Reach out and touch someone

In greater numbers than previous seasons, TV networks are previewing new fall shows online, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

NBC and CBS will be offering pilot episodes from shows either on their own sites or, as NBC is doing, as free downloads from Amazon.com. ABC is opting not to go this route, instead organizing events around their new shows that resemble movie premieres.

Networks are also creating a wealth of original content related to the shows. The CW has created widgets that play clips from its new show Gossip Girl. There is also a virtual world based on the show where people can create avatars and interact.

NBC has created microsites around a couple of its own series.