Channel 4 has struck a deal with broadcaster ABC to make to make shows such as Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives free to watch online for the first time in Europe.
The deal, with parent company Disney-ABC International television, will see a range of shows made available for free on Channel 4's video-on-demand service 4oD for 30 days post TV broadcast.
The first episode to go out free on 4oD will be tonight's episode of Ugly Betty to be followed by Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and upcoming series Reaper and Dirty Sexy Money.
The shows will be supported by pre-roll advertising and sponsorship packages.
The first advertisers include Dulux, sponsor of Ugly Betty, L'Oreal, Tourism Australia and Bodyform.
"We want Channel 4 viewers to be able to see our shows in a format, time and platform to suit them and to make the process as simple as possible," said Jeff Ford, director of acquisitions and Film4.
Channel 4's 4oD offers a seven-day free catch-up service but has charged for archive content and US imports.
They had cost 99p an episode to rent - and must be viewed within 28 days and stay 'live' for 48 hours after viewing has started - and £1.99 to own.
Archive programming beyond 30 days post-transmission will still be pay-per-view.
