It is not a precedent, but this is definitely unique. Two networks are partnering to air the same series (at different times). The new series is called "quarterlife," and if it might sound a little familiar to you. You may remember that "quarterlife" got its start as a web-based series airing in 8-minute short form increments. Along with Michael Eisner's "Prom Queen" webisodes, "quarterlife" was a top traffic performer on MySpace's fledging video channel over the past year. It's now about to enter a whole new life as an hour long series airing on both the broadcast network NBC and cable network MTV. From the looks of it, this seems like a win win all around. NBC under a new programming regime, is actively out in the development marketplace scouring for the next would be hit. At the same time, MTV is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity thanks to the recently completed third season of "The Hills" (the strongest performing to date) and the rookie season of the racy "A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila." "quarterlife" features a bunch of twentysomethings working and living in the big city. The story concept might not be that unique, but the distribution is noteworthy. On the afternoon of 2/26, "quarterlife" will make its debut on MTV and later that night it will premiere on NBC. It is expected to move towards more of a regularly weekly schedule in early March. The show was created by a duo of Emmy-winning writers whose previous credits include former cult favorite "My So Called Life" that acted as the launch pad for Claire Danes entry into stardom land. It's great to NBC employing non-traditional strategies to goose its line-up and the extra air-play probably won't end up hurting MTV either. This relatively new form of "double distribution" could act as a catalyst for other broadcast and cable networks to follow.
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