PBS puts pilots for new science series online first

Steve Safran December 18th, 2006

An interesting test is going on at PBS, as they will stream pilots for three series they are considering airing on the network. Perhaps more interesting is that PBS is putting the shows online before airing them two days later. Wired Science, Science Investigators, and 22nd Century. Starting Jan. 1 the pilots will be streaming at PBS.org and available for download at iTunes. The shows will then air starting Jan. 3. PBS will choose one as a regular series, and viewers can vote for their favorite. Hence, PBS is informally calling this test “PBS Idol.”