Examining the Rise of the Web Based TV Series

Traditional television is far from dead and it's not going to disappear anytime in the near future, however web series (webisodes) and web based networks are gaining momentum. Web TV is ready for a breakthrough and it could happen a lot sooner than the big networks expect. Viewers aren't turning their TV's off yet and they're not canceling their cable service, however in ever increasing numbers they're turning to sites like YouTube and Hulu to get their entertainment. The channels for distributing online video are already in place. Gaming consoles, mobile devices, and products like Apple TV make it easier to stream content directly to a television. Not too long ago this technology was just a dream.

A handful of companies, both big and small, are watching anxiously for the coming day when webisodes jump into the consciousness of the mainstream. Sites like Koldcast.TV, Veoh, Next New Networks and Revision3 are all setting themselves up for huge victories when the day arrives. The sites are virtual networks that host original online content.  Often these networks act as online channels and at other times they perform in house production to bring an original series to life. Sometimes networks are owned and operated in conjunction with major partners. Atom TV is a part of Comedy Central and Crackle is tied together with Sony Pictures.

Unlike popular video bloggers or a majority of sketch YouTube comedy, a webisode will closely resemble something similar to a normal television show. The episodes are usually shorter in length and produced on a much tighter budget. The writing must be strong and the quality must be high in order to hold the attention of a fickle web audience. Even some of the best content doesn't receive viewing numbers remotely close to that of even the worst TV shows, but that doesn't mean that great works don't exist. Examples of top notch material include: We Need Girlfriends, Bunny Hug, Funemployed Chicago, Chad Vader, Copy and Pastry, and The Legend of Neil. All of the mentioned shows are of high enough quality to compete in the online or offline space.

One of the biggest hurtles with webisodes is that public awareness hasn't reached a critical point yet. The content is improving and the accessibility has increased, however the average television viewer is still relatively unaware of their existence. The online TV game will be won by those who can grab loyal viewers by the use of online and social media marketing, strong branding, and viral activity. Shows like The Annoying Orange and Smosh have spread like wildfire on the net because of the traction that they've gained through online sharing and traditional word of mouth. The wild west days of web series are in full swing right now and the big winners have still yet to emerge. Once the general public takes note and starts paying attention, an avalanche of activity and buzz will happen. It could be five years down the road, one year from now, or right around the corner. Keep watching and paying attention. It's only a matter of time.

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