HBO Launches ‘True Blood' Webisodes

Shortform clips will premiere on Yahoo! TV before becoming available to other sites, VOD

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/27/2010 1:15:07 PM

HBO is launching original webisodes (or "minisodes" as the network is calling them) set in the True Blood universe. The first of six original episodes will premiere Tuesday (April 27), exclusively on Yahoo! TV.

The minisodes are written by True Blood creator Alan Ball, and star lead cast members from the HBO drama series. Shot on the show's set, the three to five minute episodes will reference both past and future storylines, meant to satiate die hard fans appetites until the program returns June 13.

Following its debut on Yahoo!, the first episode will become available at HBO.com and the True Blood Facebook page April 28, and will appear on the network itself May 2 following an encore episode of the series. It will also be available on HBO On Demand starting May 3.

"The minisodes provide a wonderful and rare opportunity to take a deeper look into Bon Temps and the characters that live in this colorful town," said Ball in a statement.  "The scenes are so much fun, and the performances as stellar as always.  I can't wait to share them with everyone, old fans and new."

"We can't think of a better way to quench fans' thirst for True Blood than to give them six, entirely new minisodes that let them step back into the amazing world created by Alan Ball," said Zach Enterlin, VP of advertising and promotion, HBO, in a statement.  "The minisodes are a perfect way to reward fans of the series while simultaneously exposing new, interested viewers to the show."