Bottom Of The Barrel

TV + Web = Experience

The networks are continually trying to find ways to give the viewers more entertainment than just the weekly show itself. This maybe due to the fact that DVR is changing how we watch TV or perhaps they are just starting to realize the power of the internet and how they can spread their brand names beyond traditional marketing schemes.

Lost was really the first show to create websites, games and online clues to give their audience more than just the 22 episodes each year. Well the folks over at CBS are joining in the fun for the show How I Met Your Mother. In the first season, they started with Barney's Blog, to extend the character beyond the show - and if I may say, Barney maybe one of the best characters on TV today and his blog is worth the trip. This year they have added a website dedicated to Swarley [this is a nickname given to Barney in the Crazy Eyes episode], created MySpace pages for the show as well as characters Ted and Marshal - which interestingly is linked to The 88's MySpace page, a real band that appeared in the Best Prom Ever episode, and now a new MySpace page for Robin ... wait for it ... Sparkles.

[Note maybe not only are all people connected by six people, but maybe we are also connected to TV characters that way as well, see my August 3rd blog posting about connecting celebrities, The 88's are linked to Zach Braff.]

In Monday's episode Robin's big secret is that she was a one-hit wonder teen-pop idol in Canada in the early 90's [apparently the mid 80's didn’t arrive in Canada until then]. The climax of the show was the showing of her very Tiffanyish music video for her song Let's Go To The Mall. Now this video is available for you as well on Ms. Sparkles MySpace page. Don't be afraid to give the song a listen or even watch the video. It's an instant classic and dear CBS, keep up the good work - your viewers really enjoy the extra effort you’re putting into this show.

PS: The first season DVD is out, so for those who are not fans of the show, Suit Up and give it a try - it's legendary and you'll thank me later.

Labels: HIMYM, TV

posted by TheWino @ 10:06 AM