Showtime has a treat for subscribers and nonsubscribers alike: The debut episode of the premium network’s newest comedy series, Roadies, is now available, arriving ahead of its June 26 “premiere.” Viewers have a number of options to choose from, such as streaming via YouTube, Facebook, and Sho.com, according to Deadline. Additional platforms include various on-demand services, iTunes (as a free video podcast), Showtime on Demand, Showtime Anytime (the network’s standalone streamer), Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Sony PlayStation Vue.
The series, which comes from creator Cameron Crowe (Jerry McGuire, Almost Famous), centers on a group of roadies who work for the fictional Staton-House Band. Over the course of the series, the story will explore their relationships (platonic and otherwise), passion for music, and lifestyle. Luke Wilson and Carla Gugino lead an ensemble cast that also includes Imogen Poots, Rafe Spall, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Peter Cambor, Richard Baker, and Ron White.
Roadies’ central characters will be responsible for making sure the show goes on, and it looks like life backstage won’t always go smoothly. “There are so many secrets about this band and this crew,” a character teased during the the trailer. A scene with a handgun debacle certainly indicated a dark side, but there was also a lot of focus on powerful friendships.
There is a lot for viewers to be curious about, so being able to watch now and without a Showtime subscription is definitely tempting. Naturally, though, the premium network is offering bait, looking to hook people who have not yet subscribed to any of its platforms. Roadies converts may find themselves subscribing.
The first season will be 10 episodes long, with Crowe having directed the first six. He also wrote the pilot and executive produces. Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams serves as an executive producer as well, along with Winnie Holzman.
The linear premiere of Roadies airs on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET/PT on June 26, but if you don’t feel like waiting, you can watch the entire episode above.
