What is a Series Order?

A series order is a formal commitment by a network, streamer, or distributor to produce and air a television series. This could range from a handful of episodes (a limited series or a mid-season pickup) to a full 22-episode season or even multiple seasons in advance.

In most cases, a series order follows a successful pilot presentation or script evaluation. It’s the greenlight moment that every creator and producer hopes for.

Types of Series Orders

There are multiple types of series orders, each carrying different levels of commitment:

• Pilot-to-Series Order: Based on pilot performance.
• Straight-to-Series Order: No pilot required; full season commitment upfront.
• Backdoor Pilots: A standalone episode of an existing show introducing a spin-off.
• Limited Series Order: A fixed number of episodes, often for prestige or anthology storytelling.
• Midseason Replacement: Ordered for a later slot in the broadcast calendar.
• Presentation Orders: Shorter versions of pilots for testing purposes.

How the Pilot System Works

The traditional pilot system is often the proving ground for new series concepts. Here’s how it works:

• A script is commissioned
• A pilot episode is produced
• The pilot is tested internally or with focus groups
• Executives assess performance, market fit, and production viability

If everything clicks, the network issues a series order. In today’s streaming world, however, pilot testing is often replaced by data analytics and script evaluations.

Factors That Influence a Series Order

Getting a series order isn’t just about a good script—it’s a complex decision influenced by:

• Viewer demographics and audience targeting
• Cost-to-return analysis
• Casting and director power
• Market trends and genre gaps
• Production location incentives and logistics
• Availability of financing and co-producers
• Competitive intelligence—what others are producing

Key Players in a Series Order

The decision to greenlight a series involves multiple stakeholders:

• Commissioning Editors & Programming Heads
• Development Executives
• Financing Partners & Production Studios
• Distribution Heads & Acquisition Teams
• Showrunners & Lead Producers

These players collaborate, negotiate, and ultimately drive the decision-making process.

How Series Orders Impact the Supply Chain

A series order sets off a cascade across the entertainment supply-chain:

• Production houses get activated
• Service vendors (Post, VFX, Localization) begin mobilizing
• Casting agencies and talent reps swing into action
• Distribution teams start prepping marketing and sales materials
• Rights and licensing negotiations begin early

Understanding this ripple effect is crucial for any stakeholder wanting to plug into the supply-chain early.