Well, if Judd Apatow ever does make that “Freaks and Geeks” revival that everyone is clamoring for, it doesn’t appear that it will be for any broadcast networks. On a new episode of the “Remote Controlled” podcast (via Variety), the filmmaker discusses the differences between network television and where he’s been operating lately – Netflix.
“There is nothing that has made my life better than not working for network television,” Apatow says. “It’s creativity with a gun to your head. They can cancel you at any moment.”
Obviously, Apatow is speaking from experience, as he has had a troubled history with broadcast networks, dating back to his work on series like “The Critic,” “Undeclared,” and the aforementioned “Freaks and Geeks.” All three of those series were canceled fairly early in their runs, with Apatow finally finding success later in his career on paid cable network HBO, with “Girls,” and recently on Netflix with “Love.”
In the interview, he breaks down the ultimate reason why Netflix is better than network TV, and it’s quite simple – you get to finish what you started.
“It’s not like you’re in the middle of your series and [Netflix executive] Ted Sarandos walks on the set and says ‘Unplug it.’ You’re getting to finish at least,” Apatow says.
There are plenty of other creators that feel the exact same way, as we’ve seen the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and others snatch up first-look deals with TV heavyweights like Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Murphy, and Jordan Peele. So, it looks like either TV networks will have to bend their rules a little more to allow creative freedom and full season guarantees, or you’re going to see more and more producers make the jump to streaming.
