TV networks are trying to draw people not just as viewers, but as online participants. We’re not talking about blogs for TV series but campaigns that transform TV viewing from passive couch-potato behavior to a more participatory experience–one that often creates community. Here are just three online strategies that brought fans closer to their favorite shows.
– “The Lost Experience” at thelostexperience.com: Last season’s online mystery provided a parallel narrative to ABC’s drama about stranded plane-crash survivors. Some of the characters in the mystery may turn up on the show this fall.
– “Rescue Me 2.5” at television.aol.com/feature/rescue-me-tv- show-video-clip: FX’s sardonic drama about emotionally scarred New York firefighters offered a hilarious 15-minute film online before the current season began.
– “The L Word” fanisode at lword.fanlib.com: Fans of Showtime’s drama about L.A. lesbian friends were invited to collaborate on an online script contest. While the screenplay was being crafted, the series’ ratings jumped 50 percent.
