The Town with Matthew Belloni What Streamers Really Want From Their Sitcoms, With a Netflix Showrunner
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Apr 17, 2025 David Stassen, co-creator of Netflix’s ‘Running Point,’ brings over 15 years of experience to discuss the seismic shifts in TV comedy. He reveals how shorter seasons are reshaping writing and pitching in the streaming era. Stassen shares the challenges for comedy writers amid a changing job market and evolving definitions of success. He also touches on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of comedy projects, highlighting the importance of relationships and efficient production strategies. Plus, predictions for an exciting new film project keep the conversation lively!
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Episode Count Decline Impacts Writers
- The biggest change in TV comedy is the reduction in episode orders per season.
- Shorter seasons create more uncertainty and less downtime for writers between gigs.
Netflix Comedy Production Timeline
- Netflix comedy schedules take nearly a year due to extensive post-production like dubbing and subtitles.
- Post-production is a continuous process involving many steps, extending timelines significantly.
Hire Writers Who Deliver Jokes
- When selecting writers, focus on samples that showcase strong joke writing over story breaking skills.
- Prioritize writers who can consistently pitch jokes, supporting the senior writers in the room.