Stars of "Dexter"

Hit show "Dexter" recently had the opening episode of its sixth season leaked online and downloaded by an estimated 50,000 people before its scheduled air date on television. There is suggestion however that Showtime intentionally leaked the episode in an effort to attract more publicity and attention for the show leading up to its air date. This notion is supported well as is this is the second time that the opening episode for a new season of "Dexter" has leaked online.

Mary Louise Parker, star of "Weeds", one of the most popular series shown on "Showtime"

"Showtime" has a history of leaking episodes online, with more shows than "Dexter" appearing online prior to their air date. The opening two episodes of American show "Californication" season 4 appeared online late last year prior to their official air date. Popular "Showtime" series "Weeds" is another to have leaked episodes prior to air dates. The number of episodes leaked gives strong indication that these incidents are more than just coincidence.

It seems likely that "Showtime" is leaking episodes intentionally as a method of attracting more publicity for its shows and more viewers. Given that "Showtime" relies on subscriptions, it would seem a clever ploy to entice new subscribers in by allowing them an insight on what the network has to offer via its 'leaks'.

All signs point to this latest leak being an intentional ploy from "Showtime" to attract viewers. Whether this will go on to become a regular weapon in a television networks quest for greater viewers and publicity remains to be seen.