Sure, a lot of people want to try out “Homeland” — especially after positive reviews for its just-started Season 5 — but how many want to watch it from the beginning instead of starting five years later? Showtime executives seem to be guessing at least a few, as the network has made the first two episodes of “Homeland” Season 1 available for all to see on YouTube.
READ MORE: Review: ‘Homeland’ Season 5 Episode 1 ‘Separation Anxiety’ Catches Us Up After the Jump
The network has made it standard practice over the last few years to release a premiere episode or two of its new seasons, often in advance of their cable debuts via various online platforms. They did that late Monday by releasing the first episode of “Homeland” Season 5 (watch above), but the network is now pushing various early episodes of old and new shows, as well.
Presumably, this is being done to attract potential subscribers to Showtime’s new standalone service available via the Showtime app or through a paired subscription with Hulu. By introducing and hooking viewers on free episodes of “Dexter,” “Homeland,” “The Affair” and “Ray Donovan” (all available via YouTube), fans may sign up for a subscription to watch the rest of their new favorite series.
Watch the “Homeland” Season 5 premiere above, and make sure to keep up with the new season via Indiewire’s weekly episode reviews.
READ MORE: Watch: ‘The Affair’ Season 2 Premiere Gets Free, Early Release from Showtime
Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.