TWOP interview with Jack Coleman. I just started listening to it so I have NO IDEA whether or not it's spoilerly.

From an NBC press release posted by The Futon Critic:

NBC Digital Entertainment today announced the launch of its new original web series "Inside Heroes." The eight installment series will go inside the making of "Heroes" and will begin rolling out exclusively on NBC.com on May 21st. The same day, "Heroes" Character Profiles will launch on the site as well. Additionally, the popular "Heroes" online graphic novel continues this summer with new chapters. The announcements were made by Vivi Zigler, Executive Vice President, NBC Digital Entertainment and New Media.

Second part of that Jack Coleman interview.

In Network Drama, Kristen mentioned a clip from a Futon Critic article:

NBC "bulks up" with 30 combined episodes of "Heroes" and "Heroes: Origins," an innovative new spin-off that each week will introduce a new character -- one of whom will be chosen by viewers through the "Heroes" website on NBC.com to become a cast regular the following season.

I was outraged for a second, and I'm not sure why? Because a new character every week would be interesting! And, you know, more Heroes, so good. But... viewers vote to add a character?!?

I've just confused myself.

Well plus, they already want us to read the webcomic, now we have to watch an innovative spin-off of a series that's only a year old? One made up of new characters. It's too much work. I don't want to be interactive; I want to be inactive. I just want to turn on my TV and watch something good while I lull myself into a false sense of complacency.

So where is this spin-off showing? Is it another on-line show?(Which means I won't be able to watch it, most likely, given my connection speed)

I don't know -- because it certainly wasn't on the schedule. I was happy to see that NBC is (so far) keeping Heroes in the spot it's been in.

You know what, it'lll probably be a bit like the comic where, if you follow it, it'll give you something extra when you watch the regular show, but otherwise, it won't make much difference. They've done a good job playing with interactivity. And if it helps keeps viewers engaged and keep the show running, I'm cool with it.

The real question is, what cast members were at the upfronts? I've only seen a picture of one cast member so far. (And of course, that doesn't even completely guarantee they'll be back. But it's a hint.

Oh, and according to the AP, "Origins" will air during the hiatus, so they can get around the post-hiatus drop they suffered this year.

I am exactly in Cindy's corner. What a PITA. Plus, I hate the idea of voting - there's a reason I don't like/watch American Idol. Hopefully, the voting/extra stuff will stay out of the way.