Rocketboom's Congdon Inks HBO Deal

 
By Sherri November 12, 2006



Amanda Congdon has signed a deal to create and star in a new comedy show on HBO. The deal, however, brings up more questions than answers in regard to the cable giant's online intentions.

It's being reported the former Rocketboom star's new HBO show will include integrated video online. This, of course, would be another step toward an online presence for HBO, but not the one fans are looking for.

HBO has a site and it even offers some clips, documentaries and some nifty add ons for its shows, but it has not embraced the Internet like its major competitor, Showtime, has. Look on iTunes and you won't find "Deadwood," and you won't see "Carnivale." Check the same site, however, and you'll find many of Showtime's biggest hits, including "Weeds" are up and running.

So, what is HBO doing?

That's the big question. The inclusion of Congdon in a new project is a good sign that HBO is finally warming to the online world. She's a big star born and created out of the Internet. Rocketboom still flourishes, but Congdon was a driving force. Bringing Congdon into the HBO family could be the sign of many good things to come.

I, for one, am hoping. The lack of HBO shows on sites like iTunes is a glaring omission. And, as much as I'm a fan of its original series, such as "Oz" and "Rome," I can't help but feel the giant is sleeping at the wheel and is missing out on a world that Showtime's learned to tap into so well.

Related:
HBO Needs To Get On The Bandwagon
'Rocketboom' Case Heading To Court?
Vloggers Move to Bigger Platforms