Chris Noroski, 20, of Toms River, came across the Canadian Web series "Pure Pwnage" - a reality/comedy series about a professional video game player - one day while surfing the Web, and has been hooked through two seasons.

"It's awesome that he's able to use the Internet to broadcast like that," said Noroski, a student at Richard Stockton College in Galloway Township. "It's just caught on like wildfire."

If you're afraid these series are nothing more than hacks with handheld cameras videotaping their friends, worry no more. Many of these Web shows carry the names of prominent producers, artists, actors and writers. For example, CBS is running a Web series based on Stephen King's short story, "N," with Emmy nominee Ben Shenkman among the cast of voiceovers and comic-book artist Alex Maleev ("Heroes") doing the artwork.

There are a few things holding online TV back, including time-consuming downloads and having to watch the shows on smaller screens. But industry insiders predict the world of online television will continue to expand in the coming year.

"I'm excited to see how this plays out," said Greg Kahn, head of strategy for the Optemedia media consulting firm. "It's changing the way that consumers view television, and bringing their engagement to a whole new level."

Here is a look at where you can find some of your favorite series online, as well as Web series that you may not have heard of:

Shows you've seen

The Office

Where to find it: www.nbc.com.

What It's About: This mocumentary series on life in the offices of Dunder Mifflin has become an NBC staple, with fans tuning in weekly to follow the saga of Jim and Pam, watch Dwight's latest antics and listen to Michael Scott waxing philosophical about being the boss.

Online Extras: Fans who work late on Thursday nights can watch full episodes of "The Office" on NBC's Web site. There are also cool extras like deleted scenes and webisodes following lesser characters on the show.

Rescue Me

Where to find it: www.fx.com, www.crackle.com

What It's About: Dennis Leary stars as Tommy Gavin in this FX series about a New York City firefighter who's good at his job but incredibly self destructive and seems to constantly have problems involving alcoholism, exes and more.

Online Extras: Over the summer, the show's producers put together a series of webisodes to air on crackle.com. While Season 5 of "Rescue Me" won't start until May, fans can tide themselves over with the mini-episodes.

WB Classics

Where to Find: www.thewb.com

What It's About: If you spent your high school and college years hooked on "Gilmore Girls" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," the Internet is the place for you. Warner Bros. is re-releasing episodes of its hit shows online.

Online Extras: In addition to getting to see shows that aren't around anymore, there are cool features like a blender where you can mix scenes and songs from different shows to create your own episode.

How I Met Your Mother

Where to Find: www.cbs.com

What It's About: The comedy is narrated by main character Ted (Josh Radnor) who is supposed to be telling his kids how he met their mother (hence the title). The show constantly keeps the audience guessing, but the mystery's spotlight is often stolen by other characters, namely the womanizing Barney (Neil Patrick Harris).

Online Extras: The only real reason to hit the site is for the full length episodes, though there are some video clips with interviews from the cast and show promos.

Show's You'll Only See on the Web

Pushing Twilight

Where To Find It: The Independent Film Channel, www.ifc.com.

What It's About: A group of twentysomethings seeking an outlet for unfulfilled urges meets once a week to discuss their escapades, which range from become exotic dancers for the night to betting everything they have in an underground poker game.

Why It's Cool: The series came to fruition thanks to a contest sponsored by Red Bull and the Independent Film Channel where aspiring filmmakers sent in their interpretations of the phrase "after hours." It just goes to show how far a handheld camera can take you.

Back on Topps

Where to Find It: www.BackonTopps.com

What It's About: Leyland and Leif Topps are twin brothers who are set to inherit the Topps baseball company until their uncle sells the company to Michael Eisner. Left with no alternatives, the Topps have to go back to the bottom of the company and work their way up.

Why It's Cool: The show stars Jason and Randy Sklar, whom you may have seen previously playing warring agents on "Entourage," or on their regular ESPN "SportsCenter" segment "The Bracket." The Sklar brothers bring their popular brand of humor to the show with irreverent pop culture references and some slapstick thrown in. Plus, the show has a bunch of celebrity cameos scheduled.

N

Where To Find It: www.cbs.com

What It's About: Rather than putting the series on TV, CBS divided Stephen King's short story "N" into 25 online episodes. The story follows a psychiatrist who falls victim to the same deadly obsession as his patient, an obsession that could save the world.

Why It's Cool: Rather than being filmed with real people, "N" is illustrated through a series of drawings by comic-book artist Alex Maleev, whose work has appeared on "Heroes." The artwork, combined with a spooky soundtrack and intense narration, sends a chill up the viewers spine during each 90-second episode.

Sorority Forever

Where To Find It: www.thewb.com, www.myspace.com

What It's About: Think of "Sorority Forever" as "Gossip Girl," "Greek" and "90210" all rolled into a series of three-minute episodes. The show follows college student Julie as she pledges a sorority against her wishes. Lots of pledge games, half-naked girls and coed mischief ensues.

Why It's Cool: The series seems to take the best parts of shows like "Gossip Girl" and "Greek" and crams it into a viewing time perfect for the average attention span. Plus it's produced by McG, the guy who brought you "The O.C," "Supernatural" and "Chuck."

E-mail Courtney McCann:

CMcCann@pressofac.com