'Alias,' 'Housewives' will also stream for free

LOS ANGELES -- The folks at ABC and Disney think there just might be something to this Internet thing.

Adding to its efforts to offer programming outside the living room, ABC announced Monday that it will make four of its prime-time shows -- "Lost," "Commander In Chief," "Desperate Housewives" and "Alias" -- available for free on the network's web site in May and June. All four shows will be ad-supported.

Additionally, fellow Disney network SoapNet is launching a broadband channel called SoapNetic next week that will offer coverage of current daytime dramas as well as original programming and repackaged material from the TV network. The channel will be available to users of Verizon's broadband service.

"These two announcements represent the next steps in our comprehensive digital media multiplatform business initiative," says Anne Sweeney, president of the Disney-ABC Television Group. "In the future, consumers will rely more an more on strong brands to help them navigate the digital world, and we have some of the strongest brands in entertainment. Our digital media efforts will help us strengthen our connection with our consumers."

The two-month trial with the prime-time series will let viewers see current episodes of "Lost," "Commander" and "Housewives," plus the full season of "Alias." ABC says it's the first time a broadcast network has offered multiple shows for free online.

Of course, the fact that the shows are free means viewers will have to watch a few ads, just like on old-fashioned TV. Ford, AT&T and Universal Pictures are among those footing the bill.

ABC was also the first network to make shows available for download on Apple's iTunes, putting "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" on the service last fall in conjunction with the launch of the video iPod.