Crackle is a multi-platform web television network and studio, administrated by Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) and formerly known as Grouper. Crackle distributes original, high quality digital content by applying the same production techniques used in TV and films, and is a platform for distributing Sony's library of television and films.

In January 2004 Grouper Networks, Inc., was founded in San Francisco, by Josh Felser, Aviv Eyal, Dave Samuel and Mike Sitrin. The company was created to create a new way to share personal media files on the internet using p2p networking technology. Grouper was released as a desktop application for the Windows platform in May 2005.

In August 2006, SPE acquired Grouper Networks, Inc., under the terms of the $65 million deal.

Under Sony, Grouper released a screensaver that allows watching of Internet video on Sony Vaio computers, developed a service that allows for direct video downloads to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and a service that allows watching of Internet video on Internet-enabled Sony BRAVIA TVs.

In July 2007, SPE announced that Grouper would be re-branded and re-purposed as Crackle, a multi-platform video entertainment network and studio. In October 2008, Sony moved Crackle to its Culver City base.

In March/April 2009, Crackle commenced blocking access by anyone outside the US.

Crackle Originals

In February of 2008, Crackle was airing Penn Says with Penn Jillette, Mr. Deity, and was about to launch The Roadents.

In September in 2008, Crackle announced its fall season, to begin on September 15th. These shows included The Groundlings, Michael Stahl-David: Behind the Star, season two of Gaytown with Owen Benjamin, Long Distance Relationship with Dan Levy, season two of Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show, Take-Away Shows directed by Vincent Moon, Signiture Series with Marc Horowitz, American Dreamers, The Jace Hall Show, and Afterworld.

In early December of 2008, Crackle unveiled a 13-week season of web television programming. These shows were: Star-ving, Angel of Death (written by Ed Brubaker), The Jace Hall Show, Anytime with Bob Kushell, The Hustler with Mark Feuerstein, The Groundlings, and Owen Benjamin Presents.

In mid-March 2009, Crackle debuted another 13-week season of web television programming. These shows were: Charlie Murphy's Crash Comedy, True Colors, and the second seasons of Anytime with Bob Kushell and The Jace Hall Show.

Crackle Television

Shows owned by Sony that are available for viewing: Astro Boy, Battle Dome, The Dana Carvey Show, Forever Knight, Spider-Man, The Tick, The Larry Sanders Show, Married With Children, S.W.A.T., NewsRadio, and Dilbert''.