PBS is cautiously venturing into the world of online television programming. The network will ring in the New Year by premiering three pilots of new shows on its website, and letting viewers help decide which pilot gets a series order. Staffers are dubbing it "PBS Science Idol", although the voting doesn't necessarily determine which pilot gets a series... it's just being taken into consideration in the decision. The pilots will also begin airing on PBS on January 3rd, and viewers will be encouraged to go to the website to voice their opinions. Each episode will be available for viewing on PBS.org or for free on iTunes starting January 1. Each pilot will air on three Wednesdays, starting on January 3rd at 8 pm.

The three pilots are all science-related: