CBS puts 8 shows free on Comcast VOD

CBS is going to offer eight of its programs on Comcast’s digital cable VOD, and the shows will be available for free. This is a big improvement, obviously, over the previous 99-cent, only available in O/O markets, pay-per-view model. The three “CSI” shows will be on, as will “Survivor,” “NCIS,” “Numb3rs,” “Jericho,” and “Big Brother.” The programs will have ads – so it will be interesting to see if you can still fast-forward through them. Restrictions? Episodes will only be put on VOD the day after they air, and will only be available for four weeks. I like how the press release refers to these shows as “primetime entertainment series.” With VOD there is no primetime. Or every time is primetime. (Usual disclosure: My client NECN is 1/2 owned by Comcast.)