Claire Outlander
The "Outlander" series premiere, titled "Sassenach," is online now. Watch below and find out how to see the rest of the Starz series. Starz

“Outlander” fans are getting a special treat from Starz: they can watch the pilot episode right now on different online platforms even if they don’t have a Starz subscription.

Platforms include YouTube, the Starz website and Starz PLAY (their on demand website). Starz also announced that about 82 million households would have access to the premiere “via additional linear, on-demand and/or online sampling opportunities on select cable, satellite and telco affiliates.”

Of course, this isn’t the case for every episode. Starz CEO Chris Albrecht referred to this as a “sampling,” and explained his hopes to bring in new Starz subscribers. In a statement Albrecht said, “Our 'Outlander' sampling strategy serves the dual purpose of giving early access to the series premiere for those fans thirsting to watch it as soon as possible, as well as providing a vehicle that introduces the STARZ experience to prospective new subscribers who are eager to learn all about this great new series."

The series already has plenty of fans excited. Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling book series was started in 1991 and her eighth book in the saga, “Written In My Own Heart’s Blood,” debuted in the number one spot on the New York Times Best Seller List for hardcover fiction in June. However, viewers who haven’t read the books will not be lost. Much like “Game Of Thrones,” reading adds to the experience, but plenty of fans will just watch the TV series.

Episode 1, titled “Sassenach” (which means Outlander or Englishman), will introduce viewers to Claire, an English nurse in the 1940s on her honeymoon in Scotland. Her life takes a turn when she accidentally travels back in time to the 18th century and can’t figure out how to return.

Watch the premiere here:

“Outlander” Season 1 episode 1 will air on Starz on Saturday, July 9 at 9 p.m. EDT, and the next seven episodes will continue to premiere on Saturdays at 9 p.m. EDT on Starz.

Have you watched the premiere? Did it convince you to subscribe to Starz? Sound off in the comments below.