Breaking Down Hulu’s Paradise Pilot by Dan Fogelman: Teleplay Analysis & Screenwriting Lessons
In this episode of The Screenplay Lab podcast, we analyze the pilot teleplay for Paradise, the Emmy-nominated 2025 Hulu series from Dan Fogelman (This Is Us). If you're a screenwriter, TV writer, or filmmaker, this deep dive into modern pilot structure is a must-listen.
What You’ll Learn:
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How to write a pilot twist that actually works
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Dan Fogelman’s use of nonlinear storytelling and emotional payoff
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Setups/payoffs, mechanics, and pacing in a 55-page script
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Crafting dialogue, formatting tips, and white space usage
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Behind-the-scenes: how Paradise became a $15M-per-episode drama
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Genre blending: sci-fi, political thriller, and character-driven drama
We Break Down:
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Script structure
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Use of time jumps, flashbacks, and visual storytelling on the page
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Clues leading to one of the most effective pilot twists in recent TV
Whether you’re writing your first pilot or refining a series bible, this episode offers practical insights from a modern masterpiece in TV writing.
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