Inside the Vault: Unveiling the Mind-Blowing Budgets Behind Netflix's Costliest Original Series

Summary

Many of Netflix's original series have hefty budgets, with some shows costing millions of dollars per episode.

The budgets allocated to these shows are frequently justified based on their success and popularity, as well as the demand for superior production quality. Notably, series like Stranger Things and The Witcher possess some of the most substantial budgets within Netflix's roster, underscoring their position as highly acclaimed flagship shows.

Despite the differing returns in the streaming world, Netflix's most expensive shows rival those of regular cable television. Even with the recent addition of an ad-supported tier, Netflix continues to invest in their network to cater to their audience's desires. Each year, they allocate more funds towards original movies and series, understanding that not all of them will meet audience and critic expectations. However, the focus remains on consistently creating new content.

Netflix has undertaken the production of numerous original series over the years, with some costing millions to produce. Only a few of these shows have proven to be worthwhile investments. The higher the expenditure on a single show, the greater the risk of incurring losses. Yet, Netflix remains undeterred, occasionally investing tens of millions of dollars into a project, hoping to attract more subscribers and justify the financial commitment. While Netflix does not openly disclose precise budgets for their original series, some information regarding their largest shows is still available.

25 On My Block (2018) - $2 Million Per Episode

Although $2 million per episode for a Netflix series may not be considered a large budget, it is still a substantial amount for a show that does not rely heavily on special effects and is not set in a different time period. On My Block revolves around a tightly-knit group of friends growing up in a predominantly Hispanic and black neighborhood in Los Angeles. With a total of just under 40 episodes, the series accumulated a budget of approximately $80 million.

24 Cobra Kai (2018) - $2-$3 Million Per Episode

Originally part of the now-defunct YouTube Red streaming service, Cobra Kai found a new home on Netflix after being left without a platform. Netflix took over the show and continued its run for four more seasons, culminating in the sixth season as the series finale. With a significantly higher budget of an estimated $2 to $3 million per episode (via What's On Netflix), Netflix was able to bring back several beloved stars from the Karate Kid franchise along the way.

23 The Night Agent (2023) - $2-$3 Million Per Episode

22 Squid Game (2021) - $2.3 Million Per Episode

The Night Agent, a compelling series, is based on the book by Matthew Quirk and brought to life by Shawn Ryan, the creator of The Shield. It revolves around an FBI agent who, while serving as a telephone operator at the White House, uncovers a sinister mole within the highest echelons of the US government. Determined to expose the truth, he simultaneously endeavors to safeguard a woman targeted by the same ruthless individuals responsible for her family's tragic demise. With its captivating narrative spanning various locations across the globe, the production spared no expense, investing an impressive $2 to $3 million per episode for the first season (via What's on Netflix).

The surprise success of Squid Game in 2021 paved the way for a possible second season with a potentially higher budget on Netflix. Despite its initial low production cost of $2.3 million per episode, Squid Game proved to be a lucrative investment for the streaming giant. Netflix paid a total of $21.4 million for the series, resulting in an estimated "impact value" of $891 million (via Variety). With these impressive returns, it is expected that Netflix will allocate significantly more resources towards the upcoming second season.

21 Narcos (2015) - $2.5 Million Per Episode

Netflix's Narcos: A Riveting Tale of Drugs, Agents, and Cartel Empires

20 Never Have I Ever (2020) - $2.5 Million Per Episode

Chronicling the enthralling escapades of the notorious Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar, and the relentless pursuit of justice by courageous agents, Narcos became a gritty crime drama series that captivated viewers for three gripping seasons. As the saga delved further into the captivating narrative, the thrilling spin-off, Narcos: Mexico, continued to enthrall audiences. Boasting a stellar cast, impeccable period costumes, and meticulously chosen filming locations, the production of this sensational series commanded a substantial budget. In fact, industry insiders estimated the impressive cost of the first season of Narcos to be around $25 million dollars, translating into a lavish expenditure of approximately $2.5 million per episode.

Another smaller series that still had a significant budget was the comedy-drama "Never Have I Ever." The initial success of the series, written by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, contributed to the increase in its budget. Based on Kaling's childhood in Boston, the Netflix series revolves around an Indian-American high school student navigating the challenges of her father's death and high school life. After running for four seasons, "Never Have I Ever" concluded with a commendable budget of $2.5 million per episode.

19 Daredevil (2015) - $3.3 Million Per Episode

In 2015, Netflix had an opportunity to produce its own Marvel television series. Unlike the MCU movies that featured prominent characters from the Marvel Comics universe, Netflix focused on what are known as the street-level heroes. This journey began with Daredevil and later expanded to include Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Punisher. As a testament to their commitment, Netflix invested $3.3 million per episode in Daredevil (via TV Line), a similar figure to what they allocated for the other shows, excluding the Defenders series. The investment paid off, as Daredevil received rave reviews and demonstrated Netflix's adeptness in bringing these distinctive superheroes to life.

18 Hemlock Grove (2013) - $4 Million Per Episode

Hemlock Grove marked one of Netflix's early ventures into creating original content. With a hefty price tag of approximately $4 million per episode, the horror series immersed viewers in a dilapidated former steel town inhabited by peculiar residents and menacing creatures that lurked in the shadows. The show incorporated a significant number of special effects, likely accounting for a substantial portion of the production budget, while additional funds were allocated to costumes. In total, Netflix invested $50 million for the 13-episode run, serving as a notable debut for its lineup of original programming.

17 Orange Is The New Black (2013) - $4 Million Per Episode

Both Orange Is the New Black and Hemlock Grove were among Netflix's earliest original series, each with a hefty price tag of approximately $4 million per episode.

However, Hemlock Grove only lasted three seasons and comprised a total of 33 episodes. In contrast, OITNB had a remarkable run of seven seasons, totaling 91 episodes. Consequently, it is evident that the cost of producing OITNB was significantly higher, as the budgets for a series tend to increase substantially with more seasons.

OITNB is a female-centric comedy-drama that centers around the lives of inmates in a federal women's prison and explores the daily events that unfold within its walls.

16 Outer Banks (2020) - $5 Million Per Episode

Outer Banks, a 2020 mystery teen drama, featured a predominantly unknown cast and told the story of two groups of teenagers on the hunt for a hidden treasure in North Carolina. Despite not fitting the typical mold of an expensive Netflix show, it surprised many by costing approximately $5 million per episode (via What's On Netflix). The first season garnered high viewership and received numerous award nominations, which led to the show's renewal for a second season on Netflix. Additionally, fans were delighted to learn that a third season of Outer Banks was also in the works.

15 House Of Cards (2013) - $5 Million Per Episode

Netflix's initial original series had a relatively large budget (for its time) of $4.5 million, and its success certainly contributed to Netflix's current status as a streaming giant. Featuring notable actors like Kevin Spacey from American Beauty and Robin Wright from Forrest Gump, a significant portion of this political drama's budget was allocated to the cast. Despite a decline in ratings after Kevin Spacey's departure from the show in 2017, it has garnered numerous awards, including 33 Emmy nominations.

14 Black Mirror (2016) - $6.6 Million Per Episode

Black Mirror started in the U.K. and was later acquired by Netflix for U.S. viewers. This anthology series, similar to The Twilight Zone, focuses on the horrors and fears associated with technology. Notably, it features prominent actors and higher-budget episodes. Netflix paid $40 million for the American rights in season 3, resulting in an impressive $6.6 million per episode. This investment allowed for the inclusion of well-known stars like Bryce Dallas Howard and renowned directors like Joe Wright.

13 Bridgerton (2020) - $7 Million Per Episode

Bridgerton, a highly popular Netflix series, has already streamed two seasons and one spinoff. With a budget of $7 million per episode (via The US Sun), the show revolves around the illustrious Bridgerton family, whose eight siblings strive to secure suitable romantic partners. Set in England during the Regency era, a significant portion of the budget is likely allocated to costumes and locations, immersing viewers into the historical era. Notably, the legendary Julie Andrews also graces the show with her presence. As long as Bridgerton continues to amass a substantial viewership, Netflix will undoubtedly continue to invest more money in this captivating period piece.

12 Altered Carbon (2018) - $7 Million Per Episode

Netflix and the showrunners behind Altered Carbon have been exceptionally secretive regarding the budget or costs associated with the show's production, as is typical for them. However, despite the common occurrence of leaked information, no details pertaining to Altered Carbon's finances have surfaced thus far. The closest approximation, as stated by Hollywood Reporter, places the budget at approximately $7 million per episode. Those who have actually watched the show will easily comprehend that the visually stunning and atmospheric elements that garnered such high praise come with a significant price tag.

11 Bloodline (2015) - $7-8 Million Per Episode

The mysterious thriller Bloodline revolves around the seemingly perfect Rayburn family, harboring dangerous and deadly scandals just beneath the surface. With production costs reportedly ranging from $7-8 million per episode (via Vulture), the series ended after three seasons, potentially due to its high budget. The presence of acclaimed actors such as Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, and Sissy Spacek, along with the expensive filming location in the Florida Keys, may have contributed to the show exceeding its financial limits.

10 Ozark (2017) - $8 Million Per Episode

9 The Defenders (2017) - $8 Million Per Episode

Ozark, a widely acclaimed crime series on Netflix, captivated audiences for four seasons and garnered an impressive 45 Primetime Emmy nominations. Leading the star-studded cast, Jason Bateman and Laura Linney portrayed a married couple who, thrust into working for the mafia, found themselves unexpectedly entangled in a web of deceit and danger. Notably, each episode boasted a staggering budget of $8 million, an intriguing tidbit of trivia that paralleled the total amount of money Marty had embezzled from his firm before relocating to the Ozarks (via Looper).

Netflix has previously produced successful Marvel TV shows like Daredevil and Jessica Jones, with an average budget of around $40 million per season. With each season consisting of 13 episodes, this means that the approximate cost per episode for these shows was $3 million. However, The Defenders was a unique miniseries that brought together various heroes from different shows, including Luke Cage and Iron Fist, to fight a common enemy. This miniseries had 8 episodes instead of the usual 13, suggesting a higher per episode cost of $8 million based on calculations.

8 Sense8 (2015) - $9 Million Per Episode

7 Marco Polo (2014) - $10 Million Per Episode

was directed by The Wachowskis, renowned for their work on The Matrix. This gripping sci-fi drama, released in 2015, centers around eight individuals from different corners of the globe. They discover that they have become "sensates," individuals connected on a mental level. With their lives in peril, they must not only evade a formidable organization but also navigate the complexities of their newfound mental bond. Despite receiving critical acclaim and amassing a dedicated fan base, the show was ultimately canceled after two seasons. The reason behind this decision was the insufficient size of the fan base, which could not sustain the high production costs. Filming in numerous countries around the world significantly contributed to these expenses.

On the exterior, Netflix's Marco Polo appeared to be a grand-scale venture that rivaled the ambit of Game of Thrones. However, when it came down to the core aspects, such as budget and aspirations, it was only on par with the HBO sensation. Taking place in the 13th century, the show revolves around the renowned historical figure, Marco Polo, and his time at the court of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. Applauded for its authentic portrayal of Mongol culture, Netflix eventually pulled the plug on the series after two seasons, allegedly incurring a whopping $200 million loss (via THR).

6 The Witcher (2019) - $10 Million Per Episode

The Witcher, released in 2019, shattered the notion that video game-based movies are subpar. This extraordinary fantasy-drama show not only served as a remarkable adaptation of the beloved video game, but also garnered a massive fan following worldwide. Despite its seemingly modest 67% Rotten Tomatoes rating, the overwhelming audience approval of 92% testifies to its undeniable success. The production spared no expense in utilizing extensive practical effects and CGI to bring the medieval realm of Geralt the Witcher to life, ensuring that future sequels would maintain the same level of grandeur.