In an attempt to generate buzz for four returning and one new series, NBC will allow viewers to stream the episodes on-line before they air, according to the Silicon Valley Insider.
The shows that will stream include 30 Rock, Life, Lipstick Jungle, Chuck and Knight Rider. The episodes will go live on Hulu a week before they are scheduled for broadcast on NBC.
NBC hopes to generate some buzz for each of these series heading into the fall season. Three of the shows are second-year series that are attempting to relaunch themselves after long hiatuses due to the writer’s strike. 30 Rock is entering its third season and while its won critical accalades and an Emmy last year, the show isn’t starting until October and could use the buzz to remind viewers it’s returning.
Knight Rider, the lone new show in the bunch, has name recognition from the popular 80’s television series, but may need some word of mouth to overcome a lacklaster two-hour pilot movie that aired last spring.
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This could be a new testing ground for shows. They could also vote and add imput that hopefully, executives would take notice, such as commenting on whether they liked the show, if they didn’t, and how the show could be improved. I remember going to an event where they were testing two programs and seein if there was an audience for them. I don’t remember the name of the shows, but they had a favorable review and they then launched the new shows that fall.
Another reason launching them on line, more people use their computers now days for a lot of things other than work. Trailers for shows, even for TV are including commericials on computers. TV Shows that are broadcasted digitally can be saved somewhere on a server. And having them broadcasted on the computer means people can watch them any time, day or night. Perhaps, people could have a choice on which they could watch that program COMMERCIAL FREE, If it is being broadcasted at the same (on TV and the computer) the need for commercials on line may not be as necessary. Even so, I do understand that stations have to have sponsors, but if you have so many commericals, pretty soon you will have 45 minutes of commericals and only 15 minutes of an actual program.