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Pilot episodes have been a staple of television for a long time. They’re typically the opening episode of a series, providing an introduction to the show’s universe and characters. In fact, cable networks have frequently titled the first episode of a series as ‘pilot.’ This practice has made the term ‘Pilot’ the most commonly used episode title for a TV series; just take a look at the debut episodes of shows like Breaking Bad (2008), American Horror Story (2011), and New Girl (2011). However, a show’s first episode isn’t always its pilot. Some pilots never air, while others may be scrapped or remade. So before delving into the term itself, we must ask: What exactly is a pilot, and what purpose does it serve?
What exactly is a pilot episode, and why does it hold such significance in the TV industry?
Pilots are single episodes created to showcase a potential new TV series, serving as a crucial test to determine whether a show will make it to the small screen. Every year, television networks receive a vast number of new show ideas between January and May, a period historically known as ‘pilot season,’ although with the rise of year-round pitching from streaming platforms like Netflix, this schedule may be shifting. The networks then choose which ideas to develop into pilots, or sample episodes. For creators pitching new shows, the pressure is intense. These pilot episodes must be exceptional to convince producers that the show is worth investing in, as that single episode often determines whether the rest of the series will be produced.
Pilots undergo intense scrutiny by network producers. Given that the cost per episode can easily run into millions of dollars, especially with platforms like Netflix, it’s more crucial than ever for producers to have a clear vision of what the shows they’re considering would actually look like. This careful evaluation means that many pilots never make it to the screen. For example, between ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, only 35 comedies and dramas were picked up last season, which marks a decline from previous years.
Turning an idea into a successful TV series is a challenging process, and the pilot episode often plays a critical role in determining a show's fate. In rare instances, though, the pilot may not even be used, yet the show still gets greenlit. One notable example is Game of Thrones, whose original $10 million pilot was completely reshot with several characters recast. This decision ultimately led HBO to approve a $100 million budget for the next 10 episodes. What really matters is that the producers are able to see the creator’s vision come to life.
Why is the first episode of a series called a ‘pilot’?
The true origin of the term ‘pilot’ is unclear, but there are several theories. One suggestion is that pilots are named so because they act as the foundation and guide for the episodes that follow, much like a pilot guides an airplane. Another theory posits that since TV shows are said to ‘air,’ the pilot episode is the one that 'takes off.' An alternative explanation connects the term to the concept of a 'pilot light,' with the episode sparking the larger fire of the series. Some also believe the term may have been borrowed from the scientific field, where 'pilot studies,' 'pilot projects,' or 'pilot experiments' are used to test the feasibility of larger research endeavors.
The word ‘pilot’ finds its etymological roots in the Greek term ‘pēdon,’ which translates to ‘oar.’ This provides some support for the idea that the term was chosen because the pilot episode is intended to steer the direction of the entire show, much like how an oar propels a boat forward.
Today, those in the film industry have developed their own terminology to describe various types of pilots. A ‘premise pilot’ is what most people recognize as the first episode, where the characters and plot are introduced. However, there are also ‘backdoor pilots,’ which are episodes from existing shows that spotlight side characters or storylines to test the potential for a spinoff. Additionally, ‘put pilots’ are those that air with no assurance of being picked up, among others. Since ‘pilot’ can refer to several different types of episodes, industry professionals often refer to a show’s initial episode as the ‘series premiere.’ The term ‘series premiere’ has become even more relevant with the rise of straight-to-series orders, where networks—and particularly streaming platforms—skip the pilot and go straight to commissioning a full TV series.
Despite changes in the industry, pilots continue to play a vital role in television production. These sample episodes serve as a foundation for the series, helping producers assess the potential of a new show. While the exact origins of the term ‘pilot’ in television remain uncertain, it’s easy to infer that it’s connected to the crucial role the episode plays in determining the show’s future.
