Television Critic Phil Wallington

For the many kiwis who are unable to afford pay TV subscriptions, good quality drama may soon be completely out of reach. Phil Wallington discusses the new Netflix series "The Crown" purportedly the most expensive television show ever made. With life-size replicas of Buckingham Palace, a rampaging elephant and 7,000 costumes the show's 60 episodes come in at a cost of $5 million each. The Guardian says "Netflix move into British costume drama demonstrates the changing nature of the television industry where the BBC faces increasing competition from better resourced and more nimble international rivals."