How can you work on the writing team for shows? I'm specifically talking about shows like The Late Late Show with James Corden or pretty much any talk show (Kelly & Marl etc). It's always been a dream of mine but I don't know how to even take the first step. Should I go through the usual 'write a cover letter' route or are there other ways to approach this?

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Breaking into the writing team for talk shows is pretty much a mix of networking, skill-building, and persistence. I think your starting point would be creating a strong portfolio with writing samples tailored to the format of late-night shows like monologues, cold opens, topical sketches. Apart from that, it's all about networking. Attend industry events, connect with professionals online, or consider working as a production assistant or writers' assistant to get your foot in the door. You can also explore fellowships and workshops like UCLA's "Writing for Late Night Comedy" to refine your skills and build connections. Good luck!

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Most of these people have a background in comedy.

Lots of grinding it out and performing (stand up, sketch, improv, etc) for years and years. Regular fixture of our comedy scene eventually landed a set on the right industry showcase. Five years later he’s writing jokes for Conan’s Oscars monologue and that travelogue show on max.

Not sure if production assistant -> writers assistant -> staff writer is much of a path these days but that’s also a route.

Re: cover letters, It’s kind of like an ad gig. Cover letters don’t really matter. Writers are judged based on the “packet” they submit. The packet is like spec work—stuff you would pitch or write for the show if you were staffed. Demonstrating your pov but also showing that you’re able to write within the tone/voice of the show.

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Comedians sometimes pitch ideas to them via Insta.

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