In an Industry First, Off-Network Broadband Rights Included with Off-Net Broadcast and Cable Rights of Two and a Half Men

May 08, 2006

In a groundbreaking new business model, local television stations and the cable network that buy the off-network rights to the hit comedy Two and a Half Men (premiering on stations fall 2007) will also have the right to stream five episodes of the series each week on their own websites, free, on-demand to their viewers. Plans call for the online episodes, which will consist of the previous week's five aired syndicated installments, to run on an advertiser-supported basis with the series' distributor, Warner Bros., and the local station and cable network clients splitting the barter time. This innovative plan was unveiled today by Bruce Rosenblum, President, Warner Bros. Television Group; Dick Robertson, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution; Jim Paratore, Executive Vice President, WBDTD and President, Telepictures Productions; and Eric Frankel, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Cable Distribution.

"This precedent-setting distribution model recognizes that our viewers are insisting on flexibility. We want them to be able to watch Two and a Half Men when and where they want, whether it's on network television, in syndication or now, on-demand through their local station's website," said Rosenblum. "We view this as a terrific way to work with our station partners to have an active role as the television world learns how to coexist with the digital, on-demand future of the business."

"We're pleased to offer this broadband opportunity for our stations," said Robertson. "This is truly the first A-tier comedy since Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends and Seinfeld, and we believe this unique broadband exposure will give stations a new revenue stream, increased traffic to their websites, high-CPM local web avails and unmatched cross-media promotional opportunities."

"Syndication has always been a true partnership with local television stations," said Paratore. "The streaming of these episodes will give our stations a leg up in developing their multi-platform strategy to compete in the digital world."

"Advertisers are seeking innovative ways to reach consumers through television content that lives across many platforms, and we are answering that call with a premium property in Two and a Half Men," said Michael Teicher, Executive Vice President, Media Sales, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.

"We're always looking to offer our clients unique marketing and promotional scenarios, and this unprecedented move into broadband with 'Two and a Half Men' will provide our cable network partner opportunities and benefits not available with any other series," said Frankel.

Season to date, Two and a Half Men, now in its third season, is the number one network sitcom with Adults 18-49, A 25-54 and Viewers 2+.

Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer star in Two and a Half Men, a comedy about men, women, sex, dating, divorce, mothers, single parenthood, sibling relations, surrogate families, money and, most importantly, love. More specifically, it's about the life of two brothers, a son/nephew and the many women who surround them all. The series is from Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc., The Tannenbaum Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.