Finally, Apple has given the UK something to watch other than those two pasty "Mac and PC" characters.

The company announced today that it was bringing TV programs to the UK incarnation of its iTunes store.  The shows will go for 1.89 pounds and will be playable on Macs and PCs equipped with iTunes, as well as the iPod, AppleTV, and when it's finally released in Europe, the iPhone.

29 Aug 2007

Initially, 28 different programs will  be included in the offering, though Apple hopes to expand that list as the service begins to pick up steam.

Headlining the list are US mega-hits Lost, Desperate Housewives, and of course Sponge Bob Squarepants.  While those are not the most flattering portraits of American culture (with the exception of Sponge Bob), at least Apple isn't piping over episodes of the REALLY embarrassing stuff, like, say, Flavor of Love or Major League Soccer.

Interesting timing, as this announcement comes just one week before Apple is rumored to be set to launch its new line of iPods. Perhaps Apple wants to give the Brits a bit more incentive to plunk down their scratch for a new video iPod...