Following what has been a successful early release strategy seen at other NBCUniversal properties, Syfy will debut the first episode of “The Expanse” online three weeks before it airs on television.
On Nov. 23, the first episode of the Thomas Jane-Steven Strait futuristic mystery drama will be available via Syfy On Demand, Syfy.com, the Syfy Now App, Hulu, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, iTunes, Playstation, Xbox, Facebook and YouTube. Additionally, Twitch, Wikia, IGN, IMDb, Good Reads, Crave Online and Roku will host the series premiere with original custom content.
Syfy will then continue with its plan to give the Alcon series a two-night premiere on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15.
“’The Expanse’ is the most ambitious series ever for Syfy, and early screenings are drawing high praise from critics and fans alike,” said Syfy president Dave Howe. “With its cinematic feel, compelling characters, intense action and universal themes, it’s important for Syfy to provide the opportunity for as many people as possible to watch and fall in love with this series.”
USA tried a similar early release strategy for the first episode of hacker drama “Mr. Robot,” a series that went on to be a huge hit for the network. NBC experimented with binge-viewing Charles Manson drama “Aquarius” last summer, garnering mixed results but ultimately resulting in a second season.
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“The Expanse” is a 10-episode series based on the New York Times bestselling book series written by Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck (under the pen name James S. A. Corey). Alcon co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson serve as executive producers along with former president of Alcon Television Sharon Hall. Alcon Television executive Ben Roberts serves as co-producer. Sean Daniel and Jason Brown of the Sean Daniel Company are executive producers. Ben Cook serves as a producer.
