A television director is usually responsible for directing the actors and other filmed/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.

In a live television production, the director is responsible for calling which specific shots and other production elements will go on the air in real time, while the producer will be coordinating the "big picture," including commercial breaks and the running length of the show ahead of time. In a smaller production, the director may be responsible for operating production equipment, usually the video switcher and CCUs, as well.