Want to stand out in a sea of screenwriters? Follow these six disruptive, counterintuitive rules inspired by Murray Miller’s creative genius—and learn to break the mold.

1. 6 Essential TV Writing Rules from Murray
Miller That Flip the Script
Writing for television is a unique craft—balancing character, plot, pacing, and humor while
keeping audiences hooked week after week. Murray Miller, a celebrated TV writer and producer
known for his work on American Dad! and other hit shows, has a fresh perspective on what truly
works in TV writing. He offers a set of rules that challenge conventional wisdom and encourage
writers to think differently—rules that can flip your storytelling on its head and lead to real
creative breakthroughs.
Here are six essential TV writing rules from Murray Miller that defy tradition but deliver powerful
results.
1. Break the Rules—Intentionally
Murray Miller believes that the best writing often happens when you consciously break the rules.
TV writing guides are filled with rigid structures—three acts, specific plot points, character
arcs—but Miller insists that if you always follow the textbook, your story risks becoming
predictable and bland.
Why it works: Breaking rules with intention forces you to be original. It challenges you to find
new ways to surprise and engage the audience, rather than relying on clichés or formulaic
storytelling.
How to apply it: Take a familiar trope and flip it on its head. For example, what if your “hero”
makes morally questionable decisions? Or your season finale ends on an unexpected note that
doesn’t neatly tie up all storylines?
2. Characters Come First, Plot Follows
Many writers get hung up on complex plots, but Miller stresses that compelling TV starts with
compelling characters. If the audience cares about your characters, they’ll stay engaged no
matter what happens.
Why it works: Strong character motivation drives authentic conflict and keeps the story
grounded. It makes plot twists feel earned rather than arbitrary.
How to apply it: Develop your characters’ desires, fears, and flaws deeply before plotting major
story events. When a plot development challenges a character’s core, the drama feels genuine
and impactful.

2. 3. Use Humor to Reveal Truth
Murray Miller’s background in comedy shows the power of humor as a storytelling tool—not just
for laughs, but to expose emotional truths and social commentary.
Why it works: Humor can disarm audiences and make difficult topics more accessible. It also
adds layers to characters and scenes that might otherwise feel heavy or flat.
How to apply it: Integrate jokes that reveal character traits or subvert expectations. Use satire
or irony to highlight themes without preaching.
4. Embrace Imperfection
TV scripts don’t have to be perfect on the first draft—or even the tenth. Murray Miller
encourages writers to embrace flaws in their drafts as part of the creative process.
Why it works: Perfectionism can stall creativity. Allowing imperfection helps you explore ideas
freely and discover unexpected gems.
How to apply it: Write your first draft quickly without editing. Don’t be afraid to take risks or
make mistakes. Then refine what works best.
5. Write for the Actor, Not Just the Camera
Miller reminds writers that TV is a collaborative medium. Writing with actors in mind—crafting
dialogue and scenes that actors can really bring to life—makes a script more dynamic.
Why it works: When actors feel connected to their roles, they bring nuance and energy that
elevate the material beyond what’s on the page.
How to apply it: Create dialogue that sounds natural, with rhythms and quirks that fit the
character. Consider physicality and emotional beats that actors can explore.
6. Trust the Audience’s Intelligence
TV audiences are smarter than we sometimes give them credit for. Miller advises against
over-explaining or spoon-feeding information.
Why it works: Trusting viewers creates engagement, making them active participants who
piece together clues and invest emotionally.
How to apply it: Use subtext and visual storytelling to convey information. Let your story have
mystery and ambiguity that rewards attentive watching.

3. Final Thoughts
Murray Miller’s six flipped TV writing rules invite writers to step outside the box, focus on deep
character work, use humor meaningfully, embrace imperfection, collaborate with actors, and
respect the audience’s intelligence. By adopting these principles, TV writers can craft stories
that not only entertain but resonate on a deeper level, standing out in today’s crowded media
landscape.
If you want to grow as a TV writer, don’t just stick to the old rules—flip the script like Murray
Miller and find your own unique voice.