written by Ella Henke
If you’re an aspiring screenwriter with a love for TV and an itch to get yourself in a writers room, one of the best ways to get there is by entering TV writing labs and fellowships. Some of the biggest television networks in the US host annual contests that can get you discovered by the industry. Most of these contests are designed to develop their winners so that they’re equipped with the tools to find tangible work and get hired to write on shows.
So, what are the top TV labs to look out for? Keep reading for a breakdown of our 2025 shortlist.
Paramount offers an eight-month development program for writers that focuses on building industry relationships and essential skills, as well as improving writing technique. The program has been running for over two decades and has launched over a hundred careers, some of which are leading showrunners and executive producers working today. Applications reopen in May 2025.
Submission requirements include two script samples: one original script and one spec script.
Disney Entertainment Television Writing Program
Disney’s writing program is designed specifically to staff writers on Disney scripted shows, with a nearly 100% staffing rate each year. Their program writers are *paid* contracted employers of Disney for one year (or until they staff on a show earlier). Alumni include Luke Rakhe (NEW GIRL, IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA) and Dailyn Rodriguez (co-showrunner of Neftlix’s THE LINCOLN LAWYER). Applications for 2025 will likely reopen in May.
Submission requirements include two original pilot scripts capturing your own voice.
NBC’s eight-month program pairs writers with programming executives who mentor them as they write an original pilot. At the end of the program, program writers are considered for writing positions at NBC. Applications are expected to open in June 2025.
Submission requirements include two original pilot scripts capturing your own voice.
Running since the year 2000, Nickelodeon’s writers program is a full-time and paid yearlong development program for television comedy writers. Writers work from the Nickelodeon studio in Burbank, where they attend classes and workshops to hone their skills and build relationships at Nickelodeon. The program typically opens for submissions in the fall.
Submission requirements include two writing samples: one spec script from their list of accepted shows (updated yearly) and one half-hour original comedy pilot.
Fox’s writers program is highly selective, accepting only 4 writers per season. The initiative offers writers a rigorous three-month workshop focused on rewriting their material, honing their skills, and learning about the business. Upon successful completion of the program, writers receive priority in staffing meetings on FOX shows. You can expect applications to reopen in October.
Submission requirements include a writing sample: one original episodic pilot script.
Warner Brothers Discovery Access
Warner Brothers Discovery Access Writers Program invites its participants to learn about the television business from Warner Brothers executives and through master classes on collaborative storytelling with their established showrunners. Writers from the program are often put up for staffing opportunities at Warner Brothers at the end of the season. The program typically accepts applications at the end of the year, around November.
Submission requirements include two original pilot scripts in the same genre (i.e., two drama scripts OR two comedy scripts) between 30 and 65 pages in length.
Bonus! Shore Scripts TV Writer Mentorship Program
Our 2025 TV Writer Mentorship Program is currently open for applications – we accept both one hour and half hour pilot submissions! We’re offering 8 weeks of intensive sessions with showrunners and development executives, including Beth Schwarts (ARROW) and Duane Luu from NBCUniversal, as well as 1-on-1 meetings and support. All winning and finalist scripts are circulated to our extensive Industry Roster based on the writers’ personal goals and what our roster is currently looking for.
Submission requirements include one original pilot script.
Which TV labs are you planning to apply to this year? Did we miss any? Don’t forget to check out this season of our TV Writer Mentorship Program before the regular deadline on April 11th!
Ella is a lover of all things storytelling. When she’s not conducting market research at her part-time job as a movie theatre usher, she’s interning at Shore Scripts or hunched over Final Draft. So far, her scripts tell coming-of-age tales that are seemingly about very little but show seismic shifts in her character’s growing worlds. You can find her at ellahenke.com.
