
Stage 32 TV Comedy Screenwriting Contest
Enter Now
About
Ever dreamt of seeing your TV Comedy script come to life and stream on flat-screens in living rooms across the country? This is your chance to turn that dream into reality!
Our Grand Prize Winner will win a Career Accelerator prize package valued at $5,000 that includes script & career development, writer branding and an education package and will be flown to LA to meet industry professionals who’ve worked on iconic TV shows like CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, MONK, BOJACK HORSEMAN, TED LASSO, PEN15, RAMY, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, and many more!
Our Finalists will receive a Career Momentum prize package valued at $2,500, including Career Development, a Writer Branding Workshop and an Education package, and will have your logline featured in a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 500+ top entertainment industry executives, giving your work unparalleled exposure!
But that’s not all! Everyone who makes the Semi-Finals will receive a Career Breakthrough prize package valued at $1,000, our Quarterfinalists will receive a Career Elevation prize package valued at $500, and all Entrants will get a prize package valued at $100!
Open to Live Action and Animated TV Pilot Scripts!
Comedy TV is a staple of entertainment that brings us together through laughter. From the relatable family adventures of MODERN FAMILY, to the totally cringe and spastic outbursts of IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, to the witty quips and eyebrow raises of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, audiences can’t get enough exciting comedic storytelling. This year alone, beloved TV series like HACKS and THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES have brought us delightfully funny new seasons, while new shows like THE STUDIO and DELI BOYS are taking couch potatoes by storm. The appetite for amazing TV shows is insatiable, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!
We’re on the lookout for all types of TV Comedy scripts! Classic family sitcoms? Witty, goofy character driven stories? Buddy comedy adventures? Adult animated laugh riots? Genre-twisting dramedies with unique points of view? The next legendary comedy star vehicle? We want to see it all!
We’re looking for TV pilot scripts like:
THE STUDIO, TED LASSO, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, PEN15, RAMY, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, BOJACK HORSEMAN, BIG MOUTH, FAMILY GUY, THE SIMPSONS, THE GOLDBERGS, 2 BROKE GIRLS, INSECURE, TWO AND A HALF MEN, FLEABAG, 30 ROCK, THE OFFICE, PARKS N REC, GIRLS, FRASIER, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY, MYTHIC QUEST, and more!
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’re hungry for fresh, unique, and vibrant original comedy TV ideas that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats!
For over a decade, Stage 32 Contests have been a launchpad for success stories. We’ve helped writers land representation, secure options, and get produced. Now, it’s your turn. If you’ve got a one-of-a-kind TV show burning inside you, this is your moment to shine. Let us help take your writing career to the next level!
Prices & Deadlines
Apr 30th
Extended
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May 14th
Early Bird
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Jun 4th
Regular
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Jun 25th
Final
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Submission
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$84.50
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$59.50
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$69.50
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$79.50
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Submission+Coverage+Resubmission
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$183.50
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$158.50
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$168.50
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$178.50
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Benefits
As always, our Grand Prize Winner will:
- -- Be flown to LA to meet with top industry pros like who have worked on projects like CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, MONK, BOJACK HORSEMAN, TED LASSO, PEN15, RAMY, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, and more!
- -- Work with Stage 32 to develop all the materials on your winning script!
- -- Have your script logline and bio sent to our exclusive roster of agents and managers actively seeking new talent.
- -- Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, gaining access to over 3,000 hours of educational content and networking with industry heavyweights.
Who Are The Judges?
-- Alan Zweibel, Producer, Silly Robin Productions (CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, MONK, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE)- -- Rachel Allen, Literary Manager, Evoke Entertainment (client credits incl. BOJACK HORSEMAN, BIG MOUTH)
- -- Bridget Illing, Creative Executive & TV Producer (PEN15, RAMY, HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING)
- -- Jake Martin, Director of Scripted Development, Happy Place (FREELANCE, AMERICAN DREAM: THE 21 SAVAGE STORY)
-- Korin Williams, Producer & Manager, Kronicle Media (client credits include THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THE WONDER YEARS reboot) - -- Shelby White, Producer, Peculiar Pictures (TED LASSO, MYTHIC QUEST)
- -- Lisa Ramón, Manager Scripted Television, Hyphenate Media (THE BEAR, FLEISCHMAN IS IN TROUBLE)
Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 12 years and emerged as the leading source for industry executives to uncover new talent! Is this your year to move the needle on your career?
Last year's winner, Matt Hyams gained massive traction on his winning script ON THE LINE and are currently taking a full slate of meetings in LA with managers and producers from SONY, The Cartel, Fourth Wall, Semiformal Productions, Cinemand, and Joke Zero -- all actively working on and looking for television comedy content.
3rd Annual TV Writing Winner Diana Wright was signed to The Cartel and Abrams Artists Agency!Past winners, like Anthony Guidubaldi & Keith Strausbaugh (MARATHON, 2021), were flown to LA and sent on a whirlwind of meetings with executives and production companies resulting in:
- Amasia Entertainment requested their horror comedy script and a mockumentary they produced.
- Lionsgate's LOL Network requested their animation pilot and asked for a sketch packet.
- Big Beach Films requested their short film Baby Grand.
- Panay Films went into development on a spec pilot written by Keith & Anthony!
What Are You Waiting For? Submit Now!
Stage 32 has launched the careers of countless writers, helping them secure representation, land paid gigs, and see their scripts come to life. Could this be the year your career takes off? Our previous winners have gone on to work with major studios, sign with top managers, and see their films produced.
TV Comedy is bigger and better than ever, and we’re here to make sure your script rises to the top. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be discovered—enter now and let us champion your story!
- Amasia Entertainment requested their horror comedy script and a mockumentary they produced.
Jury

Alan Zweibel
Writer & Producer
Silly Robin Productions
Alan Zweibel is a legendary TV comedy writer and prolific producer with a career spanning over 50 years in Hollywood. Alan was one of the original writers on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and wrote on the show for over a decade working closely with iconic comedy talents, such as John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, and Gilda Ratner. Zweibel has won five Emmy Awards and two Writers Guild of America Awards for his work in television, which includes IT'S GARRY SHANDLING'S SHOW (as a co-creator and producer) and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (as a writer and producer). He also wrote an episode of MONK. Recently, Zweibel co-wrote and co-produced HERE TODAY (2021) with Billy Crystal (who also directed and starred alongside Tiffany Haddish), and was the co-writer for DRAGNET, THE STORY OF US, and NORTH. He can be seen in the documentary THE LAST LAUGH about humor and the Holocaust; Judd Apatow's THE ZEN DIARIES OF GARRY SHANDLING (HBO); GILBERT, a documentary about the life of Gilbert Gottfried; and LOVE, GILDA, the Emmy-nominated CNN documentary for which he also served as executive producer.

Rachel Allen
Manager/Producer
Evoke Entertainment
Rachel Allen is a Creative Producer and Manager at Evoke Entertainment, helping represent writers, directors, and artists across animation & live-action. She has relationships with execs at Apple, Hulu, Netflix, Sony Animation, Disney Live-Action & Animation, Warner Bros Animation, Illumination & more. Rachel produced a proof of concept short for the doc-series “FROM SOIL TO SOUL”, which is currently screening & in early development. She’s also co-producing a dark fantasy/horror feature which will be shot in Italy later this year. She began her career at FCB Health in NYC, then pivoted to LA where she worked her way up as a video producer across film, TV, theater, and live events. She co-created Z Frame with notable credits including doc-series AMEND: THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA (Westbrook/Netflix), features MAINSTREAM (Gia Coppola), PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (Emerald Fennell), and VENOM (Ruben Fleischer). She is also the founding producer of the live comedy show BIPOCalypse, dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ comedians – which garnered a spot in Netflix Is A Joke Fest. She recently Rachel’s work spans genres and forms, with the connective link of affecting positive social change — especially relating to diversity, environmental consciousness, community-building, and mental health — while being as entertaining as possible to reach a broad audience. Influenced by her mixed Latine and queer identities, she’s dedicated to producing media that reveals and uplifts underrepresented communities, ideas, and norms.

Bridget Illing
Creative Executive & TV Producer
Hulu
Bridget Illing is an experienced Development Executive and as a Manager of Comedy Development at Hulu she served as a lead executive on HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, UP HERE, and REBOOT, and oversaw a slate of high school comedy films with American High (THE BINGE, CRUSH, PLAN B). She also oversaw Hulu projects she collaborated on including PEN15, RAMY, PAM & TOMMY and ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, among many others. She began her entertainment career at Tim & Eric’s Abso Lutely Productions, working on shows such as THE ERIC ANDRE SHOW, CHECK IT OUT, and MAGIC FOR HUMANS, and served as Nathan Fielder’s assistant for the final season of NATHAN FOR YOU. Her passion for storytelling with a deep understanding of industry trends have been key to identifying promising pitches & scripts.

Jake Martin
Head of Scripted Development
Happy Place Productions
Jake Martin is the Head of Scripted Development for Happy Place Productions which produces Film and TV for Apple+, Amazon, Netflix, and more. Happy Place added Jake Martin to the executive team to lead the expansion into film and television and find new and unique projects they can produce, which was announced in Deadline.They moved to a new two-acre North Hollywood campus with soundstages, post-production capabilities and casting facilities for their company. They have also recently joined forces with powerhouse agency Paradigm which was featured in Deadline to assist in putting together productions. Recently they announced the feature drama LAST MEALS starring Samuel Jackman and Boyd Holbrook which was featured in Deadline. The company began as an award-winning full-service production company that produced projects for Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Rihanna, Travis Scott, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, and Tyler The Creator. Prior to his role at Happy Place, Jake has had a prolific career - working as the Creative Executive for Director James Gunn (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY franchise), Guillermo del Toro, and as Pierre Morel’s creative executive during the filming of PEPPERMINT starring Jennifer Garner. He also served as the Director of Development for Sentient Pictures International, developing, packaging, and selling TV/Film including FREELANCE, directed by Pierre Morel and starring John Cena and Alison Brie.

Korin Williams
Producer/Manager
Kronicle Media
Korin D. Williams is an award-winning Producer and Manager at Kronicle Media (BEING MARY JANES, ROOTS), a leading production and literary management company she co-founded in 2017 with Monique Nash. Williams represents some of the most promising diverse voices in television and film through Kronicle Media’s management division. Her clients have worked on hit shows like A MILLION LITTLE THINGS (ABC), THE WONDER YEARS (ABC), THE NEIGHBORHOOD (CBS), and FBI MOST WANTED (CBS), as well as projects for studios and networks including Sony/Tristar, Paramount, Lifetime, Hallmark, and Netflix. Williams is at the helm of multiple high-profile projects currently in development. These include a drama series for Peacock inspired by the creation of the iconic Black women’s magazine, Essence; a romantic comedy for Netflix. Korin is also at the helm of a series adaptation of the book SHAKESPEARE'S CONSPIRATOR, which centers on the life of Emilia Bassano Lanier, a biracial woman believed by many to be the mysterious "Dark Lady" of Shakespeare's sonnets and written by Tom Fontana (OZ) and Gabrielle Fulton-Ponder for Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, this project is a prime example of Williams' commitment to bringing diverse stories to the forefront. Additionally, she is developing a family drama series based on the women behind the Bill Pickett Invitation Rodeo, the pioneering all-Black rodeo. Williams executive produced UNTHINKABLY GOOD THINGS, Crown Media’s debut film under its Mahogany banner in partnership with ITV Studios’ Cattleya Productions. The film, starring Karen Pitman, Erica Ash, Joyful Drake, and Lance Gross, and won a Gracie Award for Best Movie for Television. Williams' track record for creating successful franchises is exemplified by her work on SINGLE BLACK FEMALE for Lifetime, the success of the film led to a sequel and a third installment. She also created the highly successful and popular MERRY LIDDLE CHRISTMAS franchise delivering record-breaking ratings for Lifetime. Before founding Kronicle Media, Williams served as Head of Television for Will Packer Productions, where she spearheaded the company’s television division and secured three series orders in her first year. Her tenure at WPP included an Emmy® nomination for her work as Co-Executive Producer on the critically acclaimed ROOTS miniseries for History Channel, Lifetime, and A+E Networks, as well as producing notable series like UNCLE BUCK (ABC) and TRUTH BE TOLD (NBC). Williams’ career began at Creative Artists Agency and later included key positions as Director of Drama Development at Warner Bros. Television Studios and Manager at Universal Cable Productions, where she contributed to the development of hits such as FAIRLY LEGAL, MONK and LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT. Her leadership continues to shape the future of the entertainment industry, inspiring the next generation of diverse storytellers and creators. Under Williams' visionary leadership, Kronicle Media has become a powerful force in the entertainment industry, committed to producing content for and about women from diverse perspectives while championing inclusion and representation, both in front of and behind the camera.

Shelby White
Producer
Peculiar Pictures
Shelby White is a Producer at Peculiar Pictures, where she is independently developing and producing projects across Film and Television. Shelby has built strong relationships across the industry, with representation ties to WME, CAA, UTA, Paradigm, and Range Media Partners, as well as connections with key buyers and networks including HBO, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, UCP, A24, AMC, and Showtime. Shelby spent nearly seven years at prolific production company Fifth Season (SEVERANCE, TED LASSO, SILO, MYTHIC QUEST) where she was the Director of Development & Production (TV). During her tenure, she developed projects with networks such as HBO, Netflix, Starz, BET+, and Hulu/Onyx. She began her career at WME in TV Scripted working with Jonny Gutman who is now an agent at Paradigm.

Lisa Ramón
Development Executive
Formerly at Picturestart, FX, CBS
For nearly a decade, Lisa Ramón has worked in producing and development with some of the industry's top companies including Picturestart, FX, CBS, and CAA. While serving as a creative executive at Picturestart, she played a pivotal role in evaluating and sourcing new IP for the television slate. Lisa successfully optioned books by renowned New York Times best selling authors, including Taylor Jenkins Reid and Amina Ahktar. She further honed her ability to analyze creative materials, evaluate project potential, and offer constructive but direct feedback as well as demonstrated a keen awareness of market trends and acquired an in-depth understanding of the industry's competitive marketplace. Prior to her role at Picturestart, Lisa served as the assistant to the Chairman and President of FX. In this position, she liaised with top talent, provided creative feedback on projects in production and development, and evaluated incoming submissions for potential development. With her experience, Lisa aims to help writers further develop their stories in order to successfully get them sold. Additionally, she looks for bold original ideas from underrepresented voices and is drawn to female-driven soaps as well as genre-bending left-of-center thrillers.

Stevenson Green
Creative Executive & TV Producer
Senior Content Executive at OutTV USA
Stevenson Greene is a creative executive and a producer who has produced over two dozen films and television shows. He was the Senior Content Executive at OutTV USA and has built a significant career in the entertainment industry, particularly in the LGBTQ+ content space. He has extensive experience in content development and production, acquisitions and co-productions, having held leadership roles at OutTV USA, Producer Entertainment Group and Viacom/Paramount Global. His work spans a wide range of genres, from scripted comedy and drama to unscripted and documentaries. In the scripted space, Stevenson has worked on such titles as NOAH'S ARC, BANANA, EXES & OHS, and SORDID LIVES for Logo, as well as CUCUMBER for Channel 4 and OFF SHOT for OutTV, among others. At OutTV, he was involved in producing a slate of successful and innovative projects for the network, including “NUBIA AMPLIFIED”, “THE SHERRY VINE VARIETY SHOW”, “DRAG HOUSE RULES”, “BEHIND THE DRAG PAGEANT OF THE YEAR”, and “FOR THE LOVE OF DILFs”—a hit program that became one of OutTV’s highest-rated shows. His role required him to work closely with writers, producers, and agents to identify and develop projects that fit the network’s mission of offering authentic and inclusive LGBTQ+ programming. Stevenson had a prominent tenure at Viacom/Paramount Global, where he served as Director of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, overseeing content for MTV, BET, Nickelodeon, Pluto, and Paramount+. He was also the Director of Original Programming for the LGBTQ+ network, Logo, where he executive produced high-profile programs like ”FINDING PRINCE CHARMING” and “FOOD TO GET YOU LAID”. His deep involvement in LGBTQ+ media continued through his work on culturally significant programs like “RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE”, and “THE A-LIST: NEW YORK”. Stevenson’s career also includes time spent at literary agencies such as Innovative Artists and IAG (formerly APA), where he developed key relationships in the industry that continue to help him discover new talent and projects. He maintains strong ties with agencies and management firms such as CAA, UTA, IAG, WME, Avalon and Anonymous Content; as well as production companies like Bunim Murray, Den of Thieves, World of Wonder, Critical Content, ITV, IPC, Kingdom Reign, Brian Graden Media, 32 Flavors, Evolution, Fremantle, Endemol, Lionsgate, Roku, Paramount+, Warner Brothers, Peacock/NBCU, MTV, Vh1, BET, Paramount Network, Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, and Meta.

Jon Stahl
Writer & TV Producer
Works with HBO, Bento Box Entertainment, Fox, Nickelodeon
Jon Stahl is an experienced Writer, Producer, and Script Coordinator, who has written on series such as VEEP for HBO, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale and Anna Chlumsky, and created by Armando Iannucci (THE DEATH OF STALIN, "The Thick of It"). Jon began his career in production, working on projects like YOUNG ADULT, "The Big C", and "Maron". In 2013, he produced Season 1 of the Emmy-nominated series "Eastsiders", before getting his first high-profile writers’ room position on the NBC network sitcom Mr. Robinson with Universal Television. Jon went on to work in the writers' room at Nickelodeon on "Game Shakers" before his current role at HBO, where he works alongside some of the best writers in television comedy. Jon went on to work as a Script Coordinator on Seasons 1-3 of the Fox Primetime Animated Comedy Series "HouseBroken", where he developed workflow for writers to break stories, write & submit drafts, and address notes. Jon grew up with a deep sense of admiration for well-written television. Shows like "Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons" painted his perception of what a great comedy could be, and impressed on him an irreverent, madcap style that shines through in his own work. Having worked in rooms on some of TV's biggest and best comedies, he is an invaluable resource for what it takes.
Announcements
Rules
ENTRANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Void where prohibited by law.
This Stage 32 Contest is an international contest. Must be 18 years or older to submit.
Entrant agrees to Stage32.com terms and conditions.
This Stage 32 Contest is not a game of chance. All material is read and reviewed by industry professionals.
All quarterfinalists, semi-finalists, finalists and winners are subjectively determined by our judges.
There is no limit to the number of screenplays an Entrant can enter. The same screenplay cannot be submitted multiple times under different names. If so, you will be disqualified.
Entrant must not be an immediate family member or friend of any of the judges or their respective companies.
Entrant acknowledges that because of the judges' and mentors' position in the entertainment industry they receive numerous submissions of ideas, formats, stories, suggestions and the like and that many such submissions heretofore or hereafter received by them are similar to or identical to those developed by them or their employees or, if an agent, are otherwise available to them.
Entrant acknowledges that they will not be entitled to any compensation because of the use by judges or mentors of any such similar material.
Entrant acknowledges that no fiduciary or confidential relationship now exists between Entrant and judges or mentors, and Entrant further acknowledges that no such relationships are established between Entrant and judges or mentors by reason of this contest entry.
Entrants must submit screenplays and payment online.
Entrants must upload their submission within 72 hours of entry purchase.
Entry fees will not be returned or adjusted.
No waivers are available for this contest.
SCREENPLAY TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Screenplays should be written in English and in standard industry format.
The rights to the Entrant’s screenplay should not have been previously optioned or sold.
The Entrant retains the rights to his or her screenplay at all times.
Entrant’s screenplay must not have been produced.
The screenplay can be submitted with or without a title page and/or contact information.
After a screenplay is entered, no new drafts or corrected pages can be made by the Entrant unless it is confirmed in our records that the Entrant has paid for the "Resubmission" option.
Screenplay must be submitted as a PDF document.
Screenplay must be the original work of the Entrant and may not be based whole or in part on any fictional or non-fictional material, published or unpublished, produced or unproduced for which the Entrant does not have rights. Neither Stage 32 nor its judges investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.
Using our new Feedback & Resubmission Option you will get 3-5 pages of coverage/notes back in 5-days with a guaranteed option to resubmit one (1) revised draft of your script up to 10 days after the Final Deadline! See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. You can position yourself for the best chance of success - all for an additional fee of only $99.
This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. Updated drafts will need to be sent to contests@stage32.com to be scored.