‘Westworld’ episode 2 released early by HBO alongside ‘Divorce,’ ‘Insecure’ premieres

HBO is clearly well aware of the fact that there is both Sunday Night Football and a Presidential Debate airing this weekend, and as a result of that, they are simply trying to get out from under a potential ratings fiasco. After all, there is no other way to describe their decision to basically put their entire Sunday lineup online early.

Late Thursday, the network placed the second episode of “Westworld” online early on their HBO NOW and HBO GO services, which should also be thought of as a way to appeal further to fans who really enjoyed the first episode and want to continue the journey sooner rather than later. This is a smart move to further ensure that the network has everyone hooked on what has already been a well-received, incredibly-ambitious work of drama for them.

For those who did not know, the network also has online the first episodes of their other new series in “Divorce” (starring Sarah Jessica Parker) and “Insecure” (starring Issa Rae). We haven’t had a chance to watch both of them yet, but we can tell you that “Insecure” is a ridiculously funny, refreshing series with engaging characters and a perspective you don’t find too many places even in a crowded television landscape.

For the most part, major TV networks are steering clear of programming anything up against the debates, though at the same time it’s not as though many of them have a whole lot of a choice in the matter. Just remember that many of them are going to be broadcasting the debate themselves.