Screenwriting : Act breaks in a tv script by Theresa Drew

Don't know much about writing for TV, but you'll find your answer here...

It's not necessary in a spec, particularly since so much material is being written for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon which do not require commercial breaks. If you are writing a sample spec based on a particular show as a calling card to get work on another similar show (ie. if you write an "NCIS" episode as a sample of your ability to write procedural formula to try to get work on a new network procedural show) then you should emulate their act break formatting to show you understand and can master the pacing and formula of a network show.

I say, put them in. I believe it shows you know the structure is different than Feature writing.

I agree with David. Most television/cable shows have pretty well-defined rules regarding the flow of each episode. Some have to do with commercial breaks, and some have to do with content presentation and story arcs. At least be aware of that, and especially if your spec script is for an already-existing show.

There are a lot of books about how to write for television/cable - books by very successful people in the business - and here is a link to a great article on the subject as well. And remember - your real competition is professionals, and not amateurs. Good Luck and Happy Writing!

http://www.scriptreaderpro.com/how-to-write-for-tv/

Do both for the same spec. It's just page spacing. (of course you need 4 or 5 big dramatic moments).

If you are going to write a spec script, you can download scripts from that show. I've used it as a template for your desired TV Spec. If they have act breaks, then you must follow suit.

Normally act breaks are factored in for commercial breaks. Some might not have them, such as Black Mirror or a premium cable show like Westworld.

Good luck writing!

It is all in trottier’s. I’ve used it for TV - great reference

Writing for TV: Your job is to deliver the viewer to the commercial and hold them there to the next commercial break. Sometimes you start with a teaser and end with a tag. Learn the format and the differences between half/full hour shown, mini series, serials...

I highly recommend Pamela Douglas' book, Writing the TV Drama Series. I think she just recently released a revised edition too!