By Dai Jeffcoate
Most TV shows have what’s called a series bible, a document that can be used by the show’s writers for reference regarding characters, the story world and story arcs.
Typically the Series bible begins as a sales document as part of pitching a show to a network or studio and if the show gets green lit it serves to get new writers up to speed with what the story is about, explaining the universe of the story and brief outline of future story plots.
In the case of Sci-fi or fantasy shows the series bible may contain a detailed history of that world as well as details of any various technology and/or magic within the story and the rules involved with them.
As the series progresses the series bible becomes a chronicle of all the character’s histories once they’ve been established on screen. This helps the writers keep the show consistent.
Below are series bibles for The Wire, Batman the Animated Series and Battlestar Galactica. They’re a fascinating glimpse into what goes into creating a TV show.
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