> Want to make a TV show that is "the simplest thing that could possibly work"? Get an iPhone and record 3 people in an empty room saying lines. Publish a new episode every week.
You just described Podcast. It did work for many (obviously it failed for many as well). That's an excellent example of why one should start with the simplest thing that could possibly work. Probably better than the OP's examples.
Podcasts aren't usually scripted episodic content. Some are, but those tend to involve a lot more sound production, and they aren't filmed. If you tried to make filmed scripted episodic content the way you make a podcast, it would be terrible. The exception is improv comedy.
You just described Podcast. It did work for many (obviously it failed for many as well). That's an excellent example of why one should start with the simplest thing that could possibly work. Probably better than the OP's examples.