The series premieres of Homeland (Showtime), Hart of Dixie (CW), The Secret Circle (CW), Revenge (ABC), and New Girl (FOX) are streaming online for free in an attempt to attract viewers ahead of the competition.

Sure, getting a head start sounds like a good idea, but why would networks not want everyone to watch their shows when they premiere on television?

In Showtime’s case, as with many premium cable companies, putting a series premiere online ahead of the scheduled television premiere is a perfect opportunity for non-subscribers to get a taste of the kind of programming that particular network has to offer. In addition, both broadcast and cable networks seem to be trying to capture the attention of the new “buzz generation," in hopes that after watching, they will tweet, facebook, and blog to the masses, thus creating said buzz and support for the show – a smart, yet risky move on their part.

On the one hand, it’s a smart marketing strategy because the television viewing experience has no doubt changed and many people have discussed the effects social media, most notably, twitter, has had on the experience. Twitter has become a virtual water cooler of sorts. Trending topics almost always consist of something related to programming during the primetime hours and results in a worldwide discussion about whatever program is airing that night, good or bad.

So it’s no surprise that networks are trying to capitalize on this new found phenomenon and streaming series premieres online ahead of schedule is a good way to get some sort of dialogue going about their shows.

On the other hand, the networks take a gamble, especially with their initial ratings sampling, by streaming online. This type of marketing strategy is still relatively new so the jury is still out on whether or not such a campaign will make a large impact on the overall success of a series. It seems we’ll have to wait until the ratings come in for these shows to find out.

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Homeland (Showtime) Oct. 2 – 9 p.m.

What’s the story?: “Who's the hero – who's the threat? When MIA Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody returns home to a hero's welcome after eight years in enemy confinement, brilliant but volatile CIA agent Carrie Mathison isn't buying his story. She believes that Brody has been turned and is now working for Al Qaeda. What follows is a dangerous game of cat and mouse with nothing short of American national security at stake. Claire Danes, Damian Lewis and Mandy Patankin star in the provocative, suspenseful new Showtime Original Series HOMELAND, from Executive Producers of 24.”- Showtime

Where to watch: Showtime’s official website, here.

Hart of Dixie & The Secret Circle (CW) Sept. 26, 8 p.m; Secret Circle premiered last Thursday 8 p.m.

What’s the story?: In Hart of Dixie, Rachel Bilson plays a New-York based doctor who adjusts to life in a small Southern town after inheriting a local medical practice. In The Secret Circle, a 15-year old girl moves to a new high school and learns that she’s a witch, part of a coven spanning generations and generations and holds the key to all out battle of good and evil.

Where to watch: Hart of Dixie: iTunes (beginning Thursday); The Secret Circle: iTunes

Revenge (ABC) Wednesday, 9 p.m.

What’s the story?: “Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is new to the Hamptons. She's met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is a little odd about a young girl living in a wealthy town all on her own, and the truth is that Emily isn't exactly new to the neighborhood. In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until something bad happened that ruined her family and their reputation. Now Emily is back, and she's returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how – with a vengeance.” – ABC

Where to watch: Read the pilot script via Amazon’s Kindle and rumor has it, at the end of the script a link is given to screen the actual pilot. Note: You can download the Kindle App if you don’t have an actual Kindle and still be able to read the script.

New Girl (FOX) Tuesday, 8 p.m.

What’s the Story?: “Jess Day (Zooey Deschanel, (500) Days of Summer) is an offbeat and adorable girl in her late 20s who, after a bad breakup, moves in with three single guys. As their relationships progress, the five friends come to realize they need each other more than they ever thought they would and end up forming a charmingly dysfunctional family.” – FOX

Where to watch: View it for free on iTunes, Hulu, and Fox.com