AT&T said it is giving subscribers to its pay-TV services free access to premium channels including Starz, Epix and its own HBO and Cinemax for a limited time.

The company is also launching a new ad campaign that uses the hashtag #ConnectedTogether to show how with people practicing social distancing to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, AT&T’s people and technology are helping to bring people together.

The company, one of the nation’s largest advertisers, said it is replacing its current advertising with spots that deliver its message about the importance of connectivity during times of fear and division.

The first of the new spots show families getting together via video chat and workers connecting cables and working in control rooms.

AT&T said that effective Thursday it will begin offering free premium channel content to DirecTV, U-Verse, AT&T TV and AT&T TV Now subscribers. The offer starts Thursday with Starz (only to DirecTV and U-Verse subscribers). On March 2, subscribers will get Epix through April 16. On April 16 through April 20, they’ll get HBO and Cinemax.

OTT service Sling TV said it has opened up its news-rich Sling Blue package free to new customers for 14 days, an effort to keep Americans informed as they are forced to work and play from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In its press release, the Dish Network-owned virtual MVPD refers to this promotion as its "quarantine offer."

Sling TV said beginning March 26 and through April 5, those new to the streaming video service will receive Sling Blue for free, accessing channels like CNN, FOX News, HLN, MSNBC, Bloomberg TV, Cheddar News, Newsy and Local Now.

"With more states and municipalities issuing shelter-in-place orders, everyone needs the latest information to do their part," Sling TV group president Warren Schlichting said in a press release. "We're hoping to motivate Americans to stay home, and stay informed during this critical time."

The move is part of the overall “Stay in and Sling” initiative that Sling TV launched on March 18, which gives Americans cost-free access to news and thousands of shows and movies with no paid Sling TV account required. 

As more families are staying at home due to the coronavirus outbreak, linear-based, family-friendly networks are lining up original content to offer audiences on digital platforms.

Crown Media Family Networks announced Thursday (March 26) that it would make its Hallmark Movies Now subscription video on demand service available free for 30 days. Along with a slate of original movies and series from its linear cable channels Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, the SVOD service -- which retails at $4.99 per month -- will also feature a lineup of popular Christmas movie offerings, said the company.

The Hallmark linear channel is reprising its We Need a Little Christmas holiday movie marathon this weekend beginning March 27. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is also kicking off a weekend holiday event, Miracles of Christmas Movie Marathon, beginning March 27, said the network.

The move follows a similar free SVOD offering from UpTV. The family-themed network is offering a select number of original movies, series and specials for free on its UpTV Faith and Family OTT service. 

Among the original UpTV series streaming previous seasons for free include Growing Up McGhee, Jo Frost: Nanny On Tour and The Last Hope, according to network officials. 

OTT service Sling TV said it has opened up its news-rich Sling Blue package free to new customers for 14 days, an effort to keep Americans informed as they are forced to work and play from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sling TV said beginning March 26 and through April 5, those new to the streaming video service will receive Sling Blue for free, accessing channels like CNN, FOX News, HLN, MSNBC, Bloomberg TV, Cheddar News, Newsy and Local Now.

"With more states and municipalities issuing shelter-in-place orders, everyone needs the latest information to do their part," Sling TV group president Warren Schlichting said in a press release. "We're hoping to motivate Americans to stay home, and stay informed during this critical time."

The move is part of the overall “Stay in and Sling” initiative that Sling TV launched on March 18, which gives Americans cost-free access to news and thousands of shows and movies with no paid Sling TV account required. 

Verizon Fios and wireless broadband customers facing the new shelter-in-place and work-from-home reality will get expanded, free, access to educational and entertainment content. 

Verizon said that starting next month, students and teachers can get access to up to 60 days of free access to educational resources including a Quizlet Plus account for language studies, science math and more. Students can access the Chegg Study Pack featuring textbooks, practice tests and quizzes, and parents and children can access a 40,000 digital book library via Epic! 

Also beginning April 1 (and no fooling), Fios TV customers who don't currently get premium channels wil get 30 says of programming free and with no sign-up. That includes Showtime, Epix, and Gaiam TV Fit and Yoga. 

Fios will also provide freeviews of news channels if they are not currently in a subs' package, including CNN, MSNBC, the BBC and Fox News Channel.

Comcast said it has made on-demand and subscription video on demand titles from a number of networks available to its Xfinity X1 and Flex customers for free during the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to the company, Showtime, Epix, CuriosityStream, History Vault, Grokker Yoga Fitness & Wellbeing, The Reading Corner and DOGTV will all be available for a limited time. .

“This is an unprecedented time and we want to be there for our customers to help make the time they’re spending at home easier with free previews from our network, studio and streaming partners,” said SVP of Video and Entertainment Rebecca Heap in a press release.

Xfinity customers with X1 and Flex can say “Free” into their Xfinity Voice remote to explore the range of subscription programs currently available as part of the free on demand event spanning kids educational content, fitness and TV & movies, including:

• Showtime – all X1 customers can enjoy 30-days of all the series and movies the network has to offer including Billions, Homeland and Shameless. Xfinity Flex customers will be able to watch select originals such as City On A Hill and Kidding.

• Epix – 30 days free of the full Epix catalog of thousands of movies, along with acclaimed original series including Godfather of Harlem, Pennyworth, War of the Worlds and the highly-anticipated Belgravia, premiering April 12.

• CuriosityStream – 60 days free of the top 300 award-winning documentaries and series on science, history, wildlife, adventure, travel and more.

• DOGTV – the whole family is covered with 30 days free of programs for dogs, as well as dog-related programs for all dog lovers.

• Grokker Yoga Fitness & Wellbeing – 30 days free of expert-led video classes in fitness, yoga, meditation and healthy cooking.

• History Vault – 30 days free of a deep offering of classic series, documentaries and specials.

• Kids Room – 30 days free of a wide selection of popular series including Bob the Builder, Polly Pocket, and Strawberry Shortcake.

• The Great Courses Signature Collection – 30 days free of educational video lectures from the world’s greatest professors on subjects from photography to psychology, guitar to genetics, or mindful health to a vast exploration of history.

• The Reading Corner – 30 days free of reading videos on themes such as spring, holiday, school and nature. For children up to 10 years old. Stories include Donuts: The Hole Story, This is a Book Full of Monsters, and Beauty and the Beast.

Xfinity said it plans to open up more preview content from dozens of new networks, studios and streaming partners on a rolling basis over the coming weeks.

Comcast said it has made on-demand and subscription video on demand titles from a number of networks available to its Xfinity X1 and Flex customers for free during the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to the company, Showtime, Epix, CuriosityStream, History Vault, Grokker Yoga Fitness & Wellbeing, The Reading Corner and DOGTV will all be available for a limited time.

“This is an unprecedented time and we want to be there for our customers to help make the time they’re spending at home easier with free previews from our network, studio and streaming partners,” said Rebecca Heap, senior VP of video and entertainment, in a press release.

Xfinity customers with X1 and Flex can say “Free” into their Xfinity Voice remote to explore the range of subscription programs currently available as part of the free on demand event spanning kids educational content, fitness and TV & movies, including:

• Showtime – all X1 customers can enjoy 30-days of all the series and movies the network has to offer including Billions, Homeland and Shameless. Xfinity Flex customers will be able to watch select originals such as City On A Hill and Kidding.

• Epix – 30 days free of the full Epix catalog of thousands of movies, along with acclaimed original series including Godfather of Harlem, Pennyworth, War of the Worlds and the highly-anticipated Belgravia, premiering April 12.

• CuriosityStream – 60 days free of the top 300 award-winning documentaries and series on science, history, wildlife, adventure, travel and more.

• DOGTV – the whole family is covered with 30 days free of programs for dogs, as well as dog-related programs for all dog lovers.

• Grokker Yoga Fitness & Wellbeing – 30 days free of expert-led video classes in fitness, yoga, meditation and healthy cooking.

• History Vault – 30 days free of a deep offering of classic series, documentaries and specials.

• Kids Room – 30 days free of a wide selection of popular series including Bob the Builder, Polly Pocket, and Strawberry Shortcake.

• The Great Courses Signature Collection – 30 days free of educational video lectures from the world’s greatest professors on subjects from photography to psychology, guitar to genetics, or mindful health to a vast exploration of history.

• The Reading Corner – 30 days free of reading videos on themes such as spring, holiday, school and nature. For children up to 10 years old. Stories include Donuts: The Hole Story, This is a Book Full of Monsters, and Beauty and the Beast.

Xfinity said it plans to open up more preview content from dozens of new networks, studios and streaming partners on a rolling basis over the coming weeks.

AXS TV and HDNet Movies are being offered to distributors as a free preview from now through May, owner Anthem Sports & Entertainment said. That allows cable, satellite and other pay-TV providers to offer the channels for free to non-subscribers. AT&T's DirecTV and U-verse have taken up the offer, Anthem said, as has the National Cable Television Cooperative. Network free previews have started to proliferate during the coronavirus outbreak that has prompted millions of people around the country to stay at home. 

Some upcoming programming on the channels includes the Jeddah World Fest on AXS TV on April 5, featuring artists such as Future (pictured), and  a “Biopic Music Marathon” on HDNet Movies in April. 

Related: Charter Expands Showtime, Epix to All Video Customers Through April 19

“During challenging times such as these, music and films can be comforting,” Anthem senior VP of distribution Randy Brown said in a statement. “They help people take their minds off of their fears and concerns for a few hours, and instill a sense of normalcy to an otherwise unconventional situation. With live events being postponed for the foreseeable future and movie theatres closing due to safety concerns, entertainment is becoming increasingly scarce. Because of this, we are pleased to offer free previews of our two most popular channels—AXS TV and HDNET MOVIES—to all distributors starting now through May. We hope that viewers across the country will enjoy our signature high-quality content, and find some solace in reconnecting with the films and artists they love."

Photo provided by Anthem Sports & Entertainment.

Charter Communications said it will provide the Showtime and Epix premium channels to its customers that do not already receive those channels at no extra charge through April 19.

Spectrum customers will gain access to the channels beginning today, March 23. The expansion begins as many people across the country are home-bound to stop the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.

The company, along with other cable operators, has made its broadband service available to qualifying low-income homes with children for free for 60 days as the virus forced many schools to shut down and businesses to require their employees work from home. 

“We hope that by expanding these programming options it will provide even more hours of entertainment for our customers in these challenging times,” Charter EVP of programming acquisition Tom Montemagno said in a press release. “The highly-popular original entertainment programming and movies on these networks will be of great interest to a large cross-section of our customers.”

Charter has about 15.6 million video customers across the country, including in markets like New York City and Los Angeles that have been hit hard by the coronavirus. Showtime features popular original shows like Billions and Homeland, in addition to movies and documentaries. Epix programming includes War of the Worlds, Godfather of Harlem and Slow Burn, as well as a new series, Belgravia, which premieres on April 12.

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.

With live sports sidelined by concerns about the coronavirus, the NFL and the NBA are giving fans free access to their Game Pass products.

Fans forced indoors to avoid spread of the disease will be able to watch reruns of games and other content while the crisis lasts.

“The evolving situation around the coronavirus has been challenging for everyone, and we hope that you are taking appropriate precautions to ensure that you and your family stay safe and healthy. We encourage you to visit NBA.com for additional information on how to protect yourself and your family during this unprecedented time,” the NBA said in a letter to fans Wednesday.

Related: Five TV Sectors Impacted by COVID-19

The NBA cancelled its season after a player tested positive for the virus earlier this month.

“Limiting social interactions is a critical way to minimize the spread of this virus, but staying home for long periods of time can be difficult,” the NBA said. “With the 2019-20 NBA season on hiatus, the NBA and Turner Sports are providing all fans with a free preview of NBA League Pass, the league’s premium subscription-based product, until April 22. This complimentary offering will provide you with access to full length and condensed replays of all games from the 2019-20 season, as well as an expansive archive of classic games and content.”

The NFL said its game pass “offers an extensive library of football programming for fans. This includes access to past regular and postseason NFL games, previous seasons of award-winning NFL Films series such as Hard Knocks and A Football Life, and exclusive NFL Game Pass Film Sessions with some of the league's star players and coaches.”

The NFL also said its digital platforms will offer fans full game encores each day on NFL.com, the NFL app and the league’s official YouTube Channel.

The encore games will start with Super Bowl LIV, in which MVP Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chief’s comeback against the San Francisco 49ers in February.

The NFL said Game Pass will be free of charge until May 31 in the U.S.

Here are details of what NFL Game Pass is offering:

Game Replays

• Replay games from 2009-2019 including full broadcast replays of games, commercial-free in HD (International – 2019 season only)

• Includes Preseason (excluding 2009 season), playoff and Super Bowl matchups from the past 11 seasons (International - 2019 Season only)

• Condensed 45-minute game replays

• Access 'All-22' and 'High Endzone' angle footage with Coaches Film

Exclusive NFL Game Pass Film Sessions

• NFL players and coaches take Brian Baldinger and Ron Jaworski inside the film room to break down game-winning plays and technique

NFL Shows & Game Archives

• 2019 episodes of NFL RedZone (International Only*)

• Previous seasons of NFL Originals such as Hard Knocks, Mic'd Up, & A Football Life

• Live NFL Network (International Only*)

• 24/7 coverage of Free Agency, NFL Total Access and more

Verizon Fios TV is offering an exclusive free preview of the CinémoiTelevision Network, Channel 236, in the United States that kicked off May 28 and runs through June 30, when the premium network is airing behind scenes footage and exclusive coverage of the Cannes Film Festival and Met Gala. Content on the channel otherwise features movies, fashion, music and original programming.

Daphna Ziman, president of Cinémoi North America, said in a release: “I am thrilled FIOS by Verizon is offering their customers a free preview of the true art depicted through fashion, film and TV that we showcase here on Cinémoi’s network. We see Cinémoi as a home for excellent programming – a magnetic destination for quality-seeking audiences across our channel and our website (CinemoiUS.com or Cinemoi.tv) and I know customers will enjoy its remarkable beauty and elegance. "

Cinémoi TV also is on Frontier Communications on channel 236.