Good writers and actors don't usually work for free. Just because there are lots of expensive things that don't really improve quality doesn't mean quality isn't still expensive.

Unless you're suggesting that television shows should all be made on a "work for a share of profits" or "work for free to get recognition" basis (i.e., like a start-up or an open-source project respectively). I don't really see most people being able to do that, though.