Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pilot episode

noun
/ˈpaɪ.lət ˈɛpɪsoʊd/
Definition
The first episode of a television series, created to sell the show to a network and give viewers an idea of the series’ premise and characters.
Examples
  • The pilot episode of the show was praised for its innovative storytelling.
  • After watching the pilot episode, the producers decided to greenlight the series.
  • Many viewers were captivated by the pilot episode’s unique characters.
Meaning
A pilot episode acts as a test run for a series, showcasing its concept, style, and characters to gauge audience interest.
Synonyms
  • test episode
  • prototype episode
  • trial episode