to where it started to slip and revise!

8

Write some more scripts.

Always copyright them and don't make any of them public. You'll want about 5 scripts at least at first. Do not let anyone but critics and friends see them. This is to build up a small portfolio and avoid plagiarism.

9

Get an agent.

Search for some agencies and try to get an agent. Look for an agent with a good history and a nice price. This is where your scripts come in, as the agencies will probably want to read some of your work. If they don't, ditch them.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I know if it's going to be successful?

Community Answer

You can never be sure. However, watching other famous sitcoms to see what audiences like and what they don't can help you, as long as you don't copy them.
Question

Gravity Falls is NOT a sitcom. Why do people keep saying it is?

Community Answer

It's a mystery cartoon, but it could be classified as a sitcom under the broadest sense of the term. It is a "situational comedy" - funny situations happen and the characters react to them.
Question

How do I create an address for a house in a sitcom without accidentally replicating a real address?

Community Answer

You can use a fake city or state. Family Guy was set in Quahog, Stranger Things was set in Hawkins, Gravity Falls was set in, well, Gravity Falls. All of them are fake addresses.

Warnings

Do not let anyone see your uncopyrighted works.

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Do not steal anyone's material, whether jokes, lines, or stories!

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