TV Show Pitch Deck (Guide, Templates & 1 Example)

You have a brilliant idea for the next “Peaky Blinders” but unfortunately, nobody buys into it.

The truth is: It’s not them, it’s you (contrary to popular belief and exes telling you). To be more specific, your TV show pitch deck is the real problem. But fear not, as I’m your personal Qui-Gon Jinn and will help you create an epic TV show pitch deck.

Sup. I’m Viktor, a pitch deck expert, creative strategist and burger lover. I’ve been a pitch deck expert for the past 10 years and helped clients raise millions, and win pitches, with my unique approach to creating pitch decks.

I’ve even pitched my own tv show that got rejected by HBO because it was too controversial!

With this guide, you’ll be able to create one too, or use my own template, depending on how fast you need to get funded.

Let’s dive in with the basics.

What is a TV Show Pitch Deck?

A TV show pitch deck is a document used to sell a TV show idea to potential buyers, such as networks or studios. 

A TV series’ ability to go from its initial plan into development and production depends on how well it pitches.

TV show writers must also be able to convey the intention behind their show and create an engaging pitch deck if they want to produce a popular television program and attract investors or collaborators to be interested in their project.

That can be achieved by making a successful pitch deck for the TV show and a catchy presentation of it.

Considering that the year is 2022, the television industry is one of the world’s major ones, and people have a tendency to become easily bored by mediocre content, the tv show has to be developed in a manner that will keep the viewers engaged.

What Does A TV Show Pitch Deck Include?

A well-designed TV series pitch deck typically includes:

• synopsis of the show and the story
• information about the characters
• some plot scenes
• the target audience
• production details
• creative team behind the project.

The pitch deck can also be accompanied by a pilot episode or a treatment (a document outlining the proposed show’s storylines and characters).

What Are The Slides A TV Show Pitch Deck Should Include?

Feel free to use and abuse this 🙂

Title Slide: Comedy TV Series: [Series Name]

Slide 1: Series Overview

• Brief description of the series
• Target audience
• Format (half-hour sitcom, sketch show, etc.)
• Unique selling point

Slide 2: Series Synopsis

• Series premise
• Key characters and their roles
• Setting and time period
• Sample storylines

Slide 3: Target Audience

• Demographics (age, gender, etc.)
• Interests (comedy genres, other shows they enjoy)
• Potential reach (streaming platforms, networks)

Slide 4: Series Format & Structure

• Episode length and structure
• Season length and number of episodes
• Single or multi-camera format
• Traditional or serialized storytelling

Slide 5: Unique Selling Points

• Innovative comedy style or premise
• Diversity and inclusivity
• Strong character-driven storytelling
• Social commentary and relevance

Slide 6: Creative Team

• Showrunner and/or creator(s)
• Key writers and producers
• Potential director(s)
• Any notable talent attached

Slide 7: Cast

• Main cast members
• Brief character descriptions
• Previous work and experience

Slide 8: Production Budget & Timeline

• Estimated production budget
• Key milestones (pre-production, production, post-production)
• Target release date

Slide 9: Distribution Strategy

• Preferred networks or streaming platforms
• Syndication potential
• International distribution

Slide 10: Marketing & Promotion

• Social media campaigns
• Traditional advertising (TV, print, radio)
• Publicity events and press tours
• Cross-promotions and partnerships

Slide 11: Revenue Streams

• Advertising revenue
• Subscription fees (streaming platforms)
• Syndication and distribution deals
• Merchandising and licensing opportunities

Slide 12: Success Metrics

• Ratings and viewership goals
• Awards and critical acclaim
• Social media engagement
• Fan community growth

Slide 13: Conclusion

• Recap of key selling points
• Call to action (e.g., requesting a pilot order, greenlighting the series)
• Contact information for follow-up

How To Make a Pitch Deck For a TV Show?

To make a pitch deck for a TV show, you’ll need to include the basics first. That’s information about the producer, the show’s premise, the cast, and the crew.

You’ll also need to create a visually appealing presentation that includes visuals, such as photos and videos from the show.

The trick is to use storytelling that will convince investors or distributors that your show is worth investing in. This means that you should demonstrate that your deck has personality and style.

So don’t be afraid to express your art and creativity, feel free to play with different graphic design tools, platforms, edits, text, tone, colors, etc.

This will help the investors and tv execs learn more about your potential and connect with you and your project.

How Do You Make a TV Show Pitch Deck Stand Out?

To make a TV show pitch deck stand out, you need to have a strong concept that is unique and fresh. Your deck needs to be well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing.

Additionally, you need to be able to articulate your vision for the show and what sets it apart from other programs.

There is no one rule to articulate your vision, but answering the following questions should help you achieve that:

• What are the key elements that make your show different from the competition and all the others out there?
• What is the one thing that will make viewers want to tune in week after week?

Once you identify what sets your show apart, make sure to find a way to communicate that in a way that is both clear and engaging. To help you improve your narrative, check this selection on the best books for pitching. The authors have won billions in $ thanks to their ability to create stories when pitching and are sharing their methods with you.

I advise you to design it in a well-structured format so it’s not very time-consuming, yet it pictures everything that needs to be said.

Ultimately, the best type of pitch decks are those that can tell a compelling story about the show while also providing enough information about the concept, story and, characters to pique the interest of buyers.

TV Show Pitch Deck Example

There’s only one deck that stands out here. It’s not your clasicall deck because it’s more like a mini story packed up in a book but it’s one of the best and it was made into a super succesfull TV Show series.

Check out the Stranger Things Pitch Deck

Tv Show Pitch Deck Examples To Inspire You

I might be a pitch deck expert but sometimes I can muster up my inner writer to come up with some OK ideas too!

“Culinary Destinations” – A Travel and Cooking Reality Show

• Logline: A world-renowned chef explores hidden culinary gems in the farthest corners of the world, learning local recipes, customs, and traditions to recreate them in his home kitchen.
• Format: Each episode takes place in a new country or region, focusing on local cuisine and culture. The host interacts with local chefs, families, and food vendors to learn traditional cooking methods.
• Audience: Food enthusiasts, travel lovers, cultural explorers, aged 18-49.
• Unique Selling Point: A rare fusion of travel and cooking, offering viewers an exciting way to explore the world through their taste buds.
• Estimated Budget: Includes travel, production, and culinary expenses.
• Potential Partnerships: Travel agencies, airlines, culinary brands.

“Tech Titans” – A Dramatic Biopic Series

• Logline: A dramatic retelling of the stories behind the world’s biggest tech moguls, their companies, and how their innovations have shaped our society.
• Format: Anthology series, with each season focused on a different tech figure, such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, or Elon Musk.
• Audience: Tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and business-focused individuals, aged 18-49.
• Unique Selling Point: Humanizes well-known tech figures, explores the tech industry’s impact on society.
• Estimated Budget: Includes production, casting, and licensing expenses.
• Potential Partnerships: Tech companies, business schools, and entrepreneur networks.

“Climate Heroes” – A Documentary Series

• Logline: Highlighting the unsung heroes fighting against climate change in diverse ways, from inventing new technologies to lobbying for policy change.
• Format: Each episode focuses on a different individual or group’s efforts to combat climate change.
• Audience: Environmentally conscious viewers, activists, students, and educators, aged 13 and up.
• Unique Selling Point: Inspiring stories of environmental activism, practical information on combating climate change.
• Estimated Budget: Includes travel, production, and research expenses.
• Potential Partnerships: Environmental NGOs, renewable energy companies, educational institutions.

“Alien Architects” – A Sci-Fi Drama Series

• Logline: In a future where humans have colonized multiple planets, a group of architects face the challenge of designing and building in alien environments.
• Format: Serial drama with a central story arc running through the season.
• Audience: Sci-fi fans, architects, and creatives, aged 16-49.
• Unique Selling Point: A unique blend of science fiction and architectural design challenges.
• Estimated Budget: Includes set design, visual effects, production, and casting expenses.
• Potential Partnerships: Architecture firms, science and technology companies, sci-fi publications.

“Parallel Lives” – A Romantic Comedy Series

• Logline: Two soulmates live parallel lives in different cities, their paths almost crossing, until fate finally brings them together.
• Format: Sitcom format with a mix of episodic and overarching romantic storylines.
• Audience: Romance and comedy lovers, aged 18-49.
• Unique Selling Point: Innovative storytelling style with parallel narratives, feel-good romance, and humor.
• Estimated Budget: Includes production, casting, and location expenses.
• Potential Partnerships: Dating apps, fashion brands, and lifestyle brands.

TV Series Writers Also Ask

What’s the difference between a tv show pitch deck and a film pitch deck?

The main difference is that you’re pitching a tv show in the former, and a film in the latter. Sometimes even the audience might be considered a difference simply because some production studios do only films, whereas others do just tv shows, so the execs are going to be different.

What’s the difference between a tv show pitch deck and a TV pitch deck?

The main difference is that you’re pitching a tv show in the former, and a general TV production in the latter.

Grab Your TV Show Pitch Deck Template

If you’re pitching a TV show, you need a strong pitch deck to grab the attention of buyers and investors.

The good news is you don’t have to make decks from scratch. Creating an effective TV show deck is all about knowing what slides to include. You can find tons of templates on sites like Canva, Slidesgo and Google Slides, but none of them will align with the brand you represent.

What will happen is you’ll need to spend hours adjusting these templates to fit your brand guidelines. 

There’s a better way.

My clients have used my written template to craft a stellar TV show pitch decks in half the time and designed a deck that secured their new TV show some air time.

Also, a template needs to look good. That’s why I tell my clients to use Decktopus, a super intuitive pitch deck creation platform (like Canva but better). They have a lifetime offer that you can’t miss out on.

My Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, what matters is how genuine and interesting the tv show idea is. Investors will usually buy into ideas that have audience potential, and have been tried and tested before. You might encounter friction if your TV show idea is a bit off the usual investment portfolio of the company you’re pitching it to. But then again, think how shows like Peaky Blinders, American Gods and others made it. They were novel by themselves, completely different than other shows, and still made it on TV.

For more details about creating and structuring the ideal and effective TV Show deck, feel free to check out the main page. I got tips, tricks, mistakes and more for you to use and abuse! Or visit my pitch deck service page for more info.

You got this!

More Resources For You

Check my cornerstone guide on pitch decks that helped my clients win more than 4,000,000$ in funding:

Startup Pitch Deck Guide: How To Create A Pitch Deck For Investors (Template Incl)

You’ll learn how to create a pitch deck by following my bulletproof step-by-step guide that helped my clients get $4+mill in funding. It includes:

• How to build the slides (including elevator pitch slide, financials slide, and more)
• Startup pitch deck examples
• What investors need to see
• What a pitch deck needs to be
• What a pitch deck can’t be
• Tips and tricks when creating a pitch presentation

Also, check out these resources on pitch decks:

• What Is A Film Pitch Deck?
• What is an Investor Pitch Deck?
• Marketing Pitch Deck
• Consulting Pitch Deck
• Nonprofit Pitch Deck Guide
• Game Pitch Deck: What Is It?
• Podcast Pitch Deck
• 10 best books for pitching
• Best Presentation Books
• Pitch Deck Mistakes
• Cannabis Pitch Deck
• Crypto Pitch Deck
• Documentary Pitch Deck
• Social Media Pitch Deck
• SaaS Pitch Deck
• Biotech Pitch Deck Guide
• Medical Pitch Deck Guide
• Ecommerce Pitch Deck
• https://viktori.co/edtech-pitch-deck-guide-template-examples/
• https://viktori.co/telecom-pitch-deck-guide-template-included/

If you want to learn how to create just a pitch, check out some of these resources:

• How to create a business pitch
• What is an advertising pitch
• How to create an advertising pitch
• What is a campaign pitch
• How to create a campaign pitch
• What is an agency pitch
• How to create an agency pitch
• What is a startup pitch
• How to create a startup pitch