Here at Cord Cutters News, we realize the impact COVID-19 has taken on our readers. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of free resources to help your social distancing experience become a little more enjoyable.
Stay up To Date on COVID-19 News
You don’t need a syndicated news program to stay informed. Get the latest coronavirus-related news without a traditional cable package with the following resources.
Amazon
Get access to The U.S. Coronavirus Task Force’s official channel for coronavirus coverage on your Fire TV. It’s free in an effort to keep people across the country informed with facts and updates. The Coronavirus.gov channel is available for free on the Amazon Fire TV Appstore.
Sling TV
To help keep Americans informed, Sling is providing free access to news through the Stay in and Sling initiative. Now, Amazon Fire TV users will be able to quickly and easily jump into live news and entertainment available on the Sling TV free experience, with a new integration into Fire TV’s live TV discovery features. From the Amazon Fire TV home screen, simply scroll right to the “Live” tab, which now includes rows of channels and free live content from SLING TV.
LocalNow
Local Now, the 24/7 news streaming service powered by Weather Group, the parent company of The Weather Channel, has launched a COVID-19 coverage plan that will provide news updates for the whole family. The goal is to inform users with regular coronavirus updates, in a tone that won’t make the news scary for kids when the family is tuning in together. You can watch with a Sling TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV subscription.
Hearst Television
Hearst Television is deepening its COVID-19 reporting with the launch of Field Notes, a Facebook Watch show dedicated to reporting on coronavirus news. This weekly show will feature news highlights from Hearst TV stations in 26 markets.
Stay Informed & Entertained When Cutting the Cord
What better way to save money during these tough times AND still watch your favorite shows than cutting the cable bill and signing up for one of our reader-favorite streaming services?
Hulu
The streaming service’s main focus is on TV shows, so you can watch popular shows like This is Us, The Masked Singer, and Grey’s Anatomy the day after they air with a basic account. Hulu not only lets you watch hundreds of shows and movies on demand, it also features a live TV option, giving you sports, news, and your favorite series in real-time. Read more about the service HERE.
Disney+
Launched in November 2019, Disney+ delivers some of the best Disney movies and series of all time — from nostalgic originals like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to modern animated classics such as The Mandalorian and Frozen. It has more to offer than just Disney, too. There’s a library full of Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and Pixar movies and series — programming which you simply can’t find anywhere else. Check out our full Disney+ review HERE.
Sling TV
CBS All Access
Owned by ViacomCBS, CBS All Access is a streaming service that provides access to new and classic CBS shows, live news, sports programming, and on-demand movies. Read our full review of the service HERE.
Free Trial Offers To Take Advantage Of
Over the past several days and weeks, we’ve seen a number of media providers offer up free trials and access as a way to entertain and entice households who are spending much more time indoors. Here’s a list of some services that are offering free trials right now.
CBS All Access
CBS All Access is offering a free month subscription for US viewers, now through April 23. To sign up, use the code GIFT. The code will work for both versions of CBS All Access, with limited commercials (normally $5.99 per month), and commercial-free (normally $9.99 per month).
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video offers a 30 day free trial for new members. It’s $13/month after that. Watch popular movies and TV, award-winning Amazon Originals, and live events – all included with a Prime membership. Members can also subscribe to 100+ channels and get special deals to rent or buy new release movies and more.
Vidgo
Live TV streaming service Vidgo has dropped its price to $29.99 (a $10 discount) for a limited time, in response to coronavirus. Promotional prices will be in effect until June 30, 2020. With Vidgo, you’ll get 60+ channels including ABC, Discovery, TLC, ESPN, Disney, and more.
Showtime
Looking for some new shows and movies to stream? Showtime has you covered. Showtime has temporarily extended its free trial to 30 days for new customers. If you sign up before May 3, you’ll be able to enjoy an entire month of movies, original series, documentaries, and more.
Hulu
Hulu offers a one month free trial for the ad-supported or no-ad tiers. Enjoy full seasons of exclusive series, hit movies, Hulu Originals, kids shows, and more. Visit the Hulu website to get started, and check out five of the top streamed shows on Hulu right now.
Roku
Roku is launching Home Together to help you find the content and deals that can help you pass the time.With this offering, Roku has partnered with 20 premium partners to offer 30 day free trials through The Roku Channel including big names like Showtime, EPIX, and the Smithsonian. See a complete list here.To get the 30-day free viewing, visit the Home Together – Special Offers row in The Roku Channel on your Roku device or on the web to redeem your extended free trials.
Hallmark Channel
Crown Media is making an effort to bring feel-good entertainment to those across the country who may be finding themselves spending more time at home right now. The company is offering new users a free 30-Day free trial to Hallmark Movies Now. The service features hundreds of hours of feel-good Hallmark series and movies. Those interested in signing up for the offer can visit https://www.hmnow.com/sign-up.
Acorn TV
Acorn TV is giving both new and returning members a 30-day free trial, up from its usual 7-day free trial so you can start binge-watching new shows while you’re cooped up inside. Just use the code FREE30 when you sign up.
Sundance NOW
Sundance Now also has a promo for a 30 day free trial (up from 7) when you use the code SUNDANCENOW30. After the free trial, subscriptions start at $6.99/month. AMC Network’s Sundance Now boasts a rich selection of engrossing true crime, heart-stopping dramas and intelligent thriller series from around the world.
ShudderTV
Shudder TV is giving 30 days free for a limited time with code SHUTIN. If horror movies are your jam, you’ll want to check this one out.
Additional Resources
We’ll keep this section updated with other posts related to COVID-19 in the coming weeks. Keep checking back for more of the latest coverage.
- How the COVID-19 Pandemic is Affecting Cord Cutters
- Reports Suggest Amazon Could Postpone Prime Day in Wake of Coronavirus
- Watch John Krasinki’s New Show, ‘Some Good News on YouTube
- Fox, Disney & Others Comment on Negative Impact of Coronavirus on Business in SEC Filings
- London’s National Theatre Will Stream a Free Play Every Week
- AT&T Adding Hotspot Data for Devices, Delivery Options for Stores
- Sling TV Integrates Free Stay in and Sling Content on Amazon Fire TV