Television and Internet Convergence

Like many other high school and college girls, and some guys, I am a die hard One Tree Hill fan. I own all five seasons on DVD, I watch every episode on Monday nights, and if there is that slight chance that I miss an episode – things could get ugly. Maybe it is the constant drama that captures my attention or the attractive actors like Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty, but whatever it is, I am hooked. I did, however, miss one episode last spring during season 5. At first, I panicked. But with the easy access on the internet to download already aired episodes, I was comforted. I simply went onto iTunes and purchased the full episode that I had missed, and watched it with NO commercials! (This was before you could watch full episodes on One Tree Hill’s website)

Every so often I check the CW website for new updates or any new news going on with One Tree Hill and the characters. And of course while I’m already there, I have to check out the ever so popular Gossip Girls and 90210. On the website there are interviews with the actors and actresses, information on upcoming episodes, Podcasts, and pictures. For people who just can not get enough of One Tree Hill, the CW website is great for extra information. Not only with One Tree Hill, but most television shows have their own website with inside information. It is very rare today to have a popular TV show with out a website to go along. TV show’s websites provide more reasons to get attached and add something to talk about. Now it is not a big deal if you miss a television episode and forgot to TiVo it. With convergence, there are many different ways to download episodes on the internet. Maybe one day we will be watching all of our favorite episodes on the internet…