NBC's web plans for Chuck, Office, Heroes, 30 Rock

As part of yesterday's fall schedule announcement, NBC also debuted its plans for online content. Beginning this summer, NBC will produce short, original episodes -- webisodes -- of The Office, Chuck, and Heroes. NBC isn't saying much about what these webisodes will entail, but NBC Universal co-chair Ben Silverman promises they'll be meaty. He said the new WGA contract allows NBC writers to go all-out with the work, without wondering whether they're being fairly compensated.

You may remember The Office did a series of webisodes in 2006 called The Accountants, where several of the co-stars investigated missing account money. It even won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Broadband. This July's webisodes are essentially a renewal of that series.

The network is also expanding 30 Rock's online presence with 30 Rock 360, which includes a blog and business courses from Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin). While that is probably worthy of a bookmark, I wish they'd also do something with Kenneth the Page. He'd make great webisodes-- just showing us around the real 30 Rock, even.

NBC is also launching an online-only show called Fears, Secrets & Desires where the public can a story that will be produced into videos starring "Hollywood talent normally associated with the big or small screen", according to Silverman.