How to Write an Anthology Series & The BEST Anthology Series Examples

The wide variety of anthology series that have emerged in contemporary TV can be attributed in part to the success of series such as Black Mirror and The Twilight Zone. And despite the competition, new anthology series’ frequently find success. But how? There isn’t a secret formula to a great anthology production. The greatest advantage is, in fact, an understanding of the format and its potential. So let’s take a look at what it takes to write an anthology series as well as some of the best anthology series examples.

What is an Anthology Series?

An anthology series is a series that runs for multiple seasons or episodes, with constantly changing settings, plots, and characters. These elements may change from episode to episode or from season to season.

• Often, for example, the setting of an anthology series changes with each episode. Here, each episode will piece together to tell an overall story. Each episode may be its own self-contained story.
• This, though, is not essential to the structure and definition of an anthology series. Skins and Genius are great examples of season-spanning narratives. They’re linked only from season to season by their respective themes.

Theme, overall, is an incredibly important aspect of the anthology format. This is because it’s used to establish a tone for the programme that is constant throughout. Theme often takes the place of other more typical constants (like setting or characters). For instance, Fargo changes its characters at the end of each series. However, the subject of crime in Fargo, North Dakota stays consistent.

The most common genres of anthology are horror and speculative fiction, a form of science fiction popularized in the 60s. And the genre is favoured due to the pace at which intrigue can be established in a single episode. This kind of anthology series typically sets up a unique premise and executes this premise in one episode.

There are some typical genres and subjects that an anthology series will deal with; crime, sci-fi, horror, and true stories. However, there is ultimately no limitation to the subject of an anthology series. Ultimately, the definition of an anthology series rests on the series’ ability to tie together varying storylines convincingly, whatever the method.