Showtime (like competitor HBO) does produce original shows -- like Weeds, the L Word, Sleeper Cell, or dexter. Want to check out one of those but don't want to invest the monthly subscription, here is an option.

From Oct. 6 to 13, Yahoo! video will be streaming selected episodes of those 4 shows, as well as a behind-the-scenes clip from new drama The Tudors, currently in production.

Showtime is offering the episodes online to get its programming in front of consumers who otherwise wouldn't see it. The network currently has about 14.5 million subscribers, about half of HBO's roll.