By: Joshua Kazemi
You’re a writer with a killer script, looking to finally get into a writers room, but you’re unsure of what your next step should be. Look no further. A tried-and-true method of breaking through the noise with your script is to enter a TV writing lab. These programs are designed by some of the biggest studios in the industry to find writers like you, prepare them for the room, and open the right doors.
So, here’s a handy list of the top TV labs to look out for.
Paramount’s Writers Mentoring Program
Paramount’s program offers eight months of development for emerging writers. It focuses on building relationships, improving essential writing skills, and becoming familiar with the innerworkings of the industry. Writers will also work with executive mentors to develop a new writing sample. For over two decades, the program has launched over a hundred careers, including working showrunners and executive producers. Applications are expected to reopen in April 2026.
Submission requirements include two script samples: one original script and one spec script.
Disney Entertainment Television Writing Program
The goal of this program is specifically to staff writers on Disney scripted shows. While staffing is not guaranteed, the program has a nearly 100% staffing rate each year. Since its creation in 1990, the DET Writing Program has been one of the only initiatives in the industry that employs its writers as paid contracted Disney employees for one year or until they are staffed on a show. Applications will likely reopen in May 2026.
Submission requirements include two original live-action pilot scripts.
Since 2000, Nick’s writers program has offered emerging TV comedy writers a year of full-time, paid development. Chosen writers work from the Nickelodeon studio in Burbank, and attend classes and workshops to hone their skills and build relationships. Applications typically open in the summer, but last year’s submissions were paused. In any case, this program is worth keeping an eye out for when it reopens.
Submission requirements include two writing samples: one spec script from their updated list of accepted shows and one half-hour original comedy pilot.
Participants in this program learn about the television business through master classes on collaborative storytelling with their established showrunners. Writers from the program are put up for staffing opportunities at Warner Brothers at the end of the season. Applications typically reopen in the summer.
Submission requirements include two original pilot scripts in the same genre.
This six-day program offers writers the opportunity to workshop their pilot script and further develop their original series. Writers chosen will work alongside accomplished showrunners, and fellow writers in simulated writers’ rooms. Applications are expected to reopen in late summer/early fall.
Submission requirements include an original pilot script.
This program is highly selective and only accepts 4 writers, of any genre, each season. Writers receive a stipend for three-months of rigorous training, 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. Applications are expected to reopen in October 2026.
Submission requirements include a writing sample: one original episodic pilot script.
Bonus! Shore Scripts TV Writer Mentorship Program
Our 2026 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, development executives, agents and managers, and working TV writers. Last year’s cohort met with Showrunner Beth Schwartz (ARROW, SWEET TOOTH), Peacock exec Duane Luu, had 1-on-1 meetings with TV writers from AVATAR: THE LAST AIR BENDER, YOUNG SHELDON, DEXTER: RESURRECTION, met with reps from Sugar23 and IAG, and more. 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.
Don’t forget to check out these interviews from last year’s Shore Scripts TV Writer Mentorship Program.
Which programs are you planning to apply to this year? Did we miss any?
