Cable broadcast and DVD boxsets of shows are so oldschool. Why wait for the exact time the show starts or use up the valuable Tivo space when you can open your laptop anywhere there is an internet connection and start watching a show for free.

Many broadcast networks have started posting full episodes of shows on their website for people to watch. No iTunes or special software is needed. A browser and Adobe Flash, along with a highspeed connection is all that is required.

You may even luck out after seeing a show and want to watch the whole season. ABC had past seasons of Lost available for those who got lost. There are commercials but they tend to be under 30 seconds per segment and cannot be skipped which could be annoying to some viewers.

The networks have more control of the shows they post because they don’t have to deal with a third party distributor. iTunes takes a cut on each download (which you have to pay for, but are commercial free), whereas the network website can control the commercials and other content displayed on the free content.

Some shows are split up into segments and are offered to the viewer in smaller chunks. Rather than have the viewer watch two hours of a show, each topic discussed is a separate video. No need to scan through the whole show looking for what they discussed, or where a particular topic is that you desire.

There are even web-only videos like extras and alternate endings similar to what DVD boxsets often come with.  Networks can offer more insight on character profiles and show clips of upcoming episodes or seasons that would be limited to 30 seconds on television.

And free is good too. You don’t have to chip in a couple of bucks hoping that the show will be entertaining to you. If you don’t like the show, skip it and continue viewing other shows.