Has anyone noticed the recent rise in conventional TV shows making online appearances? Not only are networks putting their shows up on iTunes or the Xbox Marketplace, they’re starting to make the show available online for free; often with more content than the original airing.
For example, this week’s episode of The Office offers an online Producer’s Cut. The Producer’s Cut contains an additional ten minutes of content that wouldn’t have been able to fit into the episode otherwise. In addition, the past couple of weeks the show has been offering deleting scenes throughout the week; unusually about one a day, constantly bringing you back to the site.
What do you think of this new distribution model? Would you check out a show’s website and sit through some ads if you could get additional content? I know I have and I’ve been enjoying every moment of it. I just wish more shows would catch on to the model as it’s a great way to get past traditional TV time constraints as well as bring viewers to your website more often.
2 Comments
I’ve noticed the trend too. However, I would like to see them put up an immediately available on-demand torrent. Here’s how I could see it work:
People go to tvstation.com/torrents/ browse and click on one to download. The user is met with x number of 30 second or 1 minute ads and perhaps google/yahoo text ads.
The viewer is given 3 views or something. (Even though I’m not a fan of DRM) and then they are given the chance to buy it (through iTunes or directly) for a low price.
It sounded like a great idea when I launched into it, but 20 minutes later and the Daily Show done distracting me, I don’t know that my idea is so good anymore. Haha.
I must say ron, I love this new tv stuff. Especially NBC’s site. They post SNL skits, full episodes of some shows, and two-minute recaps of others. Its great if you miss something, and the bonus stuff is great too! This is definitely the way every station should do it.
Post a Comment