Yeah; any period dramas, fantasy or sci fi shows are just going to be ridiculously expensive. Sitcoms and ensemble dramas are a little cheaper; but eventually i

Yeah; any period dramas, fantasy or sci fi shows are just going to be ridiculously expensive. Sitcoms and ensemble dramas are a little cheaper; but eventually if the show gets popular, the cast will demand to be paid. But at least for the first couple seasons the show is cheap to produce, and if it builds an audience, it's easier to justify the increased cost. Sci Fi shows are the most expensive in their first season, because you have to design the universe up-front. A network exec doesn't know if the show is going to pull an audience, but he does know he's got to drop a whole lot of money to even find out. Which makes other options a lot more attractive, and explains the lack of high-quality Sci Fi on TV right now. And like it or not, the cinematic tie-ins and continuity within the universe are what make Marvel appealing as a brand. DC has done a terrible job at this; the upcoming Batman vs. Superman movie has different actors and takes place in a different universe than the last (or really, any) Batman movie. Having multiple Batman characters confuses audiences, and Marvel has done a really good job keeping things consistent.