Steven Spielberg’s new epic thriller The River will premiere in the UK on iTunes, it has been announced.

iTunes customers will be the first viewers able to watch the show in the UK when it launches with a double-episode premiere on February 8, only 24 hours after the US broadcast.

The River is based around wildlife expert and TV personality Dr Emmet Cole, who goes missing in the Amazon. His wife Tess and estranged son Lincoln lead the search for Cole along the unexplored reaches of the Amazon River.

Executive producer Oren Peli said: “Right from the start, we’ve had a global audience in mind for The River – the show preys on universal human fears, and follows a journey to an exotic, remote setting. I’m excited to be debuting the show on iTunes.”

The River is available to pre-order on iTunes now and can be viewed at home on Apple TV or on the move with iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.