pilot episode

Meaning

A 'pilot episode' (or simply 'a pilot') is the very first episode of a television series. It is created to test the show's concept, introduce the characters, and see if a television network or streaming service wants to fund and produce a full series.

Examples

• The pilot episode was so successful that the network ordered a full season.

  The pilot episode was so successful that the network ordered a full season.

• Sometimes, the actors in a pilot episode are replaced before the show airs.

  Sometimes, the actors in a pilot episode are replaced before the show airs.

• I watched the pilot episode of that new drama, but it didn't really grab me.

  I watched the pilot episode of that new drama, but it didn't really grab me.

• The budget for a pilot episode is often much higher than for regular episodes.

  The budget for a pilot episode is often much higher than for regular episodes.

• In the pilot episode, we learn how the main characters first met.

  In the pilot episode, we learn how the main characters first met.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I just watched the first episode pilot of the show.

  ✓ I just watched the pilot episode of the show.

  'Pilot' functions as a noun adjunct modifying 'episode,' so it must come first: 'pilot episode' or simply 'the pilot'.

• ✗ They filmed an experimental episode to see if the network liked it.

  ✓ They filmed a pilot episode to see if the network liked it.

  While 'experimental' is descriptive, the established industry and colloquial term for a test episode is 'pilot episode'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The network executives watched the ___ and decided not to buy the show.

  💡 The initial standalone episode used to sell a show.

  Show answer

  pilot episode

• If you want to understand the backstory, you should go back and watch the ___ .

  💡 The very first, introductory episode of a TV series.

  Show answer

  pilot episode