Who comes up with the episode ideas : the writers or the studio?

Advice from a TV writer/showrunner

I get this question often, but the first time someone asked me I was shocked. I guess it’s a mystery as to what studio executives actually do. (And what writers do for that matter.)

In television, studio executives generally fall into two categories:

Development Executives and Current Executives.

Development Executives

Development Execs hear pitches from writers and producers, then decide if they want to commission a script for a pilot episode. They usually make these decisions based on mandates they get from their bosses.

If the boss decides that crime shows are doing well and they want more crime shows, that’s what they’ll be buying. They’re not going to buy a sci-fi thriller now matter how great everyone thinks it is.

If they commission a script, they’ll work closely with the writer, giving notes to help nudge it in whatever creative direction they think the boss will respond to. If they think the boss doesn’t like wisecracking hookers, they’ll give you that note.

If the show goes to series, the Development Executive will usually relinquish control to a Current Executive. (Current refers to “currently on-air.”)