system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Every year, all your favorite TV networks produce pilots that never air. Why do they not release these online? Wouldn't it be easier to gauge what their audience wants that way, and possibly monetize off their "failures" as a failsafe way to make some of the money back?
gpt
Several reasons.  Firstly, there could be copyright issues. Secondly, often times the ideas in those pilots are cannibalized into another show.  Thirdly, how would they make any money off of releasing it for free? Fourthly, releasing terrible things can dilute their brand and make them lose respect.  Fifthly, pilots are often widely different from what ends up being made.  Releasing it can poison the perception of the public and make the show do terrible.