The best things NOT on TV
Updated on 10 September 2007
How the world of web-soap is gaining viewers - and the interest of advertisers...
They're described as the best sitcoms NOT on television. The shows are professionally produced, with famous actors but you can only see them on the internet.
Two months ago Channel 4 News At Noon featured the web comedy Where Are The Joneses? As that series comes to an end - many more internet sitcoms are appearing online.
And as Rags Martel reports it's becoming big business for advertisers - as well as a concern for traditional broadcasters:
It's drama for the YouTube generation - made by the social networking site Bebo, Kate Modern is a massive hit online. Millions have seen it since its launch last month. and it's part of a growing number TV series that can only be seen on the internet.
Apart from the plot twists and cliff-hangers - KateModern is unashamedly commercial. It's funded by product placement. Blueship companies like Microsoft and Proctor and Gamble have paid a quarter of a million pounds each to advertise on the show.
A close relationship with advertisers is a business model for these programmes.
The online comedy Where Are The Jones is entirely financed by Ford - not surprisingly a car features in every episode.
Part of the appeal of the internet shows are their interactivity. Where Are The Joneses went as far as asking viewers to write the episodes. When Dale Griffiths' script was chosen - he was whisked off to Italy to oversee his production.
The success of KateModern has led to a new commission. Sofia's Diary is due this autumn.
But away from the money - internet shows can be refreshingly bizarre. Trapped In The Closet is entirely narrated the American rapper - R Kelly. Despite having the feel of a never ending MTV video - it really is a sitcom like no other.
