UPDATE: As more networks offer free previews, we will continue to update this post with information.
With the coronavirus pandemic bringing the U.S. to a virtual standstill, TV has become both a vital resource and much-needed distraction. While it’s obviously important to keep an eye on the news, many entertainment networks are offering a free preview to help ease the restlessness and stress that comes with an extended quarantine.
Here on SLING TV, subscribers can now access the following channels free of charge (these channels will be available for SLING Orange, SLING Blue, and SLING Orange + Blue subscribers unless otherwise noted):
Now Through April 17 – From hit action movies like Spectre and War For the Planet of the Apes to family favorites like Trolls, FXM has blockbuster movies from all eras and genres.
Now Through April 17 – As the internet has taught us, animals and wildlife are a great distraction during trying times. By that metric, Nat Geo WILD is one of the important channels currently on the air. Both entertaining and educational, Nat Geo WILD is a go-to for those with kids (or too much stress).
Now Through April 30 – Game shows — and regular board games — are also a needed pick-me-up during times of high anxiety. With a mix of original programming and familiar favorites, GSN is TV’s number one source for fun and games (and with sports cancelled, one of the few sources for televised competitions).
Now through May 13 – If you’d like to relive those wistful days of three months ago when our biggest problems centered on finding romance in time for Christmas, the Hallmark Family of networks are here for you. Hallmark’s programming is cozier than a blanket straight from the drier, the perfect tonic for those moments when you feel sad or overwhelmed.
Now through April 17 – Sundance TV might take its name from the storied Utah film festival, but a lot of its programming is the TV equivalent of comfort food. From classic sitcoms like The Andy Griffith Show and Hogan’s Heroes to procedurals like Law & Order, Sundance TV offers much more than just indie cinema (although they have plenty of that as well).
Now through April 20 (SLING Blue and SLING Orange + Blue subscribers only) – The coronavirus has upended all aspects of our daily lives, including the economy. With business-focused programming, CNBC has up-to-the-minute information on the stock market, Wall Street, and everything else related to the economy.
Now through April 18 – With so much information coming so quickly, it’s important to have a variety of trusted news sources to stay up on the latest details and data. Cheddar News describes itself as “a fast-paced, young, non-partisan general news and headline news network” and, as the video above indicates, has both breaking updates and practical advice on the coronavirus.
Now through April 20 – Over the past couple of weeks, millions of us have suddenly had to adjust to life with furry, four-legged co-workers. Some of these “collie-gues” can be a bit oblivious to our professional responsibilities, so if you need to give them a distraction that doesn’t involve fetch, throw on DOGTV. Dog experts helped develop the programming, which will keep them distracted yet calm when you need to dig into work.
Now through April 20 (SLING Blue subscribers only) - True crime investigations have grown increasingly popular in recent years and few networks deliver like Oxygen. With a mix of original programming like Up and Vanished, and procedurals like NCIS (which often feel like true crime fan fiction), Oxygen is your true crime headquarters.
Now through April 29 - With the now quarantine stretching into weeks, it’s very important that we don’t neglect our health. Thankfully, the health and wellness channel Grokker is now available in free preview. From daily yoga exercises to meditations and nutritional tips, Grokker can help you stay healthy and feel your best.
Now through April 29 (SLING Blue subscribers only) - If you have kids and you’re working from home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, Disney has placed their channels Disney Junior and Disney XD into free preview, so you will have plenty of options to keep your kids entertained when it’s time to get down to business.
Now through April 30 - If you’re a hip-hop head, you’re in luck: REVOLT is in free preview all month long. Founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs, REVOLT features live performances, spotlights new artists, and broadcasts popular shows such as The Breakfast Club and State of Culture.
Now through April 30 - If your kids are filling up on a little too much TV junk food, flip it over to Playkids. Targeted at children aged 2-8, Playkids offers “more than 3,000 character-focused videos, books, games and cartoons from educational specialists,” so they can learn while remaining engaged.
Now through April 17 - Featuring commercial free hit movies as well as original shows like War of the Worlds, the EPIX family of networks are now available to all Sling subscribers. In addition to their flagship network, you can access EPIX 2, which features “a wide variety of top films, music spectacles, stand-up comedy specials and compelling original documentaries”; EPIX Hits, “a channel dedicated to the most popular titles EPIX has to offer”; and EPIX Drive-In, “a collection of your favorite movies from the ‘70s through today.”
Now through April 22 - While NFL Network made many classic games available on their linear channel, as well as in their On Demand titles, they are re-airing NFL RedZone broadcasts of the 2019 season. This will happen for 17 consecutive days starting Monday April 6. Each day will coincide with each week. For example, Week One airs on April 6th, week Two on April 7th and so on through April 23rd. Great idea. Thank you NFL.
Between these channels and the hundreds of other shows and movies that subscribers can access live and on-demand (plus our extensive package of live news networks), SLING TV has you covered for as long as it takes to ride this out. Remain calm and keep Slinging!
