In the moment of a back-to-back move to generate more ad revenue from YouTube, Google is serving up what it calls “full-length TV dinners.” A new deal with CBS makes it possible, with episodes of Dexter, Beverly Hills 90210, and Star Trek on deck.

YouTube is often criticized by copyright holders for the volume of infringing subject matter that users post on its site, and Google faces a $1 billion lawsuit from Viacom for alleged infringements. But Google seems to be exploring ways to satisfy copyright holders’ demand for revenue while plus fulfilling consumer starvation for on-demand television programming.

On Friday YouTube announced it has launched a analysis to determine whether viewers will tap into full-length television programming on the site.

Setting the Stage for Online TV

The shows will be available in the new Theater View style YouTube rolled out final week. The new format promises to offer viewers an optimal experience for full-length programs on a

As YouTube sees it, the new format, along with the launch of its new player, marks an urgent milestone for the company as it continues its efforts to expand user choice and improve viewer experiences.

“You asked to be beamed up with Scotty, to devise a world-saving weapon using only gum and paper clips, and to get your grub on at ‘The Peach Pit.’ So we’re giving you full-length episodes of these shows and many others,” the company wrote on its blog.

Expanding Advertising Options

YouTube emphasized that it will offer new options for advertising on the full-length TV shows as it tests the new format. Those options could include in-stream video ads — including pre-, mid- and post-rolls — embedded in some of the episodes.

YouTube assures viewers that that advertising format will only seem on premium composition where viewers are most comfortable seeing such ads. YouTube is…

Original post by Jeff Meisner