TVSquad

With our ever expanding channel lineups it is getting harder and harder for a new show, especially one tucked away on cable with no big name stars attached, to get noticed. Seeing a network release a show online before the premiere isn't new, but seeing one release a pilot on P2P networks with no DRM is a bit more original. And that is just what the folks over at Spike have done with their new show, Factory.

The network has made the show available on its website, at downloadable video stores like iTunes, and in working with the Jun group, on P2P networks. Although my first reaction at the mention of Limewire was surprise that people are still using Limewire, I do agree with their thinking behind the move. Todd Ames, marketing VP at Spike, said they went with the P2P as an acknowledgment of "what people are really doing, and the way consumers are really looking for content." He also notes that there are no plans to make any additional episodes available that way, but it's a step in the right direction that they are paying attention to the viewers.

Of course, all the exposure in the world isn't going to help the show if it doesn't make viewers want to tune in to see more. And that's the sticky bit I think they might have some trouble with. Having now watched the pilot on the Spike website, there just isn't a lot there to make it appointment television for me. It's not horrible or anything, but given the increased competition in the summer season these days, there are a lot of other shows clamoring for those eyeballs. With Weeds, Middleman, and My Boys just starting, and the likes of Burn Notice, Eureka, Atlantis, The Closer, and Psych on tap for the summer, things are a bit crowded.

The show is about four working-class guys that all work at the same factory. They all have their various problems, and share an incredible lack of motivation. The linked article says it aspires to be a blue-collar version of The Office or Entourage. I'd disagree somewhat. To me it came off more as an attempt to recreate the vibe of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Unfortunately, at this point, it hasn't captured the wacky charm that makes that one so appealing. It is early though, and we've only seen the one episode at this point. I'll load it up on the DVR and catch a couple more once the show premieres, June 29th, but I'll be doing so with lowered expectations.

Here's a quick short to give you an idea of the look and feel of the show. (Warning, the shorts do contain adult language.) If that bit works for you, head on over to the official site and take a look at the pilot.