How to Watch INSP Without Cable [4 Ways]

Are you missing your favorite Western classics, timeless dramas, and wholesome entertainment after cutting the cord? INSP (Inspiration Network) offers a treasure trove of beloved shows like "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," and "The Waltons" that many viewers don‘t want to lose when they ditch their cable subscription.

The good news? You don‘t need traditional cable to keep enjoying INSP‘s unique programming. This guide walks you through four reliable ways to watch INSP without a cable subscription, with special attention to one common question: Is INSP available on YouTube TV?

What is INSP and Why It‘s Worth Watching

Before diving into how to watch it, let‘s understand what makes INSP special. INSP is a television network that began in 1978 as the PTL Satellite Network before evolving into the family-friendly entertainment channel it is today.

The network specializes in:

• Classic Western series and films
• Family-oriented dramas and comedies
• Adventure programming
• Original content with traditional American values

INSP‘s Growing Popularity

INSP has shown remarkable growth in recent years. According to Nielsen ratings data, INSP has consistently ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing cable networks since 2015. The network reached a milestone in 2022 when it surpassed 62 million household subscribers nationwide, representing over 57% of all U.S. TV households.

This growth is particularly impressive considering the broader trend of cable subscriber losses across the industry. While many networks have seen declining viewership, INSP‘s audience grew by approximately 14% in 2022, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its programming niche.

Popular Shows on INSP

INSP‘s content library features an impressive mix of classic series and original programming:

Unlike many modern networks, INSP focuses on content that celebrates heroism, courage, and traditional values. This unique programming focus has earned it a dedicated audience even as the television landscape has changed dramatically.

The Cord-Cutting Phenomenon: Why Viewers Need Alternatives

The rise of cord-cutting has fundamentally changed how Americans consume television content. According to the latest data from market research firm eMarketer, over 55.1 million U.S. households have canceled traditional pay-TV services as of 2023, representing nearly 41% of all households.

This transition from cable to streaming has created challenges for viewers who enjoy niche or specialized channels like INSP. Unlike major networks that launched their own streaming platforms (e.g., HBO Max, Paramount+), smaller networks often rely on distribution deals with third-party streaming services.

Cable vs. Streaming: Cost Comparison

The financial advantages of cord-cutting are significant when comparing annual costs:

Source: Analysis of current pricing as of 2023, assuming steady rates (though cable typically increases 4-8% annually)

These figures illustrate why many INSP fans are seeking streaming alternatives, with potential savings of $840-$1,308 annually compared to traditional cable subscriptions.

Is INSP on YouTube TV? The Definitive Answer

Many cord-cutters gravitate toward YouTube TV as their preferred streaming service due to its robust channel lineup and user-friendly interface. However, INSP is not currently available on YouTube TV as of 2023.

Why INSP is Missing from YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers over 100 channels in its base package, but INSP remains absent from the lineup. This isn‘t uncommon – many specialized or niche networks have specific distribution agreements that limit which streaming platforms can carry them.

Several factors explain INSP‘s absence from YouTube TV:

1. Carriage fee negotiations: YouTube TV and INSP may not have reached agreeable terms for including the channel
2. Distribution strategy: INSP might prioritize other streaming platforms that better align with their target audience
3. Regional limitations: Some distribution agreements have geographic restrictions
4. Demographic targeting: YouTube TV‘s core demographic skews younger than INSP‘s traditional audience

According to industry analysts, YouTube TV has focused its channel acquisition strategy on networks that appeal to sports fans, news watchers, and younger viewers, potentially making INSP a lower priority for inclusion.

Will INSP Come to YouTube TV in the Future?

While there have been no official announcements, streaming service lineups do change regularly. YouTube TV has added numerous channels since its launch, so INSP could potentially join the lineup in the future if the companies reach an agreement.

An analysis of YouTube TV‘s channel addition history shows they typically add channels in batches:

Based on this pattern, future expansions could potentially include more lifestyle and family-oriented channels like INSP.

To stay informed about potential additions:

• Follow YouTube TV‘s official blog and social media accounts
• Monitor INSP‘s website for streaming partnership announcements
• Check for updates on digital TV news sites

YouTube TV Alternatives for Western Content

If you‘re using YouTube TV but want content similar to what INSP offers, several YouTube TV channels provide programming in the same vein:

While not exact substitutes for INSP‘s specific lineup, these channels can help satisfy your craving for Western and family programming while using YouTube TV.

Four Ways to Watch INSP Without Cable

Despite INSP‘s absence from YouTube TV, cord-cutters have several excellent options for watching this network‘s unique content. Here are four reliable methods to access INSP without a traditional cable subscription.

1. Live TV Streaming Services That Carry INSP

Several streaming services include INSP in their channel lineups, making them the most direct replacement for traditional cable.

Philo TV

Philo has become one of the most budget-friendly ways to access INSP along with over 60 other channels.

Details:

• Price: $25/month
• Free trial: 7 days
• Simultaneous streams: 3
• DVR: Unlimited (recordings saved for 1 year)
• Available on: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, iOS, Android, web browsers
• Additional channels include: AMC, Discovery, History, Hallmark, Food Network

Technical specifications:

• Streams in up to 1080p resolution
• 5.1 surround sound on supported content
• Minimum internet speed requirement: 7 Mbps for HD viewing
• Recommended speed: 15+ Mbps for best quality

Customer satisfaction metrics:

• App Store rating: 4.7/5 stars (based on 45,000+ reviews)
• Google Play rating: 4.2/5 stars (based on 22,000+ reviews)
• Consumer Reports subscriber satisfaction score: 76/100

Philo stands out for its straightforward pricing with no hidden fees or complicated tiers. Its unlimited DVR allows you to record all your favorite INSP shows to watch at your convenience.

For Western content lovers, Philo offers additional value through its free channel "Western Bound Wrangled," which features classic Westerns like "Cheyenne" and "Wagon Train" at no extra cost.

Frndly TV

Frndly TV is the most affordable option specifically designed for family-friendly programming.

Details:

• Price:
  • Basic plan: $6.99/month ($59.99/year)
  • Classic plan: $8.99/month ($71.99/year)
  • Premium plan: $10.99/month ($99.99/year)
• Free trial: 7 days
• Simultaneous streams: 1 (Basic), 2 (Classic), 4 (Premium)
• DVR: None (Basic), unlimited 3-month storage (Classic/Premium)
• Video quality: SD (Basic), HD (Classic/Premium)
• Available on: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android, web browsers

Technical specifications:

• HD streaming up to 720p (Classic/Premium plans)
• Minimum internet speed: 5 Mbps (Basic), 8 Mbps (Classic/Premium)
• Cloud DVR storage: N/A (Basic), unlimited for 3 months (Classic/Premium)

Customer satisfaction metrics:

• App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars (based on 12,000+ reviews)
• Google Play rating: 4.4/5 stars (based on 8,000+ reviews)
• Trustpilot score: 4.7/5 (based on 1,200+ reviews)

Frndly TV offers three pricing tiers, with all plans including INSP and 40+ other family-friendly channels. The Basic plan is incredibly affordable but limited to SD quality and no DVR. Most users opt for the Classic or Premium plans for HD quality and DVR capabilities.

Frndly TV channel lineup focuses heavily on content similar to INSP, making it particularly appealing for fans of the network:

Sling TV

Sling TV offers INSP, but only through an add-on package.

Details:

• Base plans:
  • Sling Orange ($40/month): 31 channels
  • Sling Blue ($40/month): 41 channels
  • Sling Orange + Blue ($55/month): 47+ channels
• Required add-on: Heartland Extra ($6/month): 6+ additional channels
• Free trial: Occasional promotional offers
• Simultaneous streams: 1 (Orange), 3 (Blue), 4 (Orange + Blue)
• DVR: 50 hours included (expandable to 200 hours for $5/month)
• Available on: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Xbox, iOS, Android, web browsers

Technical specifications:

• Streams in up to 720p resolution (1080p on select channels)
• Minimum internet speed: 5 Mbps for single stream
• Recommended speed: 25+ Mbps for multiple streams
• Data usage: ~2GB per hour of HD content

Customer satisfaction metrics:

• App Store rating: 4.5/5 stars (based on 35,000+ reviews)
• Google Play rating: 3.9/5 stars (based on 60,000+ reviews)
• Consumer Reports subscriber satisfaction score: 68/100

With Sling, you must first subscribe to either the Orange or Blue base package, then add the Heartland Extra package to get INSP. This makes it more expensive than Philo or Frndly for accessing INSP, but Sling offers different channel selections that might better match your overall viewing preferences.

The Heartland Extra package includes:

• INSP
• Outdoor Channel
• Sportsman Channel
• World Fishing Network
• Great American Country
• American Heroes Channel

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) includes INSP in its higher-tier packages.

Details:

• Price:
  • Entertainment package: $74.99/month (75+ channels)
  • Choice package: $99.99/month (105+ channels) – First package with INSP
  • Ultimate package: $109.99/month (140+ channels)
  • Premier package: $154.99/month (150+ channels)
• Free trial: 5 days
• Simultaneous streams: Unlimited at home, 3 outside home
• DVR: Unlimited (recordings saved for 9 months)
• Available on: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, iOS, Android, web browsers

Technical specifications:

• Streams in up to 1080p resolution (4K on select content)
• Recommended internet speed: 25+ Mbps
• 5.1 Dolby Digital audio on supported content
• Data usage: 2.5-7.5 GB per hour depending on quality

Customer satisfaction metrics:

• App Store rating: 4.6/5 stars (based on 15,000+ reviews)
• Google Play rating: 3.8/5 stars (based on 40,000+ reviews)
• American Customer Satisfaction Index score: 68/100

DIRECTV STREAM is the most expensive option on this list, but it provides a cable-like experience with the most extensive channel lineup, including regional sports networks that other services often lack. If you‘re looking for a comprehensive cable replacement that happens to include INSP, this could be worth considering.

2. The INSP App and Website

While INSP doesn‘t offer a standalone subscription service like HBO Max or Disney+, they do have an official app and website that provide limited content access.

The INSP App:

• Available on iOS and Android devices
• Offers clips, behind-the-scenes content, and some full episodes
• Requires authentication through a participating TV provider
• Features program schedules and show information

App features breakdown:
| Feature | Availability | Notes |
|———|————-|——-|
| Live streaming | Limited | Requires TV provider login |
| Full episodes | Select shows only | Requires TV provider login |
| Clips and previews