TV Show Names
A great TV show name makes the pitch before you say a single word.
Famous TV Show Names That Nailed It
Real-world names that became iconic. Here's what makes them work.
A colloquial Southern phrase meaning 'raising hell' that perfectly encapsulates Walter White's transformation — deceptively simple and deeply meaningful.
A single word that signals power, family, legacy, and conflict — it tells you everything and nothing, which is exactly right for the show's themes.
Ambiguous enough to intrigue and loaded with metaphor — it refers to the restaurant, a nickname, and the crushing weight of perfectionism.
The title of a TV show is its first marketing tool. Before the trailer, the cast announcement, or the premiere date, the name alone must generate curiosity, suggest tone, and hint at the world audiences are about to enter. A great title can make a show feel inevitable.
Think about how names like Breaking Bad, Succession, or The Bear work — each is deceptively simple yet loaded with meaning that expands as you watch. The best TV titles have layers that reveal themselves over time.
Whether you're writing a dark thriller, a workplace comedy, or a prestige drama, the ideas below span genres and tones to help you find a title that does the heavy lifting.
Tips for Choosing TV Show Names
Aim for one to three words — shorter titles are more memorable and easier to market.
Consider how the title will look as a logo — visual weight and letter shapes matter.
Avoid titles that are too literal; leave room for metaphor and double meaning.
Test your title by describing the show in one sentence without using the title — does the name add something?
Research existing show titles to avoid accidental duplication, especially in your genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, show names are not trademarked in the same way as products, though networks generally avoid titles that are too similar to existing successful shows.
Not necessarily — some of the best show titles are genre-ambiguous and let the marketing materials set the tone instead.
Very — a strong title signals professionalism and makes the pitch memorable. Development executives hear hundreds of pitches and a great title stands out.
Drama titles often feel weighty, ambiguous, or literary. Comedy titles tend to be more playful, specific, or character-focused, though there's plenty of crossover.
Character-name titles work well for shows centered on a strong protagonist — think Fleabag, Frasier, or Columbo — but work best when the name itself has personality.
How to Title Your TV Show
Start with the Core Idea
Before brainstorming titles, write a one-sentence logline for your show. The title should feel like a compressed version of that logline — capturing theme, tone, or world in as few words as possible.
Explore Different Title Types
TV titles fall into several categories: character names (Fleabag), location names (Cheers), concept words (Lost), evocative phrases (Six Feet Under), and thematic abstractions (Succession). Trying each type often unlocks unexpected directions.
Consider the Marketing Life of the Title
Your title will appear on billboards, thumbnails, search results, and merchandise. Short titles scale better visually. Consider how the title looks in all-caps, in small type, and as an app icon.
Get Feedback from Non-Writers
Show your title candidates to people outside the creative process. Ask them what genre they'd expect, what tone, and whether it makes them want to watch. Their gut reactions reveal whether the title is doing its job.
Related Categories
Curious about what names mean? Explore Name Meanings →