• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, July 7, 2014

On digital platforms, TV continues to be about opportunity -- and timing.  

Departed NBC sitcom “Community” is getting a second chance on Yahoo Screen. That’s good for the “Community” cast and production staff, especially if they are in between bigger paying gigs.

Meanwhile, USA soccer goalkeeper Tim Howard’s gargantuan effort in making many saves during the FIFA World Cup made him an instant hero to many. He can thank ESPN and Univision for that.

Brands looking to grab the lightning in the bottle are possibly rushing to Howard’s corner.

For TV shows, lesser programs and stars may be looking for the same kind of love. Fox comedy “Enlisted,” which is not coming back for a second season, has ardent fans looking for a “Community”-like solution. But, unlike “Enlisted,” “Community” had paid its dues by hanging around NBC for five seasons.

Earlier this year, Netflix went even further. It brought back the entire “Arrested Development” cast -- after the show had been off the air for a number of years -- for a limited run.

But a show itself isn’t enough for any budding, or even struggling, digital platform. Before “Community,” Yahoo had made a high-profile hire with big Q-rating personality/brand Katie Couric.

Digital platforms are desperate to grab proven performers to fly the marketing flag for their new video interests.

What about price? Do these proven brands come cheap? I’m guessing some premium is afoot here. Then again, you can be sure salaries and program license fees aren’t at the same level of the TV networks.

You get what you pay for -- and ultimately what consumers on a valued basis will pay for.