Episodic Program
Episodic
Program
The upcoming Episodic Lab will take place in May 2026!
The Sundance Institute Episodic Program provides artists with the tools and training to develop their original series and pilot script. Offering one of the few training grounds for independent voices, the program is designed to help creators move their projects and careers forward. Read the latest announcement in Variety.
Meet our most recent cohorts and read more about their supported projects!
“
Our Lab is a destination where bold writers develop expansive worlds and unconventional characters for audiences who crave transformative TV.”
Jandiz Estrada Cardoso
Program Director
Episodic Program Calendar
Submissions for the 2026 Lab open on FilmFreeway October 6, 2025 and close November 9, 2025. The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab is a six-day program that offers writers the opportunity to workshop a pilot script, while developing their writing. Working with accomplished showrunners, Fellows will participate in one-on-one story meetings, craft workshops, and simulated writers’ rooms. Together, these meetings provide an elevated creative strategy for artists to advance their projects. Still have questions about the Episodic Lab? Read our FAQ
Upcoming Events
Location Details
Dates
Virtual One Day Intensive Lab
Online
April 10, 2025
Events
Location Details
Dates
Pitch Parlor
Beverly Hills, CA
Mar 9, 2023
In Person Lab
Pitch Parlor Recap
Featured Projects
P-Valley
Katori Hall, Showrunner
Episodic Lab 2014
When darkness descends upon Chucalissa, errybody and they mama must fight tooth and talon to survive.
Outer Range
The Underground Railroad
Continuum of Support
A unique attribute of Sundance Institute Labs is the high touch mentoring and support our Fellows receive long after the Lab has completed. This allows Fellows to fully realize the potential of their work, hone their skills in a dynamic and supportive environment, and position themselves for the best possible outcomes for their projects. This includes ongoing creative and strategic advice from the Episodic team and Advisors in addition to targeted introductions to agents and managers.
Support for the Sundance Institute Episodic Program
As of November 2025
The Sundance Institute Episodic Program is made possible by Founding Supporters Lyn and Norman Lear and Cindy Harrell Horn and Alan Horn. Leadership Supporters are AMC+, Netflix, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Dunaway Gardens.
Special Thanks to our Episodic Advisory Council: Michelle Ashford, Daniel Chun, Nancy Cotton, Dante DiLoreto, Adamma Ebo, Adanne Ebo, Lee Eisenberg, Rick Famuyiwa, Mike Flynn, Mark Gordon, Patrick Harbinson, Dave Holstein, Marta Kauffman, Alex Kurtzman, Amy Lippman, Chuck Lorre, David Nevins, Erica Rivinoja, Sarah Timberman, and Graham Yost.
