Why Pilot Season Is a Thing of the Past—And What It Means for Actors

Usually the beginning of the year is a frenzied time for actors. Pilot Season. I remember vividly working backstage on a National Tour for some extra cash one winter and talking to one of the men in the ensemble who also knew I was an actor. He said “What the hell are you doing here? It’s pilot season. You don’t want to miss out!”

For decades, “pilot season” was the make-or-break time for actors in the television industry. Between January and April, Hollywood would turn into a battlefield of auditions, screen tests, and casting calls as actors vied for roles in new network pilots, hoping to land the next hit show. But over recent years, the landscape of the entertainment industry has drastically changed, raising the question: Is pilot season a thing of the past?

The short answer: Yes, at least in the traditional sense. Pilot season is no longer the frenzied, career-defining window it once was. The rise of streaming services, changes in production schedules, and a more global approach to casting have transformed the way TV shows are made and, as a result, how actors navigate their careers.

Let’s break down why pilot season is fading and what it means for actors today.

Once upon a time, TV shows adhered to a strict annual cycle. Networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX would order pilots in the early part of the year, cast them, and then decide by May which ones would make it to their fall schedules. This structure created an intense, concentrated period of auditions, known as pilot season, that could make or break an actor’s year.

But with the explosion of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, and others, this traditional model is no longer dominant. Streaming services operate on a different timeline—they produce and release content year-round, untethered from the constraints of the fall TV season. This shift means that casting for new projects happens continuously, reducing the necessity of a specific pilot season.

For actors, this change means opportunity is no longer concentrated in a few stressful months. Auditions can pop up at any time, creating a more consistent flow of casting calls throughout the year. This is particularly good news for actors who once felt the pressure to book something within the pilot season window.

In the past, network TV shows were produced in cycles, with casting and production heavily focused on creating pilots in the spring and gearing up for full-season orders by the fall. Now, shows—especially those on streaming platforms—are produced year-round, which spreads out the casting opportunities.

Networks themselves are also adapting. Many have begun to order straight-to-series shows, bypassing the pilot stage altogether. This means fewer pilots are being made, and those that are produced may be developed outside the traditional pilot season timeframe.

For actors, this shift means that the pressure to land a role during a specific time of year has eased. Casting directors are seeking talent for shows at various points throughout the year, which allows actors to remain active and available for more opportunities.

The entertainment industry has become increasingly global, and casting is no longer confined to Hollywood or New York. Streaming services cater to international audiences, producing content in multiple countries with diverse casts. Additionally, remote auditions and self-taping have made it easier for actors from anywhere in the world to audition for roles without physically being in Los Angeles.

This globalization and the rise of remote work mean that actors are no longer tied to the traditional pilot season in Hollywood. Instead, they can find opportunities year-round and across different platforms, genres, and even countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes that were already taking place in the industry. Productions were halted, schedules were upended, and studios had to rethink their approach to making television. As a result, pilot season was disrupted, and many productions adjusted to new timelines.

Though the industry is recovering, the pandemic made it clear that strict seasonal schedules were no longer necessary. Productions have become more flexible, casting happens more fluidly, and actors have adapted to new methods of auditioning and booking roles. COVID may have dealt a significant blow to the traditional pilot season, but it also opened the door for more adaptable and varied production schedules.

Another factor contributing to the end of pilot season as we knew it is the shift in the types of content being produced. The "golden age of television" has given rise to higher-quality content across platforms. With more limited series, anthology shows, and experimental formats, networks and streaming services are focusing on quality over quantity.

Instead of churning out dozens of pilots, studios are investing in projects with more potential to succeed. This means fewer pilots are produced, but the projects that do get greenlit often have a clearer path to series. For actors, this means that while there may be fewer pilots to audition for, the roles available are more likely to lead to something substantial.

What Does This Mean for Actors?

So, what does the shift away from traditional pilot season mean for actors in the entertainment industry? Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Opportunities Are More Spread Out
   Auditions now happen year-round, which can reduce the stress of booking a job during a specific time of year. It also means that actors need to stay prepared and flexible, as opportunities can arise at any moment.

2. Casting Is More Global
   Actors no longer need to be physically located in Los Angeles to audition for major roles. Self-taping and remote auditions have leveled the playing field, allowing actors from around the world to be considered for projects that might have been out of reach in the past.

3. Quality Over Quantity
   With fewer pilots being produced, the focus has shifted toward creating high-quality content. This can be a positive for actors, as it means that the shows being made are often more thoughtfully developed and have a greater chance of success.

4. Stay Ready, Stay Informed
   The old model of pilot season may be gone, but that doesn’t mean actors can take their foot off the gas. It’s more important than ever to stay connected with your agents and casting directors, keep your materials updated, and maintain your training so that you’re ready when the right opportunity comes along—whenever that might be.

The decline of traditional pilot season marks a significant change in the industry, but for actors, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. While the days of frantic, high-stakes auditioning in the spring may be over, a more flexible, year-round approach to casting offers new opportunities. Actors can now look forward to a more sustainable career model that isn’t tied to just a few months of chaos. In this new era, adaptability is key, and those who can embrace the change are poised for success in the evolving landscape of television.