"Dot Comedy" goes primetime with ABC
ABC is logging onto a new TV show called "Dot Comedy," a half-hour series that will explore the lighter side of the Internet.
The show, which is being produced by Carsey-Werner and Oxygen Media, goes live Dec. 8 in the 8:30 p.m. PST programming slot and will feature amusing material scoured off the Web, such as videos, as well as some field reporting.
"We hope to introduce the television viewing audience to the Internet's best, brightest and most unique," executive producer Todd Yasui said in a statement. "And in keeping with the spirit of the Internet we are encouraging our viewers to provide us with content by sending us their own creations--whether it's a funny MPEG, JPEG or just a great Web site."
The entertainment industry has stumbled in its race to promote the Web as a new channel for distributing content, with a series of high-profile flops such as the Digital Entertainment Network and Pop.com. But the Internet is fast becoming a rich source of material for traditional media.
In August, Joe Roth's Revolution Studios inked a deal with Web producer MediaTrip to turn its controversial Internet animation "Lil' Pimp" into a full-length feature film.
Other Web content companies to strike crossover deals include Web animator Icebox, which licensed "Starship Regulars" to Showtime; UrbanEntertainment.com, which sold "Undercover Brother" to Universal; and Stan Lee Media, whose "7th Portal" was picked up by Mark Canton.
ABC has ordered 13 episodes of "Dot Comedy," which will also air on co-host Oxygen's cable outlet after each ABC airing.
Oprah Winfrey-backed Oxygen was founded in 1998 with the aim of converging television and the Internet. It produces cable TV programming including "Exhale," hosted by Candice Bergen and a number of Web sites.
Carsey-Werner productions include "3rd Rock From The Sun" (NBC), "That '70s Show" (FOX), "Normal Ohio" (FOX), "Grounded For Life" (FOX), and "You Don't Know Jack" (ABC).