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It's late December, and most of your favorite shows are going on hiatus for the winter holidays. You're in a time crunch at work, and you don't have the energy to head out to those Oscar season epics currently flooding the big screen. Especially not with all of the party planning and relative juggling you've got going on at this time of year.

But still, you need some entertainment in your life.

In this age of social media, access to all of your favorite shows is just a screen away. With a quick finger-swipe, you can check-in on your favorite actors via Facebook and Twitter for production updates. Even better, a lot of your favorite shows now have their own Internet-based webisodes, which allow you to access your favorite characters, even when they've seemingly gone into hibernation.

Not only that, there are a ton of burgeoning webseries just looking to fill that gap left on your DVR this cold, crazy winter. It's literally the Wild West, and a breeding ground for the next big thing in entertainment. Looking at it from afar, it may seem to be an overwhelming wasteland of home videos not fit for consumption. If you look a little closer, though, you'll find quite a few gems hiding within this trove of baby-singing, fat-kid-dancing, bum-fighting clips you'd rather not waste your time with.

Don't dig for that needle in a haystack by yourself! We've gone through the trouble of finding the best in web-based entertainment, from webisodes of your most beloved series, to original series, to the sites that will let you create and up load your own content, so you don't have to. Click forward and discover this whole new world that awaits you and your computer screen.

Walking Dead Webisodes

Now Airing on the AMC Official Site

Watch webisodes now!Instead of focusing on a favorite recurring character that doesn't get enough screen time, like a lot of networks have done in the past, AMC has devoted their Walking Dead webisodes to the zombies that make up the zombie apocalypse. In this first set of six episodes, one of the show's most iconic "walkers" gets the spotlight, as we discover what became of Hannah, the half-woman that Sheriff Rick shoots in the head during the series' premiere. If you're jonesing for a living-dead fix, this mini-series, directed by show producer and SFX genius Greg Nicotero offers all the thrills, frights and gore found on Sunday nights, when the dead walk the earth on the TV. AMC also offers the original online series The Trivial Pursuits of Arthur Banks, which follows a writer attempting to stage a play based on his own dysfunctional life. There's plenty of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage for all their hit shows, like Breaking Bad and Mad Men, as well as constant video production updates for returning favorite like The Killing and Hell on Wheels. If you're missing one of your favorite AMC series, There's plenty of new to watch here.

Parks and Recreation: April & Andy's Road Trip

Season 1 - Now Airing on the NBC Official Site

Watch webisodes now!Fans of Parks and Recreation this season discovered Andy's premiere Bucket List destination. Now, a new webseries takes us on the road with Andy and his wife April as the travel across the country to see The Grand Canyon. This four-episode mini-series reveals April's intense fear of spiders, Leslie Knope's hilarious travel tips, and a stop-off to see the infamous four corners. NBC online also features plenty of other webisodes for hit series such as The Office and 30 Rock. The site is social friendly, offering access to every show's Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as the actors you love to watch every week. If the holidays are leaving a nice size hole in your Must See TV Thursday comedy line-up, NBC.com has all of your bases covered with plenty of original content and behind-the-scenes production blogs. Stay connected with this great interactive site.

H+

H+: The Digital Series is Coming Soon to Facebook

Watch webisodes now!From The WB, producer Bryan Singer, and director Stewart Hendler comes this original sci-fi series from writer/creator John Cabrera. Arriving in 2012, this new digital drama takes viewers on a journey into an apocalyptic future where technology has begun to spiral out of control. A future where 33% of the world's population has retired its cell phones and laptops in favor of a stunning new device, an implanted computer system called H+. This tiny tool allows the user's own mind and nervous system to be connected to the Internet 24 hours a day. But something else is coming... Something dark and vicious... And within seconds, billions of people will be dead... Opening the door to radical changes in the political and social landscape of the planet, prompting survivors to make sense of what went wrong. The trailer is available for viewing now, which ought to be enough to get you psyched for this incredible experience coming next year.

Aim High

Now Airing on Cambio.com

Watch webisodes now!Hard-hitting action and high school hi-jinks collide in this fast moving thrill-ride from directors McG and Paul Scheuring. The series revolves around Nick Green, played by The Twilight Saga's Jackson Rathbone, a very clever and deadly US government agent who also happens to be a sixteen-year-old high school student. When he's not busy saving the world from imminent danger, he's either doing his homework or trying to win the heart of cool rocker chick Amanda, played by the lovely Aimee Teegarden. Not only will you find these first six episodes on Cambio, you'll also find plenty of other original web-based content to replace your currently missing network series, like the addictive soap opera Valemont, which follows the lives of a group of spoiled rich students at an exclusive east coast college, and the reality series On the Spot, which follows the manager behind Britney Spears and NSync as he takes on his latest pop super group. There is also up-to-the-minute celebrity news and gossip, live streaming events, and other social functions that make Cambio your one stop shop for the latest in interactive entertainment.

The Guild

Season 5 - Now Airing on Watchtheguild.com

Watch webisodes now!Five seasons in, The Guild has become one of the most popular web-based original series to yet grace the internet, growing as popular as anything currently seen on MTV, Adult Swim, or Comedy Central. Now that you don't have network TV breathing down your neck for a few weeks, you can catch up on all of the episodes, which revolve around a group of devoted online gamers. Originally financed by fans, the series is now distributed by Xbox Live and Microsoft, giving nerds the world-over hope that they're own internet series might gain a loyal and lucrative cult following. Each episode tracks the day in the life of The Knights of Good, a tight knit group who devote countless hours to online gaming. Our heroine is Codex, a virtual princess who finds life much easier in the fantasy world, away from the harsh realities of high school and life in general. Not only does this series air on its own website, but you can keep up with The Knights of Good, including Zaboo, Vork, Tinkerballa, Bladezz, and Clara, on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. If you've been missing It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, this is guaranteed to be your next obsession.

The Gate Show with Fred Stoller

Season 1 - Now Airing on Atom.com

Watch webisodes now!Hiding in the shadows of Funny or Die is Atom.com, a website dedicated to showcasing Comedy Central Original Shorts. Led by The Gate Show with Fred Stoller, this hub of hilarious skits is becoming the go-to destination for must-see bits of comedy gold. Whether you're looking for a quick fix, or have a bunch of time to kill, There's plenty of awesomeness to be found here. But first, you'll definitely want to check out wannabe talk show host Fred Stoller, who broadcasts the first ever chat fest from a security booth. He won't let anyone through the gate without getting that juicy exclusive first. Guests include Bob Saget, Sarah Silverman, Howie Mandel, and Fred Willard, with more to come! When you're done watching Stoller harass some of the brightest comedic minds around, be sure to check out the legendary Legend of Neil and Atom TV, two webseries that have paved the way for what we're currently seeing on the Net.

West of Lincoln

Season 1 - Now Airing on westoflincoln-series.com/

Watch webisodes now!Have you heard the buzz building around West of Lincoln? This webseries is blazing hot, and quickly becoming appointment webTV. The show follows the trials and tribulations of Fanny, a struggling Santa Monica waitress living west of Lincoln Boulevard. A sharp commentary on the working class of Los Angeles, Fanny finds herself constantly sidetracked by the wacky residents of her neighborhood, which include a nerdy best friend, a thug roommate, and a creepy landlord. There's no telling what trouble Fanny will find herself in from episode to episode. If you're missing How I Met Your Mother or New Girl, this will certainly tide you over until those shows return next year. Fanny and her friends are also accessible via Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.

12 Steps to Recovery

Season 1 - Now Airing on Visiontube.tv

Watch webisodes now!Emmy Award winning producer Charles E. Williams, Jr. launched Visiontube in 2010 with the goal of providing a flexible viewing environment for his audience while providing a viable resource for creative minds and broadcast personalities to present their content. Less than a year after the launch, Visiontube has found success with the original webseries 12 Steps to Recovery. This pathos filled dramedy follows Parrish, a recently dumped jingle writer who must contend with 12 blind dates before fully recovering from his recent lost lover. Parrish is hilariously helped through this trying time with the help of his hard drinking, hard partying friends. It's a show about friendship, forgiveness, and true love. And there is truly nothing like it on broadcast television at the moment. You can also follow Parrish's misadventures in dating on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter.

The Variants

Season 2 - Now Airing on thevariants.com

Watch webisodes now!While you wait for Director Kevin Smith's comic shop reality series Secret Stash to hit AMC next year, you might want to first check out the popular web sitcom The Variants, which proves to be our stateside answer to Simon Pegg's popular British sitcom Spaced. This heartfelt, true to life comedy follows the unfortunate lives of four comic book store employees as they struggle to make it from one comic book release date to the next. The show offers a birds-eye view from behind the counter, giving audiences a unique taste of the geek life. Richard, Barry, Vlad and Keli may not always get along, but they stand united in the fight against horrible costumers, zombies, and worst of all, each other. Now in Season 2, you can also keep up with The Variants via Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook. don't let this one slip away, as each new adventure is delivered in mint condition.

The Alex Jones Show

Season 1 - Now Airing on prisonplanet.tv

Watch webisodes now!Love him or hate him, There's no denying that Alex Jones is a fascinating watch. Broadcasting live from Prison Planet TV, this veteran broadcaster, documentary filmmaker, and investigative journalist has made a name for himself uncovering the conspiracies that threaten the human race and our very way of life. Some people look at the man as high comedy, others take him dead serious and hang on his every word. But there is no denying the entertainment value in what this hard working man delivers on a daily basis. His rage is scarier than In Search Of, and more powerful than anything being sold on Coast to Coast. This outrage is sold in many different flavors, too. Alex has his Nightly News Broadcast, his own daily radio show, which is televised on the web, a series of special reports, and over 60 movies and documentaries to plow through. This isn't a quick stop. If you plan on visiting Alex and his web empire, you better be prepared to stay awhile. And you better be prepared to deal with the emotions, good or bad, that will arise within you after diving deep into this so-called info war.

JailBait

Season 1 - Now Airing on www.crackle.com

Watch webisodes now!Crackle boasts over forty original series from the premiere creative minds of this generation. Our favorite new Crackle obsession is Jailbait, which follows happy-go-lucky Ozzie O'Conner, arrested on two felony charges: possession, and possession with intent to sell. He was actually trying to buy marijuana for his cancer-stricken father, but is now forced to deal with the day-to-day hassles that come with being locked in jail for the unforeseeable future. Other great new Crackle series include Effin with Tonight, which features Patrick Warburton as the first animated talk show host. In the world of cartoons, no topic is off limits, and no celebrity is spared. Also making waves is the hilarious comedy Issues, which follows the disgruntled Dr. Ted, psychologist to the world of the animated superhero. Once you've devoured these new classics, you'll also want to check out Crackle's treasure trove of beloved originals like Zoe Bell's Angel of Death, and David Faustino's Star-Ving. There is so much available content on Crackle, you may never want to leave.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis

Season 1 Funnyordie.com

Watch webisodes now!Funny or Die brings a constant barrage of buzz-worthy shorts on a daily basis, but nothing has quite captured the public's attention in the way that this ongoing interview series has. Comedian Zach Galifianakis, maybe best known for playing Alan in two Hangover films, deconstructs the American celebrity interview, bringing a fresh take on a tired concept. Never predictable, yet always cringe-inducing, Zach reaches new heights of wicked satire as he takes on his contemporaries in both the comedy and dramatic acting world. Past guests have included Jon Hamm, Sean Penn, and Jennifer Aniston, game players who never let on if they're in on the joke or not. But Between Two Ferns is far from the only worthwhile thing being offered on this comedy website jumpstarted by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. FOD Exclusives appear nearly every day, bringing unexpected spoofs and whip-smart parodies that always feature today's biggest names in entertainment. Also, if you have a funny bone when it comes to making your own home videos, Funny or Die welcomes all that are brave enough to go against the laugh-o-meter. FOD has quickly become an institution, not unlike SNL, and it will be around for a long time, with Between Two Ferns leading the charge.

A Series of Unfortunate People

Season 1 - Now Airing on Dailymotion.com

Watch webisodes now!Dailymotion is quickly gaining on Youtube as the place to be seen in the world of Garage Rock video shorts, with their original web show A Series of Unfortunate People breaking new ground in the world of DIY comedy. This living portrait shines an observant spotlight on those unfortunate folks who walk amongst us, unaware of their cliched nature in American culture. These are the folks who require copious amounts of attention and care, from the "Whiney Bitch" to the "Cheap Mother F%c#er", to the "Passive Aggressive Cleaning Lady". This anthology of human behavior will either make you smile, or it will make you incredibly sad, once you realize you've been targeted. This sharp, pointed look at tragic personalities and our communal hatred for them is a must-see. Once you've caught up on this next obsession, be sure to check out all of the videos Dailymotion has to offer, and then upload your own Unfortunate Person video impersonation. Before long, you might have a strong cult following yourself.

Chadam

Season 1 - Now Airing on The WB

Watch webisodes now!The WB has quite a few original webseries, but nothing on the net compares to the animated nightmare that is Chadam. Created by Alex Pardee & Jace Hall, this creepy and highly imaginative dive into the bizarre follows our title hero as he sets out to save the world. Chadam lives in the hyper-stylized metropolitan island city of Vulture. There, his powers of imagination are so strong that he can change his surroundings at will, doing so to thwart the omnipresent force of evil that surrounds all of Vulture. If scary animation isn't quite your cup of tea, the WB also has quite a few buzz-worthy series, such as Downers Grove, which follows a group of high school graduates in a small town who never bothered to go to college, and The Lake, a teen drama that follows six friends searching for summer romance while vacationing at Lake Eleanor. Whether its comedy, drama, or frightening creatures you're looking for, The WB has your number.

Dexter Early Cuts

Season 1 - Now Airing on Sho.com

Watch webisodes now!If you're saddened by the loss of Showtime's beloved serial killer series Dexter, which is just now wrapping up its sixth season, you can head over to Showtime's official site for two seasons worth of animated episodes that follow Dexter's early years. Drawn by award-winning illustrator Bill Sienkiewicz ("Batman," "Superman" and "X-Men" comics/"The Dark Knight"), notable comic book illustrator David Mack ("Daredevil," "Kabuki") and voiced by series star and executive producer Michael C. Hall, this unique online-only series offers fans new insight into the life of America's favorite serial killer, with thrilling storylines that predate the show. Sho.com also offers exclusive behind-the-scenes, deleted scenes, and plenty of extras from all of their popular series, including Weeds, Californication, and Homeland.

Sponsored by   Your Entertainment. The way it should be.

It doesn't matter that we all have access to hundreds of channels, sometimes we just need a bit more to do!

Whether it's filling a need for your favorite show while it's on winter hiatus, or just trying to find some hot new viral video, the 'wild-west-web' is bursting with cool stuff to check out...certainly more than you probably have time to find.

If our run-down has only left you hungry for more, here's a couple more tidbits to tide you over until your TV addiction returns with new episodes in the new year.

A favorite of action fans (that has also given new life to the AWOLNATION song "Sail" on traditional TV in ads and episodes) is the wingsuit video of Jeb Corliss Grinding the Crack.Corliss (who has a great personal library of his amazing flights) is something of a legend and has been joined by his girlfriend (former Italian model and now sky-stunt legend in her own right), Roberta Mancino.Between the 2, you can spend hours marveling in their death-defying flights.

If you love extended content and have any interest in Burn Notice from USA Network, you'll probably also get into Burn Notice A New Day, the Burn Notice Graphic Novel. Volume 2 is now available online, just in time to feed your need after the Burn Notice season finale on Thursday, 12/15/11. This one is especially cool, because you can download it on your iPhone, iPad or Android device or, just read it online. Plenty hear to read and appreciate with all your favorite characters.

Of course, as you sail through the holidays, you could also kill some time checking out the hot DVD and Blu-Ray titles or reading up on the best of the current TV season you might be missing in time to join the crowd in January.

However you choose to kill your time and your grey matter with all the entertainment on the web, TV and disc, we hope you have a happy and safe holiday season!