The pilot system existed to test show prospects before large commitments

Evidence

Though he’d never directed a TV series before, Fincher would be given enormous creative control. Rather than putting it through the pilot process, the usual way to test a TV show’s prospects, Netflix was willing to pay for two thirteen-episode seasons up front. Last but not least, Sarandos offered a pile of money: a reported $100 million, or as much as would be ordinarily invested in an expensive feature blockbuster. — Tim Wu, The Attention Merchants, 1094

Categorization

• DEFINE: Briefly explains what the pilot process is and how Netflix’s upfront commitment bypassed it.