ABC is introducing a newly redesigned app which will offer various new and old shows on the network free of charge. The app will feature vintage ABC shows along with newly produced short-form originals.
The move comes despite prior speculation that the broadcast network was preparing to enter the video on demand field with a paid subscription model for its app. The other two largest broadcast networks, NBC and CBS, have gone that route, with NBCUniversal's Seeso and CBS All Access, respectively. While that type of offering may still be on the horizon for ABC, for the near term, the network's new app and all associated shows will be available at no cost.
The app will allow viewers to stream episodes of 38 vintage ABC shows, some are bona fide classics ("My So-Called Life," which lasted just one season but launched the careers of both Jared Leto and Claire Danes), some were solid if not remarkable performers for the network (former soapy Sunday night drama "Brothers & Sisters"), and some are recently failed one season clunkers ("Mixology," "Trophy Wife").
In addition, the network is introducing seven original short-form digital series, which will be offered exclusively on the ABC app. The offerings are a mix of comedy and reality based shows. Comedies include "Boondoggle" starring Modern Family's Ty Burrell as a 40-something actor who finally hits the big time and lives it up with his longtime BFF'S, "Forever 31," starring comedienne Iliza Shlesinger, about the struggles she and her friends encounter living the modern single life, and "All My Gay Friends Are Getting Married" about another single girl, this time played by Michelle Collins.
The reality offerings include a cooking show sponsored by Hefty, "I Can Find $3,000 In Your Home," where an eBay millionaire travels to people's houses to turn their trash into online auction treasures, and "On The Record," featuring a new musician each episode discussing the inspiration behind some of their most popular songs.
"Our team has completely re-imagined the digital viewing experience for ABC fans," and labeled the new digital shows "fun, fresh and perfect for mobile," said Karin Gilford, senior VP of digital media, ABC Television Network.
There's no official word on whether any of the shows could be potentially converted to a traditional broadcast network format if successful, but it's likely ABC would consider a move to its prime time schedule for a breakout digital hit. The network also boasted it has 40 additional digital short-form shows in the works to be added to the new app's roster on a monthly basis.
