Tips for Writing TV Reviews

On Monday, Scott Butki wrote a nice tutorial on writing reviews for TV shows. I thought I'd share a bit of what works for me.

One Viewing vs. Many

While I almost always record a show that I'm going to review, I seldom watch it more than once. I tend to review based on my first impressions. I find that my opinions are usually stronger that way.

However, I do use the recordings to pull dialogue, confirm scenes and check for accuracy – all very important parts of the review.

If you are going to do a more detailed analysis of a show (like this one on Project Runaway or this one on Monk), I can see where rewatching episodes would be important.

Recap vs. review vs. general writings about a show:

Personally I don't read straight recaps. They are pretty boring for someone who has already watched the show. However, I do agree with Scott that you need to do a certain amount of recapping within a review for those that didn't watch (and yes there are people who don't watch a show, but read the review) or missed that reference.

Because your review will contain details about the episode, please be sure to include a spoiler warning. It's just a courtesy.

I think weekly reviews work best with serial dramas (like Heroes, Lost and BSG) and reality shows contests (like American Idol or Dancing with the Stars).

But not all shows need a weekly review, so don't feel the pressure to do so. Other shows can have sporadic reviews about particularly exciting episodes or just general writings about themes, characters or news.

If you are trying to get your article on MSNBC.com through the Entertainment Gateway, I suggest focusing on a particular aspect about a show like a character, a theory or a plot twist rather than a straight review.

Titling Your Review

The title is a very important part of your review. Use it to attract your readers. Use it to highlight the biggest point of your review.

It's easy to list just the show name and episode title in your headline, but you'll get a better response if you give some details in your headline. You might even attract people that haven't yet watched the show.

When to Publish Reviews

Scott is right that we are not full-time writers; therefore, you should publish your review when it's convenient for you.

But that said, I think the sooner after the episode airs that you publish your review, the better opportunity you have for readers. People like to talk about TV shows when they are fresh on their mind.

Some shows are more important for you to publish right away than others. For example, I must publish my review of the American Idol performance show immediately. It is not likely to get many viewers after the results show airs.

On the other hand, a Friday night show like Battlestar Galactica has more staying power and will still be talked about come Monday.

Related Links

It's important that when you write several articles about the same show that you use at least one common tag for all the articles. You can then link to this tag within future reviews to give people access to your other articles on the same show.

For example, in my American Idol articles I always use the tag "American Idol." And in all my AI articles, when I mention the show's title it is a link to all my articles with the same tag.

If you have specific articles that have something in common with the article you are currently writing, you can add a "Related Articles" section at the end of your post like I did with this BSG article.

Reading Other Reviews

I absolutely don't read any other reviews until I've finished my own. I don't want to be influenced by others' opinions.

However, after I post my article I do go in search of other reviews. I might find something I missed. And it is also good fodder for the comment section to relate what I've read elsewhere.

Comments to Your Review

As Scott said, it's important to keep an open mind and be able to handle differing opinions, but just as important is engaging your commenters. Respond to those who comment on your review by stirring up discussions.

I usually keep a couple comments reserved to help elicit discussions. Other times, there's a bit of information or a question that doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the review, I ask it in the comment section.

Adding a Poll

I love polls. They are just an easy way to get interaction so I always try to add a poll to my review. Ask a key question about a particular character or plot twist. Ponder the future of a particular storyline. Ask for opinions on a theory. A poll is a great way to get people involved that might not have the time to comment and it can help to stir up discussions.

Okay, I think that about covers it. I'm happy to answer anyone's questions. But in truth there's no one way to write a review. In fact, that's kind of what makes reviews interesting is that no two are alike. Just write about what interests you and the rest will fall into place.

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Advice to TV Recappers For This and Other Sites

Scott (Scoop) Butki

Mon May 5

18