Unscripted TV

The term ‘unscripted’ really means ‘without actors’, in truth, every TV programme has a narrative and script. It’s perhaps easiest to think of unscripted TV as non-fiction television. It can be on any subject, from natural history, religion and music to dating, interior design or learning a skill. It’s programmed on primetime TV, daytime TV and children’s TV as well as streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

Some people in craft and technical roles have the flexibility to work in a mix of genres and sectors (including scripted comedy, drama or film). By contrast, those in editorial or production management tend to specialise in either unscripted or scripted TV and rarely cross over. To learn about the routes into unscripted TV roles, browse through the icons and click on them.

You might also want to download our unscripted TV career maps: Editorial and production (PDF),  Craft and technical (PDF) and Studio (PDF).

If you are a teacher or careers adviser you may also like to browse our classroom resources.

Unscripted TV