iTunes Freebies: "Extras"

So why is it that TV shows are now starting to show up as podcasts rather than in the iTunes store? Today the first episode of Season 2 of Extras became available through iTunes--but it's a podcast. Something similar happened the other day with the PBS science pilots, also available as podcasts. So what's the deal?

Normally, we've been expecting audio blogs, interviews and behind-the-scenes looks in the podcast section and pay-for-episodes in the store. So why is it that entire episodes are now starting to appear in podcastland? Is it just licensing terms? Or is it that this works internationally? Or is it that this way vendors don't have to pre-buy a million episodes at once like ABC did a few months ago? If you have some insight into this new trend (assuming it is a trend), let us know in the comments.

Extras (Season 2 Premiere)
What happens when an unknown actor who can't catch a break actually catches one? Now with HBO Podcast, you can catch the first episode of the new season in its entirety! Plus go behind the scenes and watch an interview with Ricky Gervais! Catch the brand new season, Sunday at 10 pm/9c.

Thanks Fray.

Update: More point-by-point discussion about this trend here.
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Source: http://www.apple.com/itunes

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So why is it that TV shows are now starting to show up as podcasts rather than in the iTunes store? Today the first episode of Season 2 of...

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Jamie

I am confused, I tried to download the show and there are 3 options (behind the scenes stuff) but not the actual episode - is it not available until after it airs on HBO?

January 28 2007 at 4:02 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Ryan

I love Ricky Gervais, and I never had a chance to watch 'Extras'. Turns out it's only the first episodes thats going up. Disappointing.

January 13 2007 at 4:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

one1step1

I have wondered this for sometime. I continue to wonder why ABC puts their content online for viewing in their viewer on the ABC website, but they could simply put the content on iTunes - commercials and all -- under the video podcast section.

January 11 2007 at 9:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris Wirick

After buying the Fiesta Bowl (both the full game and the condensed version) and finding out the video quality was complete and utter crap, I'm losing my faith in this new "TV through iTunes" dream world in which I had placed all my hopes.

I have no idea what I'm going to get when I hit the Buy button when it comes to TV shows. And that makes me want to steer clear of that button.

January 11 2007 at 7:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

ctd

Maybe it's a mistake...shhh. Don't say anything, maybe they won't notice.

January 11 2007 at 6:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

peteopia

ps.. apple are evil, you have been warned.

oo oo Bill you stole our windows idea for you rival OS......I see you are learning Steve
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/11/iphone-and-lg-ke850-separated-at-birth

January 11 2007 at 5:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

peteopia

isn't it cause the bbc own the rights and they've been issuing the office, extras and numerous other series free online for nearly year now!

January 11 2007 at 5:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Addicting Games

I like whats going on with these podcasts, lets hope it doesnt change.

January 11 2007 at 5:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

zyphbear

Lebowski - the PBS shows appeared under:
Videos->Video Podcasts->Science Pilots | PBS

I have not yet have a chance to try and download this show.

BTW: I tell iTunes to sync ALL Podcasts, not selective.

January 11 2007 at 1:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Lebowski

Erica -- Yes I did. Not there. Is that where yours showed up?

January 11 2007 at 10:38 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply