How to pitch a TV show to Discovery Channel

In its own words

“WBD does not accept unsolicited submissions of concepts, creative ideas, suggestions, stories, or other potential content.”

What you agree to by sending something

“This is to avoid the possibility of a future misunderstanding when projects developed by WBD staff or representatives might seem to others to be similar to the submitted concepts, creative ideas, suggestions, stories or other potential content.”

What it has bought from outside

1. 2017

   Scripps Networks Interactive (HGTV, Food Network and others) from Scripps Networks Interactive shareholders $14.6 billion

   “On July 31, 2017, Discovery Communications announced that it would acquire Scripps Networks Interactive for $14.6 billion in a cash and stock deal.” en.wikipedia.org

2. 2005

   Deadliest Catch from Original Productions (Thom Beers)

   “Deadliest Catch is an American reality television series that premiered on the Discovery Channel on April 12, 2005.” en.wikipedia.org

Other companies that take a TV show

• PBS KidsHas a submission portalPBS KIDS takes show proposals through its online submissions portal.
• Shark Tank (ABC)Open applicationShark Tank’s producers are looking for entrepreneurs, inventors and creators to pitch the Sharks.

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  BBCHolds open callsBBC Writers’ Open Call takes scripts from writers aged 18 and over living in the UK or Ireland.

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  Hallmark MediaDoes not take outside ideasHallmark Channel does not accept or consider unsolicited scripts, ideas or proposals.
• Bravo (NBCUniversal)Does not take outside ideasBravo’s parent NBCUniversal accepts no unsolicited submissions for shows and takes a license to anything sent anyway.
• Cartoon NetworkDoes not take outside ideasCartoon Network falls under Warner’s terms, which accept no unsolicited stories, scripts or ideas and owe nothing for what is sent anyway.
• Great American MediaDoes not take outside ideasGreat American Media is taking no unsolicited pitches, scripts or programming ideas for now, and expects to open a submission system later.
• HBODoes not take outside ideasHBO accepts no unsolicited concepts, stories or ideas, and treats anything sent as free for its use.

All of them, open doors first