Are you a fan of professional rodeo? If so, you’ll be thrilled to learn about The Cowboy Channel! This modern channel has a rich history and offers a diverse range of content, but it truly shines when it comes to Western sports, especially rodeo. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about The Cowboy Channel and how you can easily stream it on popular platforms. So, let’s get started!
What Is The Cowboy Channel?
Established in 1979 as the National Christian Network, The Cowboy Channel has undergone several transformations over the years. After Jerry Falwell purchased it in 1988, it became known as FamilyNet. Later, in 2012, Patrick Gottsch, the founder of Rural Media Group, acquired it and merged it with his Rural TV channel. Finally, in 2017, it officially partnered with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and rebranded as The Cowboy Channel.
Today, The Cowboy Channel is unmatched in its coverage of Western sports. While it faces some competition from other channels, such as GAC Living, CMT, Country Network Plus, Grit, Heroes & Icons, and INSP, none of them provide the same level of comprehensive coverage.
The Cowboy Channel Shows
The Cowboy Channel offers an impressive lineup of rodeo and Western sports programs, setting it apart from other sports networks. In addition to live events, the channel also features content related to the Western lifestyle. Some notable shows include:
- Debbe Dunning’s Dude Ranch Round-Up: Join Debbe Dunning, best known for her role on Home Improvement, as she travels across the US visiting dude ranches.
- Gentle Giants: Equestrian champions Pam Minick and Kadee Coffman showcase magnificent draft horses such as Clydesdales and Belgians.
- ProRodeo Tonight: Described as the SportsCenter of rodeo, this show brings you all the latest news and highlights.
- RanchHer: This series puts the spotlight on the personal and professional lives of women in ranching.
- Western Sports Roundup: Join Steven Kenyon, Amy Wilson, and Janie Johnson as they provide a comprehensive summary of the day’s news in Western sports, including results recaps, interviews, live clips, and in-depth analysis of various competitions. This show also announces upcoming events. Airs weekday evenings and is simulcast on Rural Radio 147.
Live Rodeo
Are you eager to catch the excitement of live rodeo events? Look no further! The Cowboy Channel is the exclusive broadcast home of the PRCA, which is essentially the NFL of rodeo. It is the only place where you can watch the annual National Finals Rodeo live from Las Vegas. Additionally, The Cowboy Channel provides pre-event Tailgate Parties, featuring discussions and interviews with special guests. You can also enjoy Road to NFR coverage, highlighting the most thrilling moments of the rodeo season leading up to the finals in Vegas.
Homepage of The Cowboy Channel website.
Stream The Cowboy Channel
While The Cowboy Channel may not be available on traditional cable TV, there are several streaming services where you can find it. Let’s explore some of the top options:
Sling TV
Sling TV offers a flexible approach to TV, allowing you to customize your channel lineup according to your preferences. With a base package starting at $40.00 per month, you can choose from 30-40 channels and add-ons. To access The Cowboy Channel and its sister-channel RFD-TV, you’ll need to opt for the Heartland Extra package, which includes approximately a dozen channels for an additional $6 per month. Alongside The Cowboy Channel, this package celebrates the great American outdoors and Western heritage, and it also provides access to channels like the World Fishing Network, Sportsman Channel, and Destination America. Sling TV plans come with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, and the Blue plan allows streaming on up to three devices, while the Orange plan is limited to one.
Vidgo
Vidgo offers a channel lineup focused on family-friendly content, sports, and news. With the Premium Plan priced at $84.99 per month, you can enjoy access to over 130 channels, including The Cowboy Channel, RFD-TV, and GAC Living. While Vidgo does not offer a DVR feature, you can stream on up to three screens simultaneously.
Other Streaming Options
In addition to live TV streaming services, there are alternative ways to access The Cowboy Channel:
- The Cowboy Channel+: For a more immersive experience, you can subscribe to The Cowboy Channel+ for the entire 2022 rodeo season. With over 500 live events, including 350 exclusive events, this subscription, priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, offers an HD live stream of The Cowboy Channel. It also includes access to The Cowboy Channel’s original series and on-demand PRCA rodeo archives. Please note that The Cowboy Channel+ does not include the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in its subscription.
- FreeCast: If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, FreeCast offers The Cowboy Channel, RFD-TV, INSP, FETV, Outside TV, and more for $6.99 per month. Additionally, FreeCast provides a convenient base system that organizes all your streaming services in one place, ensuring effortless access to your favorite shows.
Streaming Devices for The Cowboy Channel
Both Sling TV and Vidgo support a wide range of popular streaming devices, including:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Android devices
- iOS devices
Sling TV also supports additional devices such as LG and VIZIO smart TVs, Xbox, and Oculus.
Unlock Your Favorite Content With a VPN
If you’re facing location-based restrictions that prevent you from watching your favorite movies and shows, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A reputable VPN not only grants you the access you deserve but also enhances your security and privacy while streaming. ExpressVPN is our top recommendation in the VPN arena. Check out our comprehensive VPN Guide for all the information you need to choose the best VPN for your needs.
Wrapping Up
If you’re passionate about horses, ranching, and, above all, rodeos, The Cowboy Channel is a must-watch for you. The best part is, you don’t need a cable company to enjoy this channel. By subscribing to one of the streaming services mentioned above, you can easily access The Cowboy Channel and leave your cable bill in the dust. We highly recommend Sling TV, and you can save 50% on your first month by signing up now!
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FAQs
Why is NFR not included with Cowboy Channel Plus?
It’s worth noting that the inclusion of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) with The Cowboy Channel Plus is not entirely clear. In the past, there have been separate NFR Streaming Passes available for purchase, granting access to the event for that specific year. Last year, Rural Media Group offered a deal where a subscription to The Cowboy Channel+ for a year included free access to the NFR. However, the current sign-up pages explicitly state that the NFR is not included, and there is no option at this time to purchase an NFR Streaming Pass. It’s possible that these passes may become available closer to the event. We have reached out to The Cowboy Channel for clarification and will update this article accordingly.
Can I watch The Cowboy Channel for free?
Unfortunately, you cannot watch The Cowboy Channel for free. Watching the channel requires either a TV provider or a subscription to The Cowboy Channel Plus. While there does not appear to be a free trial period available, Sling TV offers a 50% discount on the first month, and Vidgo has a plan priced at $69.99 per month, which is the most affordable option currently available.
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