Online streaming continues to get real in the world of television. Early Saturday, Lifetime released on its website the first four episodes of new drama “Unreal” — three of which have yet to air.
The hourlong show, which premiered on Monday night, could use the additional buzz. Despite favorable reviews, “Unreal” averaged just 815,000 viewers overall for its first installment.
Lifetime’s scripted drama stars Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer and is centered in the world of reality TV.
The “Unreal” digital offering marks the second time in recent months that a major network has pulled a Netflix and dumped several new episodes online. NBC recently unleashed the entire “Aquarius” series for free just two hours after the first episode aired on TV.
“We are fully aware how audiences want to consume multiple episodes of new television series faster and at their own discretion,” NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt said at the time.
Created by Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, “Unreal” airs on Monday nights at 10 p.m.
