TV Show Name Generator & 120 TV Show Name Ideas

Absolutely! A name is the first thing customers and clients notice when they come across your business. Therefore, it's essential to have a distinct, creative, and catchy name that stands out in the market. An AI name generator ensures you get the perfect balance of creativity and relevance.

Accessing the Tool

BrandSnag's TV Show Name Generator is available online without requiring a download or signup. Simply visit the website, and you'll find the name generator ready to use.

Entering Keywords

The tool operates by analyzing keywords. To get started, type in words related to your show's content. These could be themes, character types, or settings. The broader your keyword input, the wider the range of potential names you'll get.

Generating and Reviewing Results

Click the "Generate" button after entering your keywords. The tool will provide a list of names based on the input. If none of the suggestions fit, modify your keywords and try again. The generator can be used as many times as needed to refine options.

Finalizing a Name

Once you find a name that fits, check if it's available for use. BrandSnag provides tools to check domain and social media availability, which helps ensure that the name isn't already widely in use.

Television titles can be an art form in themselves. A strong title helps establish the identity of the show before an audience even watches the first episode. Some names are chosen as a direct reference to a key theme or concept, while others emerge from obscure references, inside jokes, or even last-minute decisions made before production.

5 Examples of Great TV Show Names and the Stories Behind Them
Television titles can be an art form in themselves. A strong title helps establish the identity of the show before an audience even watches the first episode. Some names are chosen as a direct reference to a key theme or concept, while others emerge from obscure references, inside jokes, or even last-minute decisions made before production.

1. Breaking Bad

Vince Gilligan's critically acclaimed series about a chemistry teacher-turned-drug lord owes its name to a Southern colloquialism. "Breaking bad" refers to taking a turn toward criminal or rebellious behavior, often in a way that disrupts expected norms.
Gilligan selected the phrase to encapsulate Walter White's transformation from a meek high school teacher into a ruthless figure in the drug trade. The name works as a direct foreshadowing of the series' premise—an ordinary man abandoning morality and legal boundaries.
Interestingly, while "breaking bad" is a recognized phrase in certain parts of the Southern United States, it was not as widely known in other regions. The title's meaning became more familiar as the show gained recognition.

2. Black Mirror

Charlie Brooker's anthology series, known for its focus on technology's influence on modern life, took its name from a simple but effective image. The "black mirror" refers to the dark, reflective surface of turned-off screens, such as those on televisions, smartphones, and computers.
Brooker explained in interviews that the title was meant to evoke the unsettling feeling of staring into a screen when it is no longer displaying content. This connection fit perfectly with the show's recurring themes of technology's role in shaping society, often in unsettling or dystopian ways.
Beyond that, "Black Mirror" also functions as a metaphor for self-examination, though Brooker primarily emphasized the literal interpretation relating to screens. The name provides an immediate link to the show's tone before a single episode unfolds.

3. Friends

The sitcom originally had a much longer working title: Insomnia Cafe. Later, it was changed to Friends Like Us, then Six of One. Eventually, the simplest and most effective version—Friends—became the final choice.
The name choice reflects the show's core premise: a group of close-knit young adults navigating life in New York City. The simplicity of Friends allowed it to become instantly recognizable while avoiding any need for explanation.
While some shows opt for titles with layers of meaning or cultural references, Friends worked precisely because of its directness. It conveyed the theme of camaraderie in a straightforward way, making it accessible to a broad audience.

4. Twin Peaks

David Lynch and Mark Frost's surreal mystery drama takes its name from the fictional Washington town where the show is set. The name serves multiple purposes. On a literal level, it references the two mountain peaks that surround the town. On a symbolic level, it reflects the show's themes of duality—light and darkness, innocence and corruption, reality and dreams.
Lynch has often explored themes of hidden darkness in seemingly idyllic settings, and Twin Peaks embodies that idea. The small-town charm masks a more sinister undercurrent, which the title subtly hints at. The show's atmosphere, built on mystery and unease, is reinforced by its name, which sounds harmless but carries an edge of intrigue.

5. The X-Files

Chris Carter's science-fiction drama drew inspiration from real-life FBI classification systems. Government agencies often categorize unsolved or mysterious cases under specific designations, and "X" was used by the FBI to mark unexplained phenomena.
In the world of The X-Files, the term is associated with Special Agent Fox Mulder's collection of paranormal cases. The name reinforces the central premise—mysteries that defy conventional explanations—and gives the show an air of secrecy.
Interestingly, Carter originally considered other titles, but The X-Files resonated because it conveyed intrigue while sounding official enough to feel believable. The name helped cement the show's identity as a blend of governmental conspiracy, supernatural elements, and investigative storytelling.

8 Ways to Come Up with a Great TV Show Name by Yourself

1. Use a TV Name Generator and Check Availability

A name generator can speed up the process by producing potential titles based on keywords. BrandSnag's TV Name Generator, for example, takes user input and generates a variety of name ideas. Once you have potential names, BrandSnag also offers tools to check username availability across social media and domain names.
Checking availability is important. If the name is already trademarked or widely used, you risk legal issues or brand confusion. A title that can't secure a clean domain name or social media handle also makes future promotion more complicated.

2. Base It on the Show's Core Theme

Some of the most effective TV show names summarize the main idea of the series. Black Mirror signals its focus on technology and societal consequences. Stranger Things hints at supernatural occurrences and mystery.
Think about the show's fundamental premise. Is it a crime drama? A workplace comedy? A sci-fi epic? Take that core idea and try to distill it into a few words that immediately communicate what the show is about.
Genre-specific words can help. Fantasy shows often use terms like "realm" or "saga," while crime series lean on terms like "case" or "evidence." Jargon from the profession being depicted can also work, such as House, which directly references both the lead character's name and the medical setting.

3. Reference a Key Character

If the show is centered around a single character, their name or nickname can make for a strong title. Sherlock, Fleabag, and Frasier are all examples of this approach.
Instead of using the full name, look at variations or shorter versions. Lupin works better than Arsène Lupin: Gentleman Thief, for example.
Titles can also combine a character and a descriptor, like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which gives the audience both a name and an idea of what to expect.

4. Take Inspiration from Literature or Pop Culture

Many shows borrow titles from famous literary works, songs, or phrases. Brave New World comes from Aldous Huxley's novel, while Big Little Lies takes its name from a book as well.
Referencing an existing phrase can provide instant recognition. Better Call Saul was taken from a catchphrase used in Breaking Bad before becoming its own show. Severance plays off its own double meaning, referring both to corporate severance packages and the show's psychological premise.
If your show explores a well-worn concept in a new way, twisting a familiar phrase can create an instantly recognizable title while maintaining originality.

5. Use a Single, Impactful Word

One-word titles tend to be bold and easy to remember. Lost, Psych, and Suits all pack meaning into a short package.
A single word can highlight a key theme, emotion, or concept from the show. Revenge makes its central storyline immediately clear. Bones signals a focus on forensic anthropology.
Short names stand out visually on streaming platforms and posters. However, they can be harder to trademark if they are commonly used words.

6. Experiment with Alliteration, Rhyming, or Wordplay

Alliteration makes a title more catchy. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parks and Recreation, and Grey's Anatomy all roll off the tongue thanks to their use of similar sounds.
Rhyming or near-rhyming can also create a memorable rhythm. Rick and Morty works well because of its phonetic balance.
Smart wordplay can make a show title distinctive. BoJack Horseman sounds like a real name, but it's also humorous. Arrested Development plays on both the legal troubles of its characters and their personal growth (or lack thereof).

7. Choose a Title That Sparks Curiosity

A title that raises questions can draw people in. How I Met Your Mother immediately presents a mystery. The Man in the High Castle makes viewers wonder who the man is and why the castle is important.
Cryptic names like Mr. Robot hint at something intriguing without revealing too much. A mysterious or slightly ambiguous title can build intrigue, especially for new viewers checking out a trailer or synopsis.
Avoid going too obscure, though. If the title is too confusing or abstract, people may not remember it.

8. Consider the International Market

Shows often get localized titles when released in other countries, but having an easily translatable name can help global reach.
Shorter names are easier to translate without losing meaning. Some language-specific puns or cultural references may not work outside of their original audience.
Certain words or phrases might carry unintended meanings in other languages. Before finalizing a title, checking for potential misinterpretations can help avoid issues when marketing to an international audience.