From NBC Universal:

NBC'S 'PASSIONS' IS FIRST DAYTIME DRAMA AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT iTUNES MUSIC STORE BEGINNING TODAY

BURBANK, Calif. - August 15, 2006 - NBC Daytime's popular show "Passions" will be the first daytime drama available for download and purchase on iTunes Music Store (www.itunes.com) beginning today. Episodes will be available the day after airing for $1.99 per episode.

"Our dedicated 'Passions' fans have proven time and again that they are both extremely Internet savvy and unwilling to miss even one episode of their favorite show," said Annamarie Kostura, Vice President, NBC Daytime Programs. "NBC Daytime is thrilled to be the first daytime drama featured on iTunes and is confident our audience will enjoy downloading episodes that they can then watch for years to come."

"Passions" joins a growing list of NBC Universal programs now available for download on iTunes Music Store, including "The Office," "Monk," and "Project Runway."

About "Passions"

Created by celebrated daytime drama veteran James E. Reilly, "Passions" explores the lives, loves and losses of four core families in Harmony: the Cranes, the Lopez-Fitzgeralds, the Bennetts and the Russells, each of whom have their own distinct and diverse personalities. The series is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio in association with Outpost Farms Productions, Inc. Lisa de Cazotte is the executive producer.

*note* This week's episodes will be FREE... and each episode features fullscreen credits!

Good to see daytime continuing to branch out into new media outlets. Anything that makes these programs profitable is good.

I can see charging $1.99 per episode, I guess... but they really should offer some kind of package where an entire week's worth of episodes costs $2.99 or something, just because there are so many episodes coming out, unlike primetime.

Um, yeah, I agree....Passions is really doing better and all, but I wouldn't PAY to see it. Haha. Just me!

They are going to offer a package soon. It is going to be 9.99. I think you will have access to 15 episodes.

I asked this on another board and no one could answer the question. But this press release may answer my question. Being able to watch these eps "for years to come" may mean they're broadcast quality and can be seen on DVD players with great picture integrity. I TRIED to explain to the other board that just because it was offered on iTunes doesn't mean the video only fits the teeny, tiny iPod screen. (They wouldn't believe me). I really hope this is true though...that the can play on TVs. Anyway, I'm SO downloading those free eps...especially since that must mean the HOT Lucy shower scenes are free!!! :wub:

Also, if I enjoy some eps on tape and want them for keepers, if they are broadcast quality, this means I could just buy the digital versions and burn to DVD! That would be so revolutionary and incredible! And I will SO pay if that's the case. Out of the ASS, if "Passions" stays as good as it's been.

Um, yeah, I agree....Passions is really doing better and all, but I wouldn't PAY to see it. Haha. Just me!

Same here.

I downloaded an ep and the quality isn't the best... for an iPod probably good, but to watch on the comp, not so much.

I think it is an awesome idea and I am glad to see soaps, especially Passions, doing stuff like this.

I wouldn't pay to see it myself but a show like Passions with many young fans may benefit from things like this so I am for it.

Honestly, I HATE Passions, but I would purchase episodes featuring stunts like "Passions Goes Bollywood." I watch that on YouTube whenever I am bored and I just love it. It's funny, it's campy, it's PASSIONS. Not to mention that it's all about Theresa being left in the dust the way she oughtta be.

If they ever decide to release the Bollywood episode or even the full song and video for $1.99, sign me up for that.

ETA: I want to commend NBC Daytime on giving their fans a way to catch up on episodes that may be pre-empted by local affiliates. NBC may not want to pimp their slutty stepchild to SOAPnet, but at least fans have a way of watching recent episodes, even if it is a day behind(Although I would probably prefer they do same-day).

DaysnPassionsFan, are the show's full closing credits included or is it squeeze screen? I would buy an episode just to see what the fuss is about, but I am BROKE!

DaysnPassionsFan, are the show's full closing credits included or is it squeeze screen? I would buy an episode just to see what the fuss is about, but I am BROKE!

Its the full, Harmony background credits. I love that!

And remember, this week's episode will be Free!

SHUT UP! Does it also have the old "Passions" closing credits theme from 1999? I'll DIE!!

OMG, you guys will never guess! I downloaded, just now, AN EPISODE OF "PASSIONS" FROM ITUNES!!!

I'm so excited!!

I just saw the OLD closing credits with the theme song and everything!! I always loved that flyover of Harmony back in '99. It really helped set the show's mood, even as an ending.

Anyway, has anyone tried burning it to a DVD, just for kicks to see what would happen? (I'm such a wishful thinker, I know, lol... I just wish there's some way to preserve it and keep it!!)

I am so happy that NBC has finally put the current "Passions" episodes on iTunes. I have been waiting for this for such a long time. Now I don't have to miss an episode of "Passions."

The "previous day episodes" will come in handy when the local affiliates pre-empt "Passions" for breaking news and weather.

Now I actually have a reason to buy an iPod.

Thank you NBC!!!

lol Greenlee. Do some of you realize you don't need an iPod to watch "Passions?" ANY computer will do, if it can run iTunes 6.0.

lol Greenlee. Do some of you realize you don't need an iPod to watch "Passions?" ANY computer will do, if it can run iTunes 6.0.

yeah, they play fine on the computer. Decent quality too. I downloaded one of the free ones to see. Not sure about the price, but these may come in handy when you miss a good eppy.

lol Greenlee. Do some of you realize you don't need an iPod to watch "Passions?" ANY computer will do, if it can run iTunes 6.0.

Yeah I know that you don't need an iPod to use iTunes. I just want the video iPod so I can watch "Passions" when I'm not at my computer.

Those video iPods are not cheap and the only way I was going to make a big purchase like that was if "Passions" was on iTunes.