The Bottle Episode, when your TV show runs out of budget
A bottle episode is a television episode produced with limited resources, usually focused on a small cast, a confined location, and character-driven drama. The Bottle Episode turns that concept into a roleplaying game, allowing players to create their own beloved TV series before diving into its most memorable low-budget episode.
Create your show first
The first part of the game focuses on building a television series together. Guided by the Game Master, players establish the show's setting, cast, and themes. The game supports several genres:
- Science fiction
- Western
- Heist
- Monster hunters
- Sitcom
Every group creates a unique series before exploring a special episode within that world.
Limited budgets, unlimited drama
Whether the team is trapped during a heist, dealing with a rogue AI, surviving a monster attack, or confronting long-hidden secrets, characters must solve their problems while working within severe production limitations. The lack of resources becomes a source of both comedy and creativity.
Spend your production budget wisely
The game uses d6-based mechanics and resource management. Players improve their chances by spending personal and production resources, but once those resources are gone, they're gone for the rest of the episode. After all, the producers could only afford so much.
Perfect for one-shot sessions
Designed as a 2 to 4 hour one-shot, The Bottle Episode emphasizes improvisation, character relationships, and collaborative storytelling. Every session creates a different television story full of memorable drama and absurd situations.
