Some of the biggest names behind Netflix’s most successful series are pulling back the curtain on a truth many viewers rarely consider. The process of creating hit shows is not built on certainty or perfect planning, but on confusion, discomfort, and constant change. During Netflix & Deadline Present: The Visionaries, several top creators shared how uncertainty plays a central role in shaping the stories audiences love.
The panel brought together writers and producers from major titles to discuss everything from early writing struggles to the realities of production. What emerged was a clear theme: the chaos behind the scenes is often what leads to the strongest storytelling.
The Creative Process Starts With Uncertainty
For Jack Thorne, the most important part of writing is also the most uncomfortable. Speaking during the event, he described how starting without a clear direction is not a weakness, but a strength.
“The bit that I love best is always the blank page,”
Thorne said.
“I like that moment of not knowing quite where I’m going and feeling sick and a bit sad, and then starting to write and going, ‘Oh, that’s who they are.’”
His comments highlight a creative philosophy built on discovery. Rather than fully mapping out characters and storylines from the beginning, Thorne embraces the uncertainty and lets the process reveal the narrative organically.
While Thorne thrives in that uncertainty, others take a very different approach. Ross Duffer, who co-created Stranger Things alongside Matt Duffer, admitted that the blank page is far from enjoyable.
“Unlike Jack, I hate the blank page,”
Ross joked during the discussion. His perspective reflects a more structured approach to storytelling, where the challenge lies in shaping ideas into something cohesive rather than discovering them along the way.
Despite their differences, both approaches underline the same reality: there is no single formula for creating a successful show. Each creator navigates uncertainty in their own way.
Stories Continue to Evolve During Production
One of the most revealing insights from the panel was how much a story can change even after the writing phase. For the Duffer brothers, the process does not end once the script is complete.
“Just to be there, entrenched in it all, with the actors, with the crew… it just teaches us sort of what each season is and what the story is and what’s working,”
Ross explained. He added that this hands-on involvement allows them to
“go back and adjust the writing and evolve [across seasons].”
This approach shows how storytelling is not a fixed process. Instead, it continues to evolve through collaboration, performance, and real-time adjustments on set.
For documentary creators, the process becomes even more dependent on human connection. Alexandria Stapleton emphasized that building trust is essential when working with real people and sensitive stories.
“Trust was a very big deal on this series,”
she said, describing how she spent extensive time with interview subjects.
“My average interviews… were like 12 hours for one person… I didn’t want anyone to feel rushed.”
Her approach highlights a different kind of uncertainty. Instead of controlling the narrative, creators must allow stories to unfold naturally, often requiring patience and emotional sensitivity.
Balancing Intensity With Audience Engagement
Another key challenge discussed during the event was maintaining a balance between compelling storytelling and viewer comfort. Kate Susman pointed out that even powerful narratives can become overwhelming if not handled carefully.
“You couldn’t watch Uncut Gems for eight hours… you’d tear your hair out,”
she said, explaining the importance of pacing and tonal balance in long-form storytelling.
This insight reflects the broader challenge faced by creators. While authenticity and intensity are important, they must be balanced in a way that keeps audiences engaged over multiple episodes.
