'Babershop' series to stream on MSN

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Showtime and MSN Video will stream the first episode of "Barbershop: The Series"' on MSN.

The companies added in a joint release that the half-hour comedy pilot will be available free to MSN Viewers.

According to the release, the first episode of "Barbershop: The Series," a new show that premieres this Sunday, Aug. 14 at 10 p.m. on Showtime, will be available for streaming in its entirety on MSN Video simultaneously with the series debut.

The series focuses on the interplay between an eclectic staff of haircutters and their customers at a Chicago barbershop.

"We're thrilled to be working with SHOWTIME, a member of MSN Video since our launch of the service in January 2004, to introduce this edgy and inventive series to our extensive network of unique users," said Mike Conte, general manager of MSN Marketplaces and Digital Media at Microsoft Corp.

"Consumers can expect to see even more examples of original programming on MSN Video, which continues to attract high-quality content, exceptional advertising support and fast-growing viewership."

"This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce our outstanding SHOWTIME programming to a whole new audience," said Showtime Executive Vice President Mark Greenberg. "We're confident that once people get a taste of this terrific new series 'Barbershop,' they'll want to sign up for SHOWTIME."

The series is the first Showtime Original Series episode to be streamed in its entirety on MSN Video, which also features many short-form clips and behind-the-scenes videos from other Showtime series and movies including "Weeds."

"Weeds," a new comedy series from Showtime and Lions Gate Television starring Mary-Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins, Kevin Nealon and Justin Kirk, exposes the dirty little secrets that lie behind pristine suburban lawns.

Parker stars as a soccer mom who resorts to selling weed to support her family after her husband unexpectedly dies.