Is Network TV Model Outdated?

The boob tube has had a bit of competition this year.

Online services have stepped up their entertainment offerings in recent months, premiering original programming much like the broadcast networks and cable channels had been known for in the past.

Netflix made waves just this week by releasing a new season of Arrested Development, a show that began nearly a decade ago on Fox. The critically acclaimed sitcom lasted for three seasons on the network; Netflix resurrected the show by producing 15 episodes, all of which are available now for streaming on the video service.

Arrested came on the heels of two other programs rolled out by Netflix: House of Cards and Hemlock Grove premiered in February and April, respectively, with the former helping the company add 2 million more subscribers, the Associated Press reported.

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Hulu has also gotten into the original content game, as it will stream three series and seven exclusive shows. Another entrant is Amazon, which earlier this year released 14 television pilots; viewers’ reactions and reviews, Reuters reports, will determine which of the programs will be given the full series treatment on Prime Instant Video, Amazon’s online video service.

Other online sites have been in the original programming department for a while. Funny or Die and College Humor are among those that show their own video content, while online video giant YouTube recently took to the airwaves to advertise its “Comedy Week” programming.

But if you can’t live without some of those shows you’d find on network TV or cable, you can always buy your favorite shows by the episode or even full seasons through services like Apple’s iTunes. Many networks, though, tend to stream recent episodes of their popular shows, so you may be able to see your programs without spending a penny, though you’ll likely have to deal with a few minutes of commercials.

Which of these online programs and services have you enjoyed? Do you foresee network TV and even cable and satellite services changing because of the increasing online offerings? Have you considered “cutting the cord” and scrapping your cable or satellite service, or have you already?

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding have said.