NBC.com streaming Chuck in 3D

Series looks to capitalize on PepsiCo Super Bowl promotion

By Danny King -- Video Business, 2/3/2009

FEB. 3 | NBC started streaming yesterday's 3D episode of Chuck on its Web site this morning in an effort to capitalize on a Super Bowl commercial promotion by PepsiCo.

The episode, titled "Chuck vs. the Third Dimension," is being shown in 3D, standard 2D and high-definition versions on NBC.com starting this morning, the General Electric-owned TV network said in a statement yesterday. Viewers can watch the 3D version by using 3D glasses, which were distributed last week by PepsiCo to allow Super Bowl watchers to take advantage of the first all-3D commercial break.

The 3D streaming of Chuck is an effort to boost exposure for both the show and NBC's Web site. NBC, which repeatedly aired ads for Chuck and its other shows during Super Bowl XLIII on Feb. 1, attracted a viewing audience of 147 million for the NFL championship game, NBC said, citing Nielsen Media Research.

PepsiCo gave away about 125 million 3D glasses, which were made by Intel, at retailers such as Kroger, Target and CVS to promote the all-3D commercial break.

For most of last year, Chuck, which debuted on NBC in 2007 and stars Zachary Levi as the title character, attracted between 6 million and 7 million viewers per episode.