system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: 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?

I'm just curious.  Seems like there's a good majority of folks online who would watch *Firefly* and for a while people yearned for *Arrested Development* to get back on the air; however there always seems to be an obstacle standing in the way. 

Is it a skewed opinion of the actual amount of viewership?   Are networks not interested and / or don't think it won't garner ratings despite acclaim?
gpt
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.