Showtime is exclusively sponsoring TV Guide?s iPad application and letting TV fanatics watch a full-length episode of its new show ?The Big C.?

Users can browse social TV listings, entertainment news and TVGuide.com?s Fall TV Preview coverage. The application is also available for Apple?s iPhone.

?TV Guide Digital?s iPad app will be the ultimate couch companion for entertainment fans,? said Christy Tanner, general manager at TV Guide Digital, New York.

?Our target demographic is entertainment fans of all ages and tastes ? from Phineas & Ferb to Gossip Girl to NCIS,? she said.

TVGuide.com and the TV Guide network are owned by Lionsgate and One Equity Partners.

Mobile shows
Showtime is running a banner on the top of the application.

?The Big C? banner shows viewers the premiere date of the show, and offers a chance for them to preview the first episode.

Here is a screen grab of the banner:

When users click on the banner, they are redirected to the show?s page, where they can learn about the series, view the schedule, episode guide and the cast.

Here is a screen grab of The Big C page:

Additionally, users can watch a full episode of the show via their iPad.

Here is a screen grab:

The Big C fans can follow the show on Twitter, join its Facebook page and opt-in to get mobile alerts to stay informed with program reminders and site updates.

?The iPad and TV Guide Digital are an ideal integration of device and content for entertainment fans,? Ms. Tanner said. ?Our app is faster than a remote for searching and browsing entertainment options.

?Additionally, we?re helping make the home entertainment experience a social experience with our social listings integrating Facebook and Twitter,? she said. ?Fans are already making a couch-to-couch connection with their friends via social networks, and we want to make it even easier to make that connection.?

Social integration
There are Facebook and Twitter share buttons integrated directly with the listings grid.

Users can share plans to watch their favorite shows via the social networks.

Additionally, the application lets users keep lists of their favorite TV channels and shows.

Users can browse listings by time to see what?s on now or up to 14 days in advance.

TV fans can also search by show name, cast member, episode title and episode or program description.

?We?ll be adding new features to our iPhone and Android apps soon,? Ms. Tanner said.

Final Take
Rimma Kats, editorial assistant at Mobile Marketer, New York