Original content has become an almost mandatory move for any digital streaming companies looking to compete with traditional television networks. Few are better financially equipped to move into production than Amazon, and this month will see the wildly successful retailer premiere two new shows - the appropriately named Alpha House and Betas. They will premiere on November 15th and 22nd, respectively.

Alpha House follows a group of four Republican senators renting a house in Washington D.C. The cast is led by John Goodman. Betas, meanwhile, is set around Silicon Valley, and tells the stories of a group of young techies looking to fund and develop their new app. Both comedies were chosen by Amazon customers for full seasons after the site released 14 different pilot episodes earlier this year.

Unlike the Neflix release model, the series - each running for 11 episodes - will be released at a rate of one episode per week rather than all together. However, while the shows will ultimately be restricted to Amazon Prime subscribers, the first three episodes of each will be released together and free of charge.

Amazon's Roy Price explains "we will release three episodes upfront for all customers so they can try out the shows and get to know the characters. Then we will release new episodes via Prime Instant Video week by week so that customers can chat about the shows and build up anticipation. We’re constantly experimenting and trying new things - and we’re eager to hear customers’ feedback on this model."

Currently, Amazon video services are restricted to US customers, so it is unclear how or even if the shows will be released in other territories.