Game Show Network said it has offered distributors a free preview of the service through April, charging no additional license fees for incremental customers gained in that period. 

“Game Show Network is offering its family friendly programming in free preview in an effort to support our clients at a time when more of their customers are at home and need entertainment,” said Tim Carry, executive VP of distribution at the network, which is in about 64 million homes and is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

A network representative said affiliates had responded positively to the offer, and the network expected to gain about 10 million homes during the preview. 

Related: Hallmark Channel Offers Christmas Fare March 20-22

Networks in the family friendly space have been either doing scheduling changes or just trying to draw attention to their programming during a period when many schools are closing amid coronavirus fears and kids are being educated at home, including by parents forced to telecommute. NewsNet, which operates as a digital subchannel on TV stations' bandwidth, said Thursday it was offering short-term affiliations to stations wanting to add more news programming temporarily.  

Pictured: John Michael Higgins and America Says on Game Show Network.

GSN will continue to mine the competition/game show genre with renewals of two series, Snap Decision and Cover Story, as well as the greenlighting of two other shows, the network announced Monday.

The David Alan Grier-hosted Snap Decision, in which contestants test their preconceptions, first impressions and gut instincts, will return for a second season, said network officials.  

A second freshman series, Cover Story, also has been renewed after launching in January. The series of documentary specials looks at the fascinating personalities, memorable moments and outrageous scandals in and around the most popular games shows of all time, the network said.

The series join returning series Divided and Winsanity on GSN's programming lineup.

In addition, the network has greenlit two new shows, including America Says, an in-studio game where two teams of friends and family look to fill in the blanks to match survey responses that cover every topic under the sun; and Caroline & Friends, a comedic, family-friendly series hosted by Caroline Rhea (Sabrina The Teenage Witch) that showcases videos from around the web.

Other shows in development include Catch My Bluff, Movin’ Money and Mall Madness.

"GSN is the home for engaging game show programming that attracts high-value consumers looking for a family environment filled with winning and fun,” said Fran Shea, executive vice president, programming and marketing for GSN, in a statement. “Developing and producing new strip programming provides our loyal audience with a viewing destination they’ve come to expect and feel comfortable with, as GSN is an essential part of their daily routine.”