Why Pilots Are Making a Comeback in the Streaming Era

Apr 22, 2026 10:00am PT Why Pilots Are Making a Comeback in the Streaming Era

By Joe Otterson

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Joe Otterson

TV Reporter

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Imagine this: Instead of committing tens of millions of dollars straight away to a full season of a TV show, you film one episode for a few million to see if it’s as good on-screen as it is on the page. If it is, you pick up more episodes. If it’s not, you move on. Sounds crazy, right?

Well, kids, gather round, and let’s reintroduce you to the concept of the “pilot.” The idea of shooting a tester episode before committing to paying for an entire season is back in vogue during these belt-tightening times. And streamers, which once prided themselves on being the anti-networks, are once again taking a cue from the way TV used to be made.

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