WE tv announced today that it will make its first original scripted drama, “The Divide,” widely available to viewers through a week-long full-episode sneak preview across a myriad of platforms, including Roku streaming players, WEtv.com and through video on demand and TV Everywhere services from major video providers.
The preview will be the first-ever television series premiere on the Roku streaming platform.
The full-episode sneak preview begins today, Wednesday, July 9, and runs through 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, July 15, the day before “The Divide” debuts on WE tv with limited commercial interruptions during a special two-hour premiere at 9 pm.
“As we break into scripted programming, it’s important that we reach viewers on every platform and device they use to watch content,” said WE tv President, Marc Juris. “This multi-platform full-episode preview is a great way to get audiences excited about ‘The Divide’ and we couldn’t be happier that the show is Roku’s first TV series premiere to their millions of customers. The equal ratio of male-to-female users also provides a great co-viewing opportunity for this amazing drama.”
“It’s exciting to work with WE tv on this unique debut of their new series and we’re proud to bring it first to Roku customers,” said Scott Rosenberg, vice president of business development at Roku.
Also, Clarke Peters (also of "The Wire," "Treme," and more) playing Adam’s (Damon’s) father, Isaiah Page, a retired cop and the former Philadelphia police commissioner.
Here’s an official synopsis:
"The Divide" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful drama that explores the personal cost of morality, ambition, ethics, politics, and race in today’s justice system through the eyes of Christine Rosa played by Marin Ireland, an impassioned caseworker with The Innocence Initiative, and Adam Page played by Damon Gupton, an equally passionate district attorney and political rising star. Eleven years ago, the Butler family was attacked in their Philadelphia home and all but the youngest daughter were brutally murdered. The senseless deaths of this affluent African American family, seemingly at the hands of two white construction workers, Terry Kucik (Joe Anderson) and Jared Bankowski (Chris Bauer), threatened to ignite a racial firestorm in the City of Brotherly Love. Adam Page (Gupton), himself an affluent black man and the city’s District Attorney as well as a political rising star, made a name for himself by securing convictions for both men, leading to the death penalty ruling for Bankowski. Now, Christine Rosa (Ireland), a caseworker with the Innocence Initiative, believes Bankowski was wrongly convicted of the heinous murders and struggles to stop his impending execution, while tirelessly working to exonerate Kucik.In her search for the truth, Christine uncovers evidence that puts her at odds with Adam who will do everything in his power to uphold the verdict and keep his reputation intact. His actions put a strain on his marriage to Billie, played by Nia Long, a powerhouse corporate attorney at a crossroads in her personal and professional life. Throughout the journey, all three of their pasts resurface as they are faced with the question of one man’s guilt or innocence intertwined with their own personal histories.
LaGravenese writes and executive produces alongside Tony Goldwyn (President Fitzgerald Grant on Shonda Rhimes’ "Scandal"), who also directed.
The debut of “The Divide” will be accompanied by a variety of exclusive material available at www.WEtv.com. Each episode will be complemented by an Inside-The-Episode featurette with the cast and crew that breaks down the story and scenes in further detail. Fans can also learn more about the Innocence Project organization, the inspiration behind The Innocence Initiative.
Below, watch series trailer, and then utilize any of the options listed above (Roku player, WEtv.com) to watch the full-episode sneak preview:
