Why are much-wanted TV shows like Firefly and Arrested Development (well, previously) so hard to get back on the air despite a rabid fan base?
OK, Like you are 5: 1) TV shows are expensive to make; for example an "inexpensive" show such as a reality show on TLC runs about $700,000 per episode. A drama such as Firefly (with special effects) or AD (with dedicated sets, larger crew, etc) costs much more. 2) Additionally, each 1/2 time slot…
The Short Answer
OK, Like you are 5: 1) TV shows are expensive to make; for example an "inexpensive" show such as a reality show on TLC runs about $700,000 per episode. A drama such as Firefly (with special effects) or AD (with dedicated sets, larger crew, etc) costs much more. 2) Additionally, each 1/2 time slot has a "cost", based on how much money a network thinks it can/should make in that 1/2 hour. 3) The "good majority of folks online" could very well be a false sample, and in fact the "rabid fanbase" may not provide the amount of viewers necessary to cover (1) and (2) compared to other shows that can. You are online all the time, so it seems like a large viewership to you. To the networks, it is all about minimizing (1) and maximizing (2) — and your favorite shows cannot compete with "Ghost Hunters" or "Toddlers & Tiaras" in that equation.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Shows, make, show
This explanation focuses on shows, make, show and spans 145 words across 6 sentences. At 101% above the average Science explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “OK, Like you are 5: 1) TV shows are expensive to make; for example an "inexpensive" show such as a reality show on TLC r” It then elaborates with concrete examples, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 6 connected points.
How This Compares in Science
Ranked #37 of 500 Science questions by answer depth (top 8%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why much-wanted tv shows like firefly and arrested development (well, previously) so hard to get back on the air despite a rabid fan base?
OK, Like you are 5: 1) TV shows are expensive to make; for example an "inexpensive" show such as a reality show on TLC runs about $700,000 per episode. A drama such as Firefly (with special effects) or AD (with dedicated sets, larger crew, etc)…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Science questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 145 words, ranked #37 of 500 Science questions by depth. The key concepts covered are shows, make, show.
What approach does this answer take to explain much-wanted tv shows like firefly and arrested development (?
The explanation uses concrete examples across 145 words. It is categorized under Science and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.