That pesky Internet, what is it good for? Apart from TV Scoop, obviously. Well, checking out some of the most anticipated autumn pilots from America’s top TV networks apparently. Shows including the much hyped Bionic Woman, The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Lipstick Jungle (the new Sex and the City but with 3 ladies instead of 4) have been made available from illegal download sites since last Friday.

Other titles include Pushing Daisies, Cavemen, Reaper and Chuck. The quality of the files is said to be reasonably high, while the actual shows themselves have had a mixed response from curious members of the public. On watching Connor, the Terminator spin-off show, one viewer posted “This baby is real and nice quality. Wish I could say more about the content, but there is potential.”

The leaks (is that what we call them?) are almost to be expected, with so many screeners despatched to interested press. However, the networks have been keen to control their release of content and are working hard to combat piracy. One studio representative elaborated: “We’re doing everything we can to fight piracy. Our piracy department is playing whack-a-mole with these things.”

Away from the legal issues of getting your hands on these shows ahead of schedule, I feel conflicted on such leaks. Sure, like everyone I enjoy getting my sticky mitts on something new and shiny, but sometimes it’s better to wait and experience the buzz and thrill of anticipation. What do you think?

[via TV Week]