Half-Hour Sitcom Screenplay

A simple guide to an iconic format.

Overview

Sit-coms (situation comedies) are short, episodic stories, designed to explore the typically “endearing” flaws and quirks of the show’s main characters, and the madcap mischief they stumble into. The structure is rigid due to its very short 22-minute run time and mandatory ad breaks for broadcast television. Unlike dramatic television, there is typically very little character development between episodes, or even seasons (“no hugging, no learning” indeed). From the cold open to the outro, this screenplay template helps you work easily within one of the most formulaic story structures in television.

Structure

  1. Cold Open

    Quickly introduces the episode's main situation, or an unrelated vignette featuring the humorous dynamic between characters.

  2. Act I

    Introduces something the main characters want and immediately presents an obstacle to getting it. Then shows how the characters plan to overcome that obstacle.

  3. Act II

    Shows repeated attempts at overcoming the obstacle. One of which brings unexpected and undesirable consequences that derails plan.

  1. Act III

    More attempts to overcome the problem lead to deeper, funnier and more absurd trouble. Usually the plan fails but was a fun ride.

  2. Tag

    Shows what long term effects (if any) the situation will have on the characters and returns things back to normal.