MUMBAI: Walt Disney Co. Networks, ABC today claimed that over three million viewers have watched their online television shows, launched in May 2006. As part of a two month internet trial, the company offered full episode streaming of four of its most popular shows Desperate Housewives, Lost, Alias and Commander in Chief.

Reuters reports that the numbers provide an early sign of demand for television content on the Web and challenge the "ad-free", but paid content available via Apple's iTunes.

"The evolution of ABC.com is just one piece of our comprehensive, digital media multi-platform business initiative," said Disney Media Networks co-chair and Disney-ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney.

These episodes are available online the day after they are broadcast on TV and only the last aired episode is currently available for streaming. Each online episode includes a 10-second sponsorship message from a single advertiser, followed by three commercials that air during breaks in the program.

This allows users to rewind, fast-forward and pause shows, however, they can not skip advertisements, which automatically play at certain segments. The same shows are also available to download through iTunes for $1.99 an episode without commercials.