Netflix has mastered the art of serving fan-favorite genres to perfection. From period dramas like Bridgerton, which whisks viewers away to English landed gentry, to gripping true stories like Inventing Anna, which revisits scandals that left the nation breathless. With powerhouse producer Shonda Rhimes at the helm, Netflix's slate of hits is undeniable. However, despite the track records, industry experts have some key observations to share.

While franchises of various genres have worked wonders for the fans, and have continued to captivate audiences to date, not all have stood the test of time. 

Navigating some of Netflix’s Shonda Rhimes powerhouse, The Hollywood Reporter associate and Puck news contributor Leslie Goldberg shared her two cents on The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast. Goldberg noted differences through mega deals and cash craze. According to her, Rhimes' creations, like Bridgerton, embodied what Netflix desired, “a global hit, it travels, there are live events, there's merchandising, etc." However, with her other creative genius, that was not the case. 

Leslie Goldberg further emphasized that Bridgerton's success translated beyond viewership, which even accelerated national economies, making it a prime example of a successful investment. Meanwhile, Inventing Anna’s returns fell flat. She stated that Shonda Rhimes' limited series misses, like Inventing Anna, are not that significant due to its overall output. Although a hit, it lacked merchandising potential, unlike Bridgerton, which spawned live events and branded products. 

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Goldberg stressed that output is the key metric for such investment, citing other instances. 

Leslie Goldberg emphasized that being prolific is not enough; creators must produce a "monster hit" to justify multi-figure investments. Citing Donald Glover and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as exemplary creators, she said they could not push shows like Atlanta and Fleabag all over the globe. When paying creators like Glover eight or nine figures, studios expect a breakout hit like Mr. and Mrs. Smith that can gain broad traction. 

All in all, the expert explained how with fortune comes hard work accompanied by smart work to maintain the fortune. She noted that studios invest in creators for a big hit, not just another critically acclaimed but a niche show. While Glover's Swarm received Emmy nominations, it failed to become a global phenomenon. And that is how showbiz works. You either hit or miss, implied the expert.

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What are your thoughts on Leslie Goldberg’s notion of franchises and shows? Let us know in the comments below.