On June 5, 2025, Variety will host its annual "A Night in the Writers’ Room" event in Los Angeles. This exclusive gathering offers a curated audience of TV voting members an inside look into the creative process behind television storytelling through intimate discussions and insights. The evening's program features three genre-based panels where industry experts delve into their experiences across limited series, dramas, and comedies.

Industry leaders from various hit shows will participate in these panels, sharing their unique perspectives on crafting compelling narratives. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge about the intricacies of writing for different genres, as well as how collaboration shapes the final product seen on screens worldwide.

Exploring Depth in Limited Series and Drama

This segment highlights the intricate world of limited series and drama storytelling. Renowned creators, showrunners, and writers will discuss their approaches to developing complex plots and characters within these formats. Their contributions have significantly impacted modern television, offering audiences fresh perspectives and thought-provoking narratives.

The panelists include Ian Brennan, Lauren LeFranc, Elizabeth Meriwether, Kim Rosenstock, Olivia Milch, and Nikki Toscano from the limited series/TV movie category. In the drama panel, esteemed figures like Dan Erickson, Dan Fogelman, R. Scott Gemmill, Barbie Kligman, Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson, Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, and Ben Watkins will share their expertise. These professionals will explore themes such as character development, narrative structure, and the challenges faced during production. Through engaging conversations, they aim to illuminate the artistic choices that define successful storytelling in these genres.

Captivating Comedy Writing Techniques

In this section, the focus shifts to comedy writing, where renowned talents reveal their methods for creating laughter-filled episodes. Moderated by Michael Schneider, this panel brings together some of today’s most innovative comedic minds who are redefining what it means to be funny on screen.

Panelists Erin Foster, Justin Halpern, Sarah Naftalis, Tad Quill, Benito Skinner, Jen Statsky, and Tony Tost represent diverse voices shaping contemporary comedy. They will address topics ranging from humor styles to maintaining authenticity while crafting jokes. By examining specific examples from their work, these creators will demonstrate how they balance wit with substance, ensuring their stories resonate emotionally with viewers. Furthermore, they’ll touch upon the collaborative nature of comedy writing and its role in bringing scripts to life.