most shows barely have 3 seasons before people start losing interest (and risk losing budgets)
I agree to a point. But I differ on some things. Mainly the budget part. I have pitched a UF series to Netflix and Amazon about 2 years ago. Went as far as the presentation package, but it didn't/hasn't panned out.
But Netflix was my first choice because of budget and audience collection.
I read and then was told that once Netflix commits to an original series, they really commit.
Networks have to pay for their content with commercials, so then those sponsors have a say in what gets aired.
Netflix is all in house. They pay for their own stuff. There are a few FX houses and movie making resources that get contracted out, but Netflix foots 100% of the bill.
I LOVE THAT! They aren't beholden to any firm or brand. I was told (also you can tell) that some of their series took seasons before they found their audience, before any real interest or attention was given.
Netflix has ALL the money they saved during their DVD days, and then streaming, before they broke into making their own content.
If they chose DF as a series, they could make 2-3 or even 4 seasons and wait patiently on the viewers to come to them.
On the other hand Fox cancelled Firefly in a half a season, and Drive in 2 episodes.
DF home should be Netflix hands down.