Local Now, the prominent free streaming service, has expanded its already extensive lineup by incorporating several new channels that cater to diverse viewer interests ranging from true crime documentaries to inspirational programming and athletic competitions. The additions include FilmRise World’s Evil Killers, FilmRise Highway to Heaven, Elevation Church Network, and Scripps Sports Network, further solidifying the platform’s position as a comprehensive destination for ad-supported entertainment without requiring subscriptions or logins.
This move comes as Local Now continues to grow its offerings beyond its core focus on localized news and weather. Viewers can now access gripping true crime content through FilmRise World’s Evil Killers, which delves into notorious criminal cases and investigations with in-depth storytelling. FilmRise Highway to Heaven brings classic dramatic series featuring themes of redemption and moral guidance, appealing to audiences seeking heartfelt narratives from earlier eras of television. The Elevation Church Network introduces faith-based programming, including sermons, worship sessions, and inspirational messages designed to uplift and connect communities spiritually. Meanwhile, Scripps Sports Network delivers a fresh wave of live games, highlights, and sports analysis, covering a variety of events and expanding options for fans of competitive athletics.
These channels enhance an already robust catalog that features hundreds of linear streams and thousands of on-demand titles. Local Now stands out in the crowded streaming landscape by blending hyperlocal content with national and genre-specific programming, all available at no cost to users across major devices and platforms.
Local Now’s streaming service traces back to its origins under The Weather Channel app. LThe service initially served as a hybrid offering focused on localized weather, news, and traffic updates, primarily available to subscribers of certain virtual multichannel video programming distributors like Sling TV. It supported early streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Android platforms, and Google Chromecast, providing tailored segments that cycled through regional forecasts and headlines.
In 2018, Entertainment Studios acquired the platform, prompting a significant transformation. Local Now shifted to a fully free-to-access, advertiser-supported model, broadening its appeal to cord-cutters and casual viewers seeking accessible content. Under new ownership, it evolved into a hybrid service incorporating advertising video on demand alongside digital linear channels. The integration of content from various providers, including news outlets and independent distributors, allowed it to expand rapidly into more than 225 markets across the United States.
By the early 2020s, Local Now had grown substantially under Allen Media Group, emphasizing its commitment to free local news streams while layering in entertainment options. Partnerships with major content suppliers enabled the addition of movies, television series, documentaries, and specialized networks. This strategic direction positioned it as one of the leading free streaming services, boasting over 400 channels and extensive libraries of Hollywood films and shows. Milestones included collaborations with public broadcasting entities and sports programmers, reflecting a dedication to variety and accessibility.
The latest channel additions reflect ongoing efforts to meet evolving consumer demands for specialized viewing experiences. True crime enthusiasts benefit from dedicated programming that explores high-profile cases with detailed examinations of events and investigations. Fans of uplifting dramas find solace in series that emphasize positive human connections and personal growth. Religious audiences gain round-the-clock access to motivational and worship content, fostering a sense of community through digital means. Sports followers, in particular, stand to gain from expanded coverage that includes live matchups and behind-the-scenes insights, addressing a growing appetite for athletic content on free platforms.
As streaming habits continue to shift toward flexible, cost-effective options, Local Now’s inclusion of these channels demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy. Viewers interested in crime stories can immerse themselves in analytical series, while those preferring inspirational fare have new avenues for reflection. Faith programming adds depth for spiritual seekers, and sports content broadens the service’s recreational scope. This balanced portfolio underscores the service’s evolution from a weather-centric tool to a multifaceted entertainment hub.
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