Although the "Homeland" season 3 premiere date is quickly approaching it seems like someone decided to leak episode 1 of the Showtime hit series.

On Monday, the episode was leaked online ahead of its September 29th air date. According to the Daily Mail, aside from some visual effects and the opening credits, the episode is largely intact.

It was reported that the pirated copy of the show starring Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, and Mandy Patinkin, closely resembled the screener given out to critics at a Television Critics Association event held back in July in Los Angeles.

Since the episode hit the net more than 100,000 people downloaded the leak within hours of the file's posting, according to TorrentFreak.

The Daily Mail reported that it is unknown whether or not the leak will hurt "Homeland's" ratings in the long run. Suggesting that such a leak can potentially steal an audience that might otherwise pay Showtime to watch the premiere.

However, many entertainment executives believe that piracy helps build "word-of-mouth" and can even lead to a bigger audience in the future.

Showtime has yet to address the leak or comment about the mishap.

Did you catch the "Homeland" season 3 episode 1 leak? Do you think the early release will hurt the show? Leave us a comment below.