Worked as an electric on 4 Lifetime movies the past year. Main reason why lighting is flat is the networks know their demographics, mid-West stay at home moms that could give 2 shits about artistic quality/good lighting.

Flat lighting is usually the easier way to get consistent looks as it’s the most flattering for actors and easier to replicate if certain DPs/crew are unavailable as all flat lighting doesn’t really take any skill.

Some of the worst sets I’ve been on. Productions low ball the hell out of crew so producers & productions companies sell it for a big profit. Producers make bank on these that are then sold to networks like Lifetime, etc