Read Scripts from the 2023 Emmy Nominees

You sent such great responses to the Oscar Nominated scripts blog that I knew I had to share the love with these fabulous television shows too.

Yes, you read this title right. Last year the Emmys were postponed for the first time in over two decades (due to the SAG and WGA strikes). Which means the Emmy Award Ceremony that was held just a few months ago in January 2024 was actually the ‘2023 Emmys’.

So, before the next Emmy nominations come out (the 2024 Emmy’s will be held later this year in September) take this opportunity to check out some of the incredible scripts from 2023.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or mid-career — reading scripts by some of Hollywood’s most successful television writers is not only inspiring, it can teach you lessons you might not even know you need.

Click on the show title below to read screenplays from last year’s nominees (as well as some 2022 Emmy nominees you might have missed). Some are pilots, others are mid-season, and a few are season finale scripts (so watch out for spoilers!).

All winners are marked with **. Enjoy!

Best Writing for a Comedy Series Nominees:

BARRY - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Bill Hader

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING - Showrunner: John Hoffman | Writers: John Hoffman, Matteo Borghese & Rob Turbovsky

TED LASSO - Showrunner: Bill Lawrence | Writers: Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Jason Sudeikis

**THE BEAR - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Christopher Storer

THE OTHER TWO - Showrunners/Creators/Writers: Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider

*JURY DUTY was also nominated - Showrunner: Cody Heller | Writer: Mekki Leeper - but I couldn’t find a script online for it.

Best Writing for a Drama Series Nominees:

BETTER CALL SAUL - Showrunner/Writer: Peter Gould

BAD SISTERS - Creators/Writers: Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer

THE LAST OF US - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Craig Mazin

**SUCCESSION - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Jesse Armstrong

THE WHITE LOTUS - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Mike White

*ANDOR was also nominated - Showrunner/Creator: Tony Gilroy | Writer: Beau Willimon - but I couldn’t find a script online for it.

Best Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Drama Special Nominees:

**BEEF - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Lee Sung Jin

PREY - Writers: Patrick Aison and Dan Trachtenberg

SWARM - Showrunner: Janine Nabers | Writers: Janine Nabers and Donald Glover

WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY - Writers: Eric Appel and “Weird Al” Yankovic

*FIRE ISLAND - Written by Joel Kim Booster and FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE - Written by Taffy Brodesser-Akner were also nominated, but I couldn’t find a script online for it.

2022 Emmy Nominated Scripts also worth a read:

**ABBOT ELEMENTARY - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Quinta Brunson

HACKS - Showrunner: Jen Statsky | Creators/Writers: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

MAID - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Molly Smith Metzler

OZARK - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Chris Mundy

SEVERANCE - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Dan Erickson

STATION ELEVEN - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Patrick Somerville | Based on the novel by Emily St. John Mandel

SQUID GAME - Showrunner/Creator/Writer: Hwang Dong-hyuk

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS - Showrunner: Paul Simms | Creator: Jemaine Clement | Writer: Sarah Naftalis

YELLOW JACKETS - Showrunners/Writers: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson and Jonathan Lisco

What award nominated scripts inspire you? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:

For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch

To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.

And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).