What Streamers Expect in a Series Bible vs. a Pitch Deck

Not sure whether you need a pitch deck, a series bible, or both? Here’s a clear breakdown of what each one does, when to use them, and what streamers expect when they actually open the file.

TV writers love to blur the lines between a series bible and a pitch deck—especially when they’re just starting out. But the two documents serve different purposes, speak to different audiences, and carry different weight in the room.

If you’re pitching a show in 2025, you need both tools—but not for the same reason.

Here’s how they differ, what streamers expect to see in each, and when to use one over the other.

The TL;DR

• A pitch deck gets you in the room. It’s sales-focused, fast, and visual.

• A series bible keeps you in the room. It’s dense, detailed, and reference-driven.

• They complement each other—but don’t confuse them.

What’s in a Pitch Deck (and Why They Actually Read It)

Pitch decks are designed to sell the show quickly. Think of it as your project’s dating profile—curated, high-impact, and a little idealized.

What to include:

• Logline — Clear and hooky.

• Series overview — A paragraph or two max.

• Tone & visual comps — Well chosen and well explained.

• Character highlights — Not bios, just the main dynamics.

• Season structure — Enough to prove you’ve thought it through.

What streamers expect:

• To get it at a glance. They don’t want to decode a wall of text.

• A strong visual identity—curated images that reflect the tone and genre.

• A vibe. If your deck doesn’t make them feel something, it’s not working.

What’s in a Series Bible (and Why It’s Rarely Read in Full)

A bible is the longform reference guide for your show. It’s for execs who need more than a vibe—it’s for when they’re already interested.

What to include:

• Expanded character arcs

• Season arcs for 2–3 seasons

• Sample episodes or beat sheets

• Backstory, mythology, world rules (especially for genre shows)

What streamers expect:

• Depth. They want to know you didn’t just come up with a great first episode.

• Structure. Can the idea hold across 6–10 episodes… or 3 seasons?

• Vision. If the deck is the movie trailer, the bible is the behind-the-scenes.

When to Use a Deck vs. a Bible

• In a cold pitch email or intro call: Deck only. Bibles are too much.

• In a general meeting: Deck first, bible only if asked.

• With a rep or producer: Deck + optional bible link in case they need ammo.

• When submitting to a buyer or streamer: Usually both—but the deck is what gets opened first.

Common Mistakes

• Using your deck as a dumping ground — Streamers don’t want to scroll through 20 pages of character backstory.

• Sending only the bible — It makes you look like you’re pitching from 2004.

• Designing your bible like your deck — Don’t. One’s artful, one’s practical.

Pro Tip: Keep Them Linked, Not Redundant

Don’t copy-paste your overview from the deck into your bible. Say the same thing differently—one should inspire, the other should inform.

And if you really want to look like a pro? Use language that shows you understand structure, stakes, and marketability. Bibles aren’t a license to get indulgent.

Final Thought

You don’t have to write a hundred-page document and you don’t have to design a coffee table book. But if you’re serious about selling a show, you need both tools—working together, doing what each does best.

If you’ve got a great idea and a rough draft of both, we can make them look and read like you already have a deal. That’s what we do.