You can watch the pilot, which airs Oct. 16 on TV, now until Oct. 14 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Hulu, CWTV.com and the network's app for Android, iPad and iPhone. You also can download the episode for free on iTunes.
This is the second time in recent days a network has posted a season premiere via a tweet. Last week, Fox posted the first-ever full TV episode on Twitter -- the season three premiere of Raising Hope.
Series premieres start now! Watch the premiere of Emily Owens, M.D. right here. youtube.com/watch?v=sL8DGq…— CW Network (@CW_network) October 1, 2012
The digital-first strategy isn't new, but it appears to be something networks are willing to try to attract early buzz for shows ahead of their televised premieres.
"It's all about increasing awareness and sampling for the show," Rick Haskins, EVP of marketing and digital programs, tells Mashable. "We really believe in Emily Owens and we think once viewers see the show, they’ll be true believers, too,"
Fox first tried the tactic with the now Emmy-nominated New Girl in 2011 and repeated it this season with new comedies The Mindy Project and Ben and Kate.