Wikimedia Commons/TV pilot episode TV The TV pilot is making a comeback. Learn how streaming services use test episodes to cut costs and reduce financial risk. April 23, 2026 AceShowbiz - Imagine a scenario where instead of investing tens of millions of dollars upfront to produce a full season of a TV show, a single episode is filmed for just a few million. This episode acts as a test to determine if the show works as well on screen as it did on paper. If successful, additional episodes are ordered. If not, the project is shelved.