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7/13/2006 7:30 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
"Lost" and "The Office" Branching Out

the officeWhat do you do when you can't wait for your favorite television show fix? Well now you can cruise the Internet or your mobile phone and download the latest mini episode of the show.

While networks as a whole are struggling with the loss of viewers to the internet. Forward thinking shows and networks like "The Office", "Lost" and HBO are expanding their shows beyond the traditional media. "The Office" is posting so-called webisodes on the official "Office" website starting today. The webisodes center follow the accounting team as they try to track down a missing $3000.

"Lost" will soon be available on Verizon's V Cast network. The episodes will be video diaries of castaways not showcased on the television show. "Lost" also has the "Lost Experience," an online game (of sorts) that challenges viewers to solve mysteries in order to unlock videos, pictures and documents that further implicate the Hanso Foundation in a myriad of shady dealings.

These new platforms, combined with their availability for download on iTunes, should increase the shows' profile even more. Incidentally both "Lost" and "The Office" saw ratings bumps after becoming available for download.

In addition, HBO announced Thursday they had struck a deal with Cingular to make episodes of "Sex and the City" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" available on Cingular phones. The network is also creating an "Entourage" 'multi-minute' spinoff featuring Johnny "Drama" Chase.

If the webisodes and mobile phone streams garner an increased interest in the shows, be on the look out for more series branching out onto the Internet and mobile phones with additional content.

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Reader Comments

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1.

doug:  2040 days ago

How about a new HBO title 'Lost at the Office'. HBO reality show.

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2.

Jenn:  2039 days ago

It's about time U.S. shows caught up with the UK. They've been doing "Tardisodes" and supplementary stuff with Doctor Who online for ages and look at it's following. Ah well we always were a little behind.

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3.

erica:  2039 days ago

The Office is one of the best shows to come out in recent years! The webisodes are a much needed dose of between-season entertainment.

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4.

lala:  2039 days ago

Finally, I look forward to Thurs nite TV again. I love the Office. I was hoping Dwight would get an emmy nod, but love everyone. the cast is brilliant.

Steve Carrell is great and has a vision for this show that will make it one of the best comedies in TV history.

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