Well, I knew it was gonna happen one day, but I didn't think it would happen right before I was due to send my treatment and sample script to Production Companies. What am I talking about? Well, one of the main storylines from my sitcom was recently used in a sitcom on T.V. I'm really angry about it. Has this ever happened to anyone else?
It's happened to everybody.
Yeah don't worry about it. I think they get recycled all the time anyway?
I had a character, still do, who is the exact same as the dude from Nathan Barley (Dan Ashcroft), even went around calling everyone, idiots.
I invented 'cock, muff, bumhole.' But I played it slightly differently.
I invented the question mark at the end of the name, Jonatton Yeah?
Cool. Which forum member invented straight on straight action?
I would imagine you have to be careful in this line of work, Media types arent known for their morals
I've had two other similar experiences. The first was when I wrote a script that I had to scrap when I found out it had an identical ending to the film 'Throw Momma from the Train'. Then, believe it or not, I had to scrap a storyline I was working on, because it featured Richard Whitley (well, it would've done if he'd agreed to appear in it), and he went and died!
Yeah its happened to me recently too, but look how many storylines are repeated across most sitcoms. I wouldn't worry about it, especially as if your script was successful your episode wouldn't come out for over a year.
Yeah it's happened to me a fair bit when I was writing my first attempt at a sitcom which was more of a traditional sytle. I found a lot of stuff although not exactly the same had been done on Seinfeld, so I always ended up scrapping them. Once I know it's already been done I can't carry on.
Quote: catskillz @ August 27, 2007, 2:13 AMWell, I knew it was gonna happen one day, but I didn't think it would happen right before I was due to send my treatment and sample script to Production Companies. What am I talking about? Well, one of the main storylines from my sitcom was recently used in a sitcom on T.V. I'm really angry about it. Has this ever happened to anyone else?
Which one was it, if I may ask?
Just the other day they used my GAY the musical idea on the IT Crowd 
I invented the avenger penguins when i was in school....4 months later they appeared on tv. Then me and a friend invented a couple of beavers who suffered from extreme anger problems.
There are thousands of people thinking out there it is envetiable 1 person may have a similar idea if not the same as you.
I saw a few of my sketches on the Michelle and Webb look last year (sort of). I was upset and at the same time happy because it was nice to see that my idea was good and it worked. It's just a shame I'll never receive any recognition for it.
I'd just take it as motivation to keep going and even if it is a common story it's the execution that matters. And we can take solace in the fact its happened to Larry David as well re: happy ending massage.