NBCUniversal announced on Tuesday its push into digital programming with the launch of new series to be distributed via its channel websites, Hulu and VOD. Two series slated to launch on NBC.com include “Saturday Night Line,” about superfans who wait in the “SNL” standby line, and “Heroes Reborn: Digital Series,” a prequel to the upcoming “Heroes” miniseries. In addition, Universal Cable Productions has plans to release more than a dozen digital programs, including “Tesla and Twain” and “Last Single Girl.”

“NBCUniversal plans to develop many of these series in collaboration with advertising partners to help them further connect with consumers,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. “The series and their advertising partners will be promoted across NBC’s cable and broadcast networks.”

“It’s exciting to bring original content to the forefront on all of our digital platforms,” said Robert Hayes, NBC Entertainment digital media vice president. “We are lucky to once again be in business with some of the top producers in Hollywood, making new content to further engage fans.”

“Much of the uncaptured value in the online world can be unlocked with smart collaborations between creators and clients,” said Jeff Wachtel, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment president and chief content officer. “This year, we’re making a big push to building that bridge.”

“Announcement of the new series comes just a few weeks before a passel of digital players, including AOL and YouTube, are slated to hold ‘newfront’ meetings with advertisers that will detail the launch of pieces of entertainment available via streaming video and other digital venues,” reports Variety. “The hope, of course, is to steal some of the dollars normally earmarked for big media companies like NBCU during the upfront market, when U.S. TV networks try to sell the bulk of their ad time for the coming season.”