Naturally, as a cord-cutter, I'm very interested in figuring out where I can watch stuff given the crazy patchwork of licenses and business deals in the US. Things are a lot simpler in other countries.

It gets pretty ludicrous sometimes. The little AMC network, usually part of basic cable, happens to own BBC America, the premium channel with exclusive rights to Doctor Who, among other A-list BBC programming. There must be a Who fan running AMC's web site, because the Monday after a Who episode airs on premium cable, you can watch it on amc.com with only basic cable. (You're welcome.)

I think there's something similar going on with the USA Network and "Expanse", because NBC owns USA and Syfy. I haven't figured out the system, though, and so far I've only found the first free episode on USA. But hope springs eternal.

I think that there's some kind of similar licensing snafu going on that lets some people view "Expanse" on syfy.com and others not. I first heard about it in an online article that was absolutely sure that syfy.com had dropped the episodes for everybody, which probably just means the author was one of the lucky ones.

Enquiring minds want to know what you find out visiting your brother this weekend. Please keep me posted.