Why Some Classic Sci-Fi Shows Wouldn't Survive Today

Sci-fi TV shows have undergone significant changes over the years. Many popular series from the past wouldn't make it today due to the evolving landscape of television production.

The Expanse

• Budget: $5-$10 million per episode
• Seasons: 6
• Note: Unlikely to be greenlit today due to high production costs.

Fringe

• Production Cost: High
• Network: Aired on network TV
• Episodes: 20 in the first four seasons
• Note: Networks today are less inclined to invest in expensive sci-fi shows.

Westworld

• First Season Cost: Around $100 million
• Network: HBO
• Note: High budgets make it challenging for sci-fi shows to get made today.

Lost

• Seasons: 6
• Episodes: 121
• Note: Unlikely to be produced today due to reduced network spending and risk aversion.

The X-Files

• Seasons: 9
• Note: Networks are less likely to renew expensive and complex shows today.

Sense8

• Budget: $4.5 million per episode (Season 1), $9 million per episode (Season 2)
• Note: Cancelled after two seasons due to insufficient viewership to justify costs.

Mork & Mindy

• Genre: Sitcom and sci-fi combination
• Note: Unlikely to be produced today due to the high risk associated with blending genres.

Heroes

• Note: Almost all superhero shows today are under the Marvel or DC umbrella, making standalone shows like "Heroes" unlikely.