As a signal that entertainment companies continue their march to tap the wireless platform to connect with viewers, Showtime is extending its cable programming to a Web storefront that caters to viewers of specific shows.
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| Fat Actress, starring Kirstie Alley, debuted yesterday on Showtime’s new online storefront |
As a signal that entertainment companies continue their march to tap the wireless platform to connect with viewers, Showtime is extending its cable programming to a Web storefront that caters to viewers of specific shows.
The storefront, sho.com, launched a few weeks ago for fans of The L Word, a lesbian drama, in conjunction with the start of the shows’ second season Feb. 20. At the site, visitors can watch a click from the show, learn about the characters, join a chat room or shop from the Showtime store. Fans can preview and download wallpaper and ringtones, such as the theme song from The L Word, or sign up to receive text messages about tune in times, show details or trivia questions.
“We thought it was another way for fans to connect to our show,” Julia Veale, VP-business development, for Showtime, New York. “It’s a mobile world out there and we want to be where are subscribers are.”
The concept will be carried across many other shows appearing on Showtime, Veale said.
Yesterday, Fat Actress, a new comedy series starring Kirstie Alley, which premiers Monday at 10 p.m., was added to the storefront. And Queer as Folk, a drama series revolving around gay relationships, will debut in April, following its May premiere.
The storefront is being promoted a Showtime’s home page, show.com as well as via e-mails to its subscriber base and on air at the end of shows appearing at the site.
The Showtime television network provides cable programming that includes original series and movies. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. The majority of its audience is between ages 18 and 49.
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