Why buy free show?

Hi guys,

Why does Netflix pay for shows that are already available for free on other streamers. Not only are the shows in question already available on other streamers, but there's generally more up to date episodes available on the free streamers from which they came i.e. 4OD.

For example, Taskmaster is streaming series 1-17 on Netflix UK & if you just go to 4OD, for free, no TV licence required either, you can stream series 1-19.

Wouldn't it make more sense for Netflix to take that money & spend it on content that isn't widely available for free?

The only reason I can think of is that the content on Netflix UK is also available on other territories outside the UK where the other streamers are inaccessible, but I'm not sure.

Can anyone provide any clarity on the matter?

Thanks guys.