The Netflix Writer's Formula For Binge-worthy Stories

Hey Beyonder!👋

Happy to see you here!

Have you guys watched Community, one of the famous Netflix sitcom?

Today we're diving into one of the most powerful storytelling frameworks. And it comes from the genius behind that show.

Meet Dan Harmon: The Genius Behind Your Favorite Shows

You know Dan Harmon's work even if you don't know his name.

He created Community and co-created Rick and Morty. Shows that hooked millions of people worldwide.

But here's the secret:

Dan cracked the storytelling code with something called the Story Circle.

He was frustrated with complex storytelling advice that felt too academic. So he took Joseph Campbell's famous Hero's Journey and made it simple. Just 8 steps.

The result? A framework so powerful it's been used to create some of the most binge-worthy content on the planet.

The best part? It works for everything. TV shows, Instagram reels, Youtube videos, newsletters.

The Story Circle: Your 8-Step Storytelling Blueprint

Here's Dan's framework:

Picture a circle. Your character starts at the bottom (comfort). Moves up through challenge and growth. Then returns transformed.

Simple, right?

Now let's see this in action.

The Flat Story (Boring Adhesive Ad)

Here's typical glue advertising:

"SuperGlue Premium Adhesive. Industrial strength formula. Bonds metal, plastic, wood, ceramic. Waterproof. Fast-drying. Multiple sizes available. Trusted by professionals for 20+ years."

Boring. Features and benefits. Zero emotion.

This is what 90% of brands sound like.

The Spark Story (Fevikwik's Genius)

Now watch what happens with Fevikwik - India's beloved glue brand.

They don't sell glue. They sell stories.

How Fevikwik Uses Story Circle:

YOU: Regular person in everyday life

NEED: Something breaks, threatens their world

GO: Into crisis mode (broken chair, guests arriving)

SEARCH: Frantically trying to fix it

FIND: Fevikwik appears as the hero

TAKE: Risk trusting this solution

RETURN: Back to normal situation

CHANGE: From panicked to confident

Creator Example: How Ali Abdaal Uses Story Circle

Still confused about how the Story Circle works for creators? Let me show you using an example from one of my favorite creators - Ali Abdaal

Let’s take his old viral video (5+ million views) - it's a perfect Story Circle in action.

Watch how he structures it, then see the breakdown below:

YOU: "You're struggling with productivity like I used to"

NEED: "You want to get more done without burning out"

GO: "Let me show you this system I discovered"

SEARCH: "I tried everything - Pomodoro, GTD, countless apps"

FIND: "Then I found this evidence-based approach"

TAKE: "It requires changing how you think about work"

RETURN: "Now I work 4 hours and achieve what took 8"

CHANGE: "You can become the productive person you want to be"

He makes himself the relatable hero first. Then positions his audience to follow the same journey.

🔍 Why the Story Circle Works So Well

The Story Circle beats flat storytelling because:

The real power? Your customer is the hero. Not your product.

Your brand is the guide helping them transform.

Free Story Circle Template

Want the complete framework with examples?

 It includes:
- The 8-step breakdown
- Real examples from top brands
- Content prompts for every platform
- Common mistakes to avoid

Challenge for the Week

Would love to see what you create. I'll feature the best ones in upcoming weeks.

Remember: Every great story is a transformation story.

Your audience doesn't want information. They want to become someone new.

One post. Eight steps. Powerful storytelling.

Keep telling stores,

Epaphra

P.S. I've been using Story Circle for my own content and engagement has exploded. There's something almost hypnotic about stories that follow this pattern. Try it - you'll see what I mean!