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Comedy Spec Script 2015 – What is hot and what is not

Comedy Spec Script 2015 – What is hot and what is not


UPDATED:
A brand new 2019 list has been posted.
Click here to access it.

Like every year, it is now time to review which TV shows are good to spec, and which are not.
Dedicated posts will be made respectively for the best comedies (half-hour) and the best dramas (one-hour).
As the title says, this post is all about the comedies.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show for educational purposes only.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

NOTE:
Given Warner Bros’ new rules for their fellowship, I have indicated with an asterisk (*) series that they will not accept specs for (mainly first-season series).

Here is a quick recap of how the list works:
The shows are divided into five categories regarding their appeal to readers and how well they are known/read:
– Over-specced (shows that have passed their prime, try to avoid doing them)
– Mainstream (shows that have matured enough that they have become on-the-nose speccers–and a lot of people are speccing them)
– Wild Cards (soon, everyone will spec those, maybe you can get a head start)
– Outsiders (specs that will get you out from the pack)
– Gamblers (risky shows that could pay off, or bomb)

There is also a grade regarding the show’s longevity in relation to its speccability.
Meaning, how long can you keep your spec script fresh without having to throw it in the trash?
To do this, we will use the greatest grading system on Earth; stars:
★★★★★ – Excellent
★★★★★ – Very Good
★★★★★ – Average
★★★★★ – Fair
★★★★★ – Poor

Let’s get started.

Over-Specced

Re-tool your spec if you have one, but you probably shouldn’t bother beginning a new one for these shows.

Archer (FX)
Too popular as a spec for its own good.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – All these changes, man!

The Big Bang Theory/Mike & Molly/Two Broke Girls (CBS)
[Insert laughs.] Longevity: ★★★★★ – They could run forever, but not your spec script.

Bob’s Burgers (FOX)
Not as widespread as others, but it is replaced as the animation spec by fresher fares.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s already renewed, but you’ll be in competition.

Community (Yahoo) *
Really?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Next step: “and a movie”.

Cougar Town/The Middle (TBS/ABC) *
Little shows that could, and did.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Won’t be long now.

House of Lies/Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Once upon a time, when half-hour dramedies weren’t that well represented, they would have been your best choice. They climbed lists and put writers in fellowships.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One is about to end, the other is in its rhythm.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX)
The Gang Picks Another Show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Rewatch that one-shot episode.

The League (FXX)
It was a good off-beat choice. Not so much now. Especially since…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …the last season is upon us.

Louie (FX)
Are you really going to compete with Louis C.K.?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Who knows where the wind will take him.

Modern Family (ABC)
Reliably funny, but picking a show deep in its sixth season isn’t the greatest of ideas.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Will run forever. They’ll renew it every generation.

New Girl (FOX)
People’s must-spec relationship show for the longest time. Has lost its shine in that respect.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Coach! :(

Veep (HBO)
It would be a very strong choice, only if everyone else around didn’t think so last season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New President, new tempo.

Mainstream

The current and new widespread shows in town that are getting read.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX)
Good track record and in its second season. Pretty much everyone’s pick for a strong workplace single-cam to spec. It gets laughs and is the more popular successor of Parks & Rec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Not quite the bestest of ratings, but it already got renewed.

Girls (HBO)
The go-to “not too funny but still half-hour comedy” show out there. Living its last year of mainstream.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Eh.

The Mindy Project (FOX)
Another aging show that is most likely in its last not-over-specced season. Get it while it’s hot.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Strong formula, albeit with some shifts this past year.

Mom (CBS)
The strongest multi-cam in these necks, bar-none.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Renewed.

Silicon Valley (HBO)
Brooklyn is to network what Valley is to cable. A confident, funny comedy in a very unique world.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Not going anywhere.

Wild Cards

Not quite fully widespread but will get there given the chance.

Black-ish/Fresh Off the Boat (ABC) *
Hilarious new comedies injecting some life into the network. Most likely will be mainstream by next year.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Trending upwards.

Broad City/Workaholics (Comedy Central)
A bit of a gamble, but their success is growing.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – You never know with Comedy Central.

The Goldbergs (ABC)
Who doesn’t love the 80s?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Wobblier legs now that the network has found more successful family comedies.

The Last Man on Earth (FOX) *
Not your usual network sitcom, which could also mean it’s a great future pick. Or fall apart in a hot second.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Watch out for the curveball thrown every other episode.

Married/You’re the Worst (FX/FXX)
Edgy and definitely on the verge of becoming very popular (more so than any other FX comedies).
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Fresh renewals and potentially stronger second seasons.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) *
It’s brand new and getting a lot of traction very quickly. Definitely will become a popular spec sooner than later.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Free reign until the new season is released.

Outsiders

The shows (mostly cable) you may be tempted to take a risk on, getting you on top of the reading pile. Beyond that, it depends on the willingness of the reader and his/her knowledge of the show. Who knows, maybe the showrunner is into less popular shows and will value your risk-taking.

Episodes (Showtime)
Caution. Meta humor can be dangerous.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A season or two left.

Man Seeking Woman (FXX) *
A bit of an oddball. Not a pick for the faint of heart.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – And not the greatest numbers.

Bojack Horseman/Rick & Morty (Netflix/Adult Swim) *
Hard to compete with what’s on screen. Their success off screen will make them more popular as specs to write than legitimate contenders.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A lock for the next couple of years.

Gamblers

For one reason or another, these are much riskier specs to do right now. You have been warned.

Childrens’ Hospital/NTSF:SD:SUV (Cartoon Network/Adult Swim) *
A new season, and an absent friend.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – On the verge of disappearing forever.

Cristela (ABC) *
Not quite the same popularity as its other new ABC counterparts.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Risky pick.

The Exes (TV Land) *
Weird choice. Then again…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …the network doesn’t have any alternatives.

2015 Trends

Rough. How one should categorize this past year for comedies.
As predicted, few new series of the previous season survived their freshman year. Networks are desperately trying to freshen up their schedules–unsuccessfully so. A gap in mainstream specs was therefore created: a record-low five series are vying for the spot.
This year’s comedy spec list is almost entirely made of veteran shows or babies, making good shows to spec rarer. We saw the departure of popular shows New Girl and Veep into over-spec territory, with Mindy and Girls standing ground. Mom and The Exes are also the only multi-cam still in play. It doesn’t bode well for the format.
On the bright side, the arrival of successful new comedies, mainly Netflix’s Bojack Horseman/Kimmy Schmidt and ABC’s fresh slate of single-cams, gives hope for the future of specs. Expect a wider variety and more mature choices next year.

Also check out:
TV Writing Fellowships: The Bix Six

Drama Spec Script list

Comedy Spec Script 2014 – What is hot and what is not

Comedy Spec Script 2014 – What is hot and what is not


UPDATED:
A brand new 2019 list has been posted.
Click here to access it.


Like every year, it is now time to review which TV shows are good to spec, and which are not.
Dedicated posts will be made respectively for the best comedies (half-hour) and the best dramas (one-hour).
As the title says, this post is all about the comedies.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show for educational purposes only.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

NOTE:
Given Warner Bros’ new rules for their fellowship, I have indicated with an asterisk (*) series that they will not accept specs for (mainly first-season series).

Here is a quick recap of how the list works:
The shows are divided into five categories regarding their appeal to readers and how well they are known/read:
– Over-specced (shows that have passed their prime, try to avoid doing them)
– Mainstream (shows that have matured enough that they have become on-the-nose speccers–and a lot of people are speccing them)
– Wild Cards (soon, everyone will spec those, maybe you can get a head start)
– Outsiders (specs that will get you out from the pack)
– Gamblers (risky shows that could pay off, or bomb)

There is also a grade regarding the show’s longevity in relation to its speccability.
Meaning, how long can you keep your spec script fresh without having to throw it in the trash?
To do this, we will use the greatest grading system on Earth; stars:
★★★★★ – Excellent
★★★★★ – Very Good
★★★★★ – Average
★★★★★ – Fair
★★★★★ – Poor

Let’s get started.

Over-Specced

Re-tool your spec if you have one, but you probably shouldn’t bother beginning a new one for these shows.

Archer (FXX)
A popular animated spec. Too popular at this point.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – They completely reinvented themselves, which is both a good and bad thing for specs.

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
Seven seasons and counting should be enough to keep you away.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The show isn’t going anywhere, but neither will your spec.

Community (NBC)
Dan Harmon is back, but the field is too crowded with Community specs at this point to be worth your investment.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Six seasons and a movie.

Cougar Town/The Middle (ABC)
A change of network for the former couldn’t have come at a better time. Both series are not that watched, but are surprisingly popular in spec-world.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Decent numbers, I guess.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FXX)
Don’t try to compete in this arena.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New network means new lease on life.

Louie (FX)
Considered by many to be one of the best comedies on TV for so long now, which made it a very popular alternative spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Mo’ seasons, mo’ problems.

Modern Family (ABC)
You could create ten seasons of content with all the Family specs floating around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It will outlast us all.

Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Peaked last year, and is now definitely not the smartest choice.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – They shook things up with the departure of, literally, two major characters. Although it could be a good thing for the show, it isn’t for your spec.

Raising Hope (FOX)
Raising Hope has become very popular as the “small but not too small” comedy to spec. In other words, this will probably its final year before being considered over-specced.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It’s the final countdown.

Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Good lord.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yeah, no.

Wilfred (FXX)
Perhaps once a novel idea for an atypical spec, Wilfred has now become quite popular as a spec contender.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – New season later this year. Will it be the last?

Mainstream

The current and new widespread shows in town that are getting read.

Girls (HBO)
If you want to vent about your first-world problems, you now have the perfect show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Don’t forget the nudity.

House of Lies/Nurse Jackie (Showtime)
Both are well-recognized at this point to be strong contenders.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The real challenge is finding something fresh to talk about.

Mike & Molly (CBS)
Your best bet for an established multi-cam.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Besides the situations having been recycled from every show ever, you may have something.

The Mindy Project (FOX)
As long as you realize you’re not the first person to spec this show…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …you can go ahead and write for this new New Girl.

New Girl (FOX)
Pretty much the dominant single-cam spec for relationship shows.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Plenty of awkward situations to milk.

Shameless (Showtime)
It should be considered a drama given its length, but I’m a rebel.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Showtime ain’t letting this one go.

Suburgatory (ABC)
Slowly taking the place of Raising Hope as the cutesy under-rated family comedy.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Are the ratings any good?

Two Broke Girls (CBS)
Will you be the rebel taking on racist jokes?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It has leveled off.

Veep (HBO)
Iannucci’s quick-fire dialogues are very difficult to mimic, much less surpass. But if you have the chops…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …go for it.

Wild Cards

Not quite fully widespread but will get there given the chance.

Bob’s Burgers (FOX)
The Archer alternative.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Under-rated by most, watched by some.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX) *
The new hit on the block. Clearly a front-runner to be next year’s top spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It is a critics fave, but also has shaky ratings.

The Crazy Ones (CBS) *
A single-cam on CBS?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The timeslot switch may prove problematic.

Mom (CBS) *
If Mom continues on, it will probably end up being the go-to multi-cam to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A strong showing for CBS’ latest multi.

The Neighbors (ABC)
There are better options for single-cams.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Still living off average numbers.

Orange Is The New Black (Netflix)
Another category-ambiguous dramedy which has nonetheless become a hit (or so Netflix says). The question now becomes if you can match the quality.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Season 2 is about to premiere.

Outsiders

The shows (mostly cable) you may be tempted to take a risk on, getting you on top of the reading pile. Beyond that, it depends on the willingness of the reader and his/her knowledge of the show. Who knows, maybe the showrunner is into less popular shows and will value your risk-taking.

Episodes (Showtime)
You never want to go full meta…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …which could be a problem with this show.

The Goldbergs (ABC) *
A freshman series not panned by critics?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Got picked up for a full season, but I’d wait until a renewal.

The League (FXX)
Still overlooked, which means if you nail it with the right reader, you could be noticed.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Getting crazier by the season.

The Millers (CBS) *
A Survivor winner is on the writing staff, so how bad could it be?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Definitely on the hot seat.

Gamblers

For one reason or another, these are much riskier specs to do right now. You have been warned.

Anger Management (FX)
Why?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Only 600 episodes to go.

Childrens’ Hospital/NTSF:SD:SUV/Eagleheart (Cartoon Network/Adult Swim) *
Once again, a very odd and unique choice for shows to spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Good luck predicting where they’re heading to next.

The Exes/Hot In Cleveland (TV Land) *
Can you name five different unrelated people that watch these shows?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Legit/Workaholics (FXX/MTV) *
Starting to gain momentum, but still obscure enough that you’d gamble on people reading it.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Probably not going anywhere.

Men At Work/Sullivan & Son (TBS)
Not widely seen means not widely read.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – TBS doesn’t have many options.

Another record year for the spec list with 42 comedies this time around. To put that into perspective, the WB Writers’ Workshop is only accepting 33 comedies this year.

Critical faves Louie, Modern Family and Parks & Rec have moved away, and Raising Hope was recently canceled, which means it’s time for some new blood.
Despite the departure of these major shows to spec, you can see other hot series becoming increasingly popular; not the least of which is Mindy, very popular ever since it premiered last year. With Archer gone (or at least reinvented), Bob’s Burger has taken its place as the go-to animation spec.
Premium cable still offers a strong showing, with Girls, House of Lies and Veep topping the list.
And let’s not forget Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which is sure to become the hottest “must-spec” freshman series in years.

Click here for the Drama Spec Script list.

Comedy Spec Script 2013 – What is hot and what is not

Comedy Spec Script 2013 – What is hot and what is not


UPDATED:
A brand new 2019 list has been posted.
Click here to access it.

Like every year, it is now time to review which TV shows are good to spec, and which are not.
Dedicated posts will be made respectively for the best comedies (half-hour) and the best dramas (one-hour).
As the title says, this post is all about the comedies.
In addition, you’ll also find (when available) a script for the corresponding show.
Canceled or dead shows have been removed since last season’s spec list.

NOTE:
Given Warner Bros’ new rules for their fellowship, I have indicated with an asterisk (*) series that they will not accept specs for (mainly first-season series).

Here is a quick recap of how the list works:
The shows are divided into five categories regarding their appeal to readers and how well they are known/read:
– Over-specced (shows that have passed their prime, try to avoid doing them)
– Mainstream (shows that have matured enough that they have become on-the-nose speccers–and a lot of people are speccing them)
– Wild Cards (soon, everyone will spec those, maybe you can get a head start)
– Outsiders (specs that will get you out from the pack)
– Gamblers (risky shows that could pay off, or bomb)

There is also a grade regarding the show’s longevity in relation to its speccability.
Meaning, how long can you keep your spec script fresh without having to throw it in the trash?
To do this, we will use the greatest grading system on Earth; stars:
★★★★★ – Excellent
★★★★★ – Very Good
★★★★★ – Average
★★★★★ – Fair
★★★★★ – Poor

Let’s get started.

Over-Specced

Re-tool your spec if you have one, but you probably shouldn’t bother beginning a new one for these shows.

Archer (FX)
It’s surprising to see Archer here, but the truth is that after four years of existence, it’s difficult to see why it should not be.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – FX isn’t giving up this soon.

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
For many years the go-to multi-camera sitcom to spec, Big Bang has seen countless of variants.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – The show’s running jokes have been beaten to a pulp.

Community (NBC)
You could spec this, but why would you?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yes, it got renewed, but who did it not surprise?

How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Season 9 is going off a completely new format…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …and it’ll be the last.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX)
Remember when this show was fresh? I don’t.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Standing on its last leg(s).

Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Really?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Everyone is jumping off-board at this poin

Mainstream

The current and new widespread shows in town that are getting read.

Cougar Town/The Middle (ABC)
A change of network for the former couldn’t have come at a better time. Both series are not that watched, but are surprisingly popular in spec-world.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Good enough numbers.

Louie (FX)
Everyone is dying to make their own Louie spec. But can they be any good?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – [Insert stand-up routine]

Modern Family (ABC)
Its mass appeal can be seen in the spec world.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – 10 seasons and 2 TV movies?

Mike & Molly (CBS)
If you’re looking for an old-school multi-camera, this is the one.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – CBS has a working sitcom. Shocker.

New Girl (FOX)
The frontrunner for any “friends” comedy spec around.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A critical darling on top of being watched.

Parks and Recreation (NBC)
One of the best comedies on TV, and it’s still fresh in its fifth season. What could be better?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Now that The Office is gone, Parks is NBC’s strongest Thursday night show.

Raising Hope (FOX)
An extremely popular spec ever since it premiered, Raising Hope may not set you apart, but it’ll get read.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – A bonafide hit for FOX.

Shameless (Showtime)
When it comes to premium cable comedies, this is a goodie.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – No reason to think Showtime is letting this go.

Suburgatory (ABC)
It’s funny and original.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Be careful with the ratings.

Two Broke Girls (CBS)
If you’re into more edgy racist jokes, then maybe this is the sitcom to pick.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – No decline to be seen.

Wild Cards

Not quite fully widespread but will get there given the chance.

Girls (HBO)
There’s a new kid on the block. And it likes to show its ass.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Yeah, I don’t see this going anywhere.

House of Lies/Nurse Jackie (Sho)
One is taking over the other. Both are surprisingly popular choices.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Growing old.

The Mindy Project (FOX) *
It’s a hit or miss for most, but it’s one of the rare romantic network comedies getting past a first season.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Continuing to build their comedy block, FOX is holding on tight.

The Neighbors (ABC) *
Do you really want to spec a show that has been eviscerated by critics?
Longevity: ★★★★★ – It did get a new season off average numbers.

Veep (HBO)
A political comedy! From Armando Iannucci! Difficult to harness, but if you’re succesful you may hit the jackpot.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Is it that serialized?

Outsiders

The shows (mostly cable) you may be tempted to take a risk on, getting you on top of the reading pile. Beyond that, it depends on the willingness of the reader and his/her knowledge of the show. Who knows, maybe the showrunner is into less popular shows and will value your risk-taking.

Eastbound & Down (HBO)
Still kicking and screaming…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …for one last effort.

The League (FX)
An overlooked charming comedy from FX that could be a good contender for a very atypical spec.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – Pretty formulaic but it works.

Gamblers

For one reason or another, these are much riskier specs to do right now. You have been warned.

Anger Management (FX) *
Nope.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – FX has shot a gazillion episodes.

Childrens’ Hospital/NTSF:SD:SUV (Cartoon Network/Adult Swim)
Not sure why you’d spec 15-minute shows…
Longevity: ★★★★★ – …but they’re growing in popularity.

Legit/Workaholics (FX/MTV) *
Only a handful of spec-readers would watch these show.
Longevity: ★★★★★ – One got super-renewed, the other is helping launch a spin-off network.

A wide variety of choices this year from the comedy landscape, although maybe less than the drama side (for the first time in a while).
With the departure of 30 Rock and The Office, plus the spec semi-retirement of Community and (bound to happen) Archer, the comedy spec market is wide open. The top seats are taken by hot contenders like New Girl and Raising Hope, which were both very popular right off the bat when they premiered.
HBO is able to succesfully compete against Showtime, with the addition of Veep and, yes, Girls. Who knew nudity would sell? On the other end of the spectrum, there are no real changes when it comes to multi-camera sitcoms.
It is known.

Click here for the Drama Spec Script list.