Instant repeats of hit television shows such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" are becoming commonplace, with subscription services available through companies like iTunes. And the availability to watch these shows whenever it's convenient has helped boost their popularity.

Today, nationwide cable company Time Warner announced that it is working on the creation of a new network that would serve a similar service for its cable subscribers. This network is being referred to as a "hits channel" and would offer first run shows on a repeat basis within 24 hours of their original network airing.

Most likely this would be offered as an "on demand" service that allows the viewer to start the show whenever they want, rather than a regular network that runs on a time schedule. Movie channels like HBO and Showtime offer "on demand" channels of their programming through certain cable companies already, but this would be the first "on demand" network offering regular broadcast programming.

Currently, Time Warner is negotiating with ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox for access to their hit shows. This could potentially include such series as "Desperate Housewives," "Lost," "CSI," "Survivor," "The Apprentice," "Law & Order," "24" and "American Idol." The network hopes to start with a catalog of about 20 shows.

Plans are for the service to be offered on a monthly subscription basis, though no exact fee scale is being mentioned at this time.

If you're a Time Warner subscriber, is this a service you would pay to use? Talk about it on the message boards.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------