Giant Freakin Robot

Netflix is in the process of making the jump to become a producer of original content. They’ve already picked up the cancelled TV series Arrested Development, intending to produce new episodes of the dearly departed show. And after the cancellation of Terra Nova the streaming service entered into talks with Terra Nova’s producers, with the intent of doing the same to their dino show. But now they’re not.

The two parties were unable to reach an agreement which would allow Netflix to revive the show. No word on just what the hangup was, but I hope it had something to do with our push on this site to get them to spend their money on something better. Our readers have sent thousands of tweets to Netflix using this link to point them in the right direction.

Earlier this week we got wind that Netflix may be investigating the possibility of producing new episodes of the recently cancelled Fox series Terra Nova for broadcast on their streaming service. They’ve already committed to doing just that, for the once cancelled but much loved series Arrested Development. But in the case of Terra Nova, it feels like the wrong move.

The list of great science fiction programs unfairly cancelled before their time is long and, while Terra Nova has its charms, it should be near the bottom of the list when it comes to looking at cancelled sci-fi that Netflix should bring back. To help them figure out their next move we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the science fiction shows which not only should be resurrected by Netflix before they can consider Terra Nova, but also shows which it’s realistic to consider. That means no matter how much we loved Quantum Leap we realize it’s been gone so long there’s no way to bring it back. But Netflix could and should look into making new episodes of these shows, instead…

Netflix has recently started getting into the original programming game. For instance, they’re planning to create new episodes of Arrested Development which would air through their streaming service. Now that Terra Nova has been axed by Fox, Netflix may be considering adding the ended Dino show to its roster.

Word from Deadline is that preliminary conversations are already underway, though they’re a long way off from entering any kind of negotiation.

It might make sense from a ratings perspective for Netflix to pick up the show. Even though it’s been cancelled Terra Nova actually did pretty well in the ratings race. But you’d think the cost per episode to produce it would be a little prohibitive for Netflix. Each ep cost around $4 million to produce.

I think I was one of a small group of people who actually enjoyed sitting down to watch Terra Nova each week. Not because it’s a great show or is particularly intriguing, but because it is easy. When you watch heavier fare like Boardwalk Empire, The Walking Dead, and Homeland, something a little schlocky that you can enjoy without paying too much attention to is a nice palette cleanser at the beginning of the week.

However, the Steven Spielberg dino-drama may not be back for a second season this coming fall, according to Deadline. Fox has some decisions to make and they’re in kind of a tough position. They have a bunch of new dramas getting ready to heat up and if they all hit Fox won’t have enough room for Terra Nova in their schedule. Not that it would be heartbreaking if it didn’t make it back next year, but even though the first season was a little bit rocky, Terra Nova has a lot of room to spread its wings and really go new places. It’d be nice to see what they do with it.

Also on the chopping block is long-running lupus diagnoser House, currently in its eighth season. It sounds as if it may be a “one or the other” situation between House and Terra Nova especially if Fox’s new shows find some ratings.