Fat Actress Gets Wider Play
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/24/2005 8:31:00 AM
Pay network Showtime has scheduled a March 4-7 freeview to give uninitiated cable subscribers a taste of some of its highest-profile originals.
That will include the March 7 (10 p.m.) debut of Fat Actress, the reality series starring Kirstie Alley, which has set the tone for the preview, christened the March "Big Fat Free Preview."
The show is already getting an online airing via Yahoo, which is streaming the episode. “This will let people sample a phenomenal show. It’s gotten a lot of pre-launch attention because it’s unique and Kirstie Alley is an interesting personality," said Mark Greenberg, executive VP, Showtime Networks, of the decision to go wide with Alley. "[Airing the first episode on Yahoo!] is a great way to get attention for network, expand the base of people following the show and increase incremental subscribers for cable and satellite providers. We’re not CBS where we’re ubiquitous in all U.S. households, so this was an opportunity to expand reach and do it in an innovative and creative way."
Also on the menu for the TV freebie is a March 5 Usher concert (MTV will simulcast a pre-concert show) , series Huff, The L Word and Penn & Teller, as well as, of course, movies.
Anybody who is hooked by the free fare and signs up for Showtime will get a $25 gift card for Apple stores, which, in keeping with Alley's current Weight Watchers gig, is arguably far healthier than a $25 gift card to "large cheesy fries with bacon" stores.
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