Hey everyone!
I’m a new writer and just completed a one-hour dark comedy pilot called HOUSE OF CARDBOARD. I’m putting together my pitch package and would love thoughts from the community on whether this world/tone feels marketable and if the synopsis hooks you.
SYNOPSIS
When a catastrophic FedCoin glitch tanks the U.S. dollar into negative value and accidentally turns trading cards into the new global currency, a broke card-shop owner becomes overnight filthy rich — just in time for society, his ex, influencers, bureaucrats, and collectors to implode around him.
The show is a high-concept financial satire in the vein of The Big Short, Silicon Valley, and Always Sunny — absurd economics, grounded characters, and escalating chaos.
A bit more about the world:
As currency collapses, protests erupt everywhere — everything from “Redistribute the booster boxes!” to confused rioters burning the wrong building.
A new federal authority emerges: the BCM (Bureau of Centering & Margins) — a dysfunctional grading agency run by overworked teens who determine card value with completely arbitrary rules.
The crew’s main antagonist is Pogan Laul, a flashy streamer-CEO hybrid who profits from the chaos but insists he’s a financial visionary.
Two opposing wannabe political journalists — Kaylee & Kylee — constantly livestream wildly exaggerated, ideologically opposite explanations for every event, accidentally fueling mass misinformation and crowd disasters.
The season arc follows the crew trying to stabilize the card-based economy while dodging legal trouble, counterfeit scandals, a national short squeeze, and their own stupidity.
The pilot and full season outline are complete, with a Season 2 pathway planned.
I’d love feedback on:
How the concept lands
Whether the comedic world feels fresh
Any thoughts on this kind of satirical/absurdist tone in today’s market
Experiences with dark comedy pilots that blend politics, economics, and ensemble chaos
Happy to swap feedback or offer notes on other projects as well!
Thanks so much,
Ryan
1 person likes this
Hey, Ryan Klement. Congratulations on finishing your pilot! House of Cardboard feels fresh! The world/tone feels marketable. The synopsis is more of a short pitch. It hooked me though. I'd definitely watch this show.
2 people like this
that looks really fresh and topical Ryan—loving the concept! you’d better get in quick before crypto coins collapse the US economy IRL… any month now!
No notes so far—having grown up in the 70s through 80s a complete comics nerd, I’d totally eat this concept up. if you’re interested to swap a script or excerpts thereof, I’d be happy to immerse myself more in how you do the worldbuilding…