Netflix Originals

What's the deal with 'Netflix Originals'? I thought that all the programmes that came under that banner were Netflix-commissioned and the like (as is true with shows like 'House of Cards' and 'Orange is the New Black', but increasingly stuff is popping up from other broadcasters but being branded as being a Netflix show. I first noticed this with 'Designated Survivor', which is airing on ABC in the US. Likewise, Cuckoo, which was a production for BBC Three, has been branded in some places as a 'Netflix Original' also (although not in the UK) - whilst Designated Survivor had a Netflix front-cap and end-cap, Cuckoo lacks it, and keeps a BBC copyright slide at the end.

So, what's the deal here? BBC America doesn't brand stuff like Broadchurch (which it airs in the US) as being a BBC 'Original British Drama'/'Pure Drama' or anything like that, which would be similarly dodgy as it is just airing the show, and didn't commission it?

Exclusives. Programmes not already aired on linear television in that country.

I don't understand why Netflix doesn't do the same as Amazon, putting 'Original' on their own commissioned shows, and 'Exclusive' on shows they have the exclusive rights to in the particular country.

In many cases now though Netfix can be on board with a series from the beginning, so if Cuckoo for example was renewed thanks in part to funding from Netflix for none UK rights they'd want to label it an original.

Agree though they should just leave it to their own commissions. The more widespread the brand is used the less value it has.

I think they just want to coin "Netflix Original" as a byword for quality and something of importance, rather than having different labels for each show.

I took it to mean a show that Netflix commissioned or co-produced, or otherwise provided some up-front funding for. In other words it is an original production Netflix has some involvement in (though this doesn't mean exclusively)

However Designated Survivor appears to be a straight acquisition (for Netflix distribution outside North America?) - though it could be that acquisition was an up-front deal?

Your right it's over exposure. Have a look at all of the Netflix "Originals".

CNET describes a Netflix Original as a show they commissioned, a show that's continued by them after another producer backs down or one that is purchased by them for exclusive distribution.

I think only the first two of those CNET descriptions should count. The last one is ridiculous.

Broad IS their brand though. They're not just going after the niche HBO audience they're targeting every demo with every kind of genre the same way BBC/ITV/Channel 4 do. Just like any traditional mainstream channel some shows are of higher quality than others, some are over-rated and some are under-rated.

Scream is another show which is branded as a Netflix original in the UK but is actually an MTV programme.

The Expanse, a SyFy show in the US, is a "Netflix Original", at least in continental Europe anyways.

'Better Call Saul' is too. It is a bit odd but I can kinda see where they're coming from. It's pretty obvious which shows are made by Netflix and which shows aren't....they make sure you know which are theirs.