Category "pilot"

Why do TV networks air pilot episodes?

Why do TV networks air pilot episodes of a series that has already aired a first episode? Why do they call it a pilot episode? Irrespective of the result (good

Why are pilot episodes often unaired?

I frequently watch TV series on DVD and very often I see the "Unaired Pilot" episode advertised (most recently Supernatural). I understand these are the test e

Was Tony the Boss of the family in the Sopranos pilot?

I just watched the pilot of the Sopranos. In the pilot there is no mention of Jackie Aprile who is the boss of the family. There is also a scene where Junior S

Is "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" really the first episode?

Sorry if my question is a silly one. I wasn't even born when the first ever Simpsons episode was aired. I am watching them from the beginning but I'm wondering

What happens to unaired or one time only aired pilots?

Television pilots are made every year and not all of them get picked up for a season or series. What happens to the pilot then? Does it get stored somewhere? Wh

Why is the first episode of a TV show called 'Pilot'?

What is the meaning of the word 'Pilot', as used for the first episode of a TV-show, implied here? Does it have anything to do with a smooth take-off?