AOL to stream ABC shows

'Daisies,' 'Caveman' to screen via broadband

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

AOL Video users will get a chance to view frosh ABC skeins like "Pushing Daisies" and "Cavemen" immediately after their premiere under a new deal sealed by the portal and Disney-ABC Television Group.

Under the deal, AOL Video will present new (starting next week) and returning (effective immediately) ABC skeins. The shows will be screening via a co-branded version of ABC's broadband player.

According to Disney and AOL, pact reps the first time ABC has placed its primetime fare on a major portal, and also the first time any portal has featured a full version of a broadcast network online video player.

AOL will also launch an embedded short-form player later this year that features original programming vignettes and clips from ABC programming.

"As we experiment with new ways to grow our digital business, we remain focused on finding smart, new methods to connect viewers to the content they want and brands they love on the platforms they choose," said Disney-ABC Television Group prexy Anne Sweeney.

Four episodes of any show will be available at the same time; other skeins include "Big Shots," "Carpoolers," "Dirty Sexy Money," "Private Practice" and returnees "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost."

"With the addition of ABC, AOL Video is the only destination with agreements to offer free streaming primetime programming from all four major networks," said AOL chairman/CEO Randy Falco.