A television director is usually responsible for directing the actors and other taped aspects of a television production. In contrast to a film director, the major creative control will likely reside with the producer(s) of the show. The majority of television series will use a director for individual episodes.

On a miniseries or TV movie, the director may have a role closer to that on a film. As well, certain television series will rely more often on a single director for every episode; in such cases, his input would be more closely sought.

Smaller television studios tend to rely more heavily on the director's ability to command and to provide direction for any given program. The directors responsiblities, in these situations, include producing rundowns for the program, shot sheets, talent instruction on top of his general tasks.