NBC is doing something new. No, it isn’t a a new version of Law & Order— it’s something really new. They’re putting a new mid-season replacement show out onto the interweb before airing even one episode on TV. That’s right, Andy Baker P.I. is available for download on iTunes and streaming for free on nbc.com.
The show which stars Andy Richter and is co-created by Connan O’Brien is actually pretty funny. It isn’t great TV, but then again most TV isn’t. It is an original concept and it made me laugh. I’d be interested in seeing if it can sustain.
The idea of putting all the episodes online (there are only six since it’s a mid-season replacement) is interesting. I can only assume it is a move to make sure the show has a chance to be seen considering this is a time when no one really expects to see new shows. But I wonder if it will backfire. I’ve already watched the entire season and I can’t say that I am interested in watching them on TV where I’ll have to sit through painful commercial breaks.
It also makes me wonder if NBC is considering a day when they will try to take advantage of the internet more. Testing the waters of web only content? It may be a little early to go that road, but I wonder if maybe they are interested in seeing where they get more viewers.
One Comment
Was enjoying Andy Barker P>I> until someone decided to put Harve Persnell on. What a terrible character. I do hope he will NOT be returning next season!