AOL to Stream NBC Series Premieres

AOL said Monday that it had reached an agreement with NBC to stream two of its new fall series to AOL users, the second time the network has turned to unconventional means to promote its shows. In July, NBC tapped Netflix to offer a DVD containing the pilot episodes of "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "Kidnapped" beginning in August.

"Studio 60," a drama about the behind the scenes wrangling at a late night comedy show, would again appear in the AOL promotion. Joining it would be "Twenty Good Years," a comedy about to two friends in New York City who both think they have 20 years left to live and are determined to make the best of it.

The series would make their debuts on NBC on September 18 and October 11, respectively. However, through the deal the shows would be available on AOL.com a week before their broadcast. In addition, the sites will also include information and news on all 82 primetime shows on the air this fall season, the company said.

"We're pleased to be offering consumers the chance to view two of our most highly-anticipated shows ahead of their broadcast premiere," said John Miller, Chief Marketing Officer, NBC Universal Television Group. "This partnership with AOL allows us to continue our aggressive online preview campaign and ensures an enormous number of users will have an opportunity to sample our product."

NBC is not the only network using technology to generate buzz over its new dramas: CBS announced a partnership with TiVo earlier this month to stream the series premiere of "The Class" to broadband-enabled TiVo boxes along with sneak previews of three other new shows.