One year ago, Amazon Studios was mostly known for bringing John Goodman back to episodic work for the political satire Alpha House, but it’s now the home of a bustling line of original programming and intriguing upcoming projects. The current standout in the bunch is the Jill Soloway-created comedic drama Transparent, and the recent Golden Globe winner will soon be available for everyone to watch for free, with or without an Amazon Prime account.
In celebrating its win for Best TV Series, Musical or Comedy – as well as Jeffrey Tambor taking Best Actor in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy – Amazon will put Transparent up on its Instant Video website as free to stream for anyone on Saturday, January 24, for the entire day. That’s a pretty clever tactic, as most people probably won’t get through the entire season that day, and will then put deeper consideration into getting an Amazon Prime subscription. And those who do get through it all, because it is absolutely worth dedicating an entire day to binge-watching, will possibly look into signing up to watch the upcoming Season 2.
This is an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of, as Transparent was easily one of the best shows of 2014, and one that will probably never be seen by enough people. The critical acclaim it earned played a part in getting two new transgender family member TV shows into development, blowing through the doors opened in part by Orange is the New Black’s transgender actress Laverne Cox.
Transparent stars Tambor as Mort, a father of three who dives headfirst into the transgender lifestyle he’d been secretly embracing since youth. His children – the bi-sexual mother and separated wife of Rob Huebel, Sarah (Amy Landecker); the modernist attempted-overachiever Josh (Jay Duplass); and wild child syncophant Ali (Gaby Hoffmann) – all find out about his personality changes in different and oddly heartwarming ways, all with a thread of dark, relatable comedy running throughout. The show is also filled with recurring characters played by actors like Melora Hardin, Judith Light, Carrie Brownstein, Kathryn Hahn and Bradley Whitford. Check out an extended preview for Season 1 below.
So remember to head right here on Saturday in order to watch Transparent for free. Amazon is also holding a special deal that day where new Amazon Prime customers can sign up for $79 for the first year, instead of the normal $99. While you’re thinking about signing up, also check out their currently ongoing third Pilot Season (available without subscription), and be sure to watch these three pilots to help get them turned into series the same way Transparent was.
