CBS Follows NBC’s Online Lead

Only one day after NBC announced it would start offering many of its classic television programs online for FREE and with limited commercial interruption, CBS has followed suit and will offer up a similar deal on its online Website(s).

“CBS’ commitment and ability to move quickly and aggressively to monetize and distribute content online is awesome,” CBS Interactive president Quincy Smith said in a statement. “With offerings in entertainment, news and sports, this is about solving for what the user wants and staying focused around CBS content. Furthermore, meshing this content with the interactivity of the Web allows for more comprehensive experiences around each show — not simply a broadcast model.”

The first shows being offered up online that should be of interests to the geek in all of us will be full episodes of “Star Trek,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Macgyver” and “Hawaii Five-O.” Those that are whipped will get a full share of “Melrose Place.”

In addition to having these shows stream on CBS.com, they will also be available from CBS affiliate and partner sites such as AOL, Microsoft, Comcast, CNET Networks and Sling Media.