Current programming
Currently, INSP features mostly Westerns (both series and movies), with Mike Murdock's Campmeeting in the early mornings. [7] [8] As of January 9, 2024, western TV series regularly aired by INSP include Gunsmoke , Bonanza , Wagon Train , The Virginian , Rawhide , Tales of Wells Fargo , The Rifleman , Laramie , The Big Valley , Cheyenne , Alias Smith and Jones , and How the West Was Won . [9] Movies regularly aired by INSP (as of January 9, 2024) include More Dead Than Alive , Rage at Dawn , Gun the Man Down , High Lonesome , Hardcase , Yuma , Fort Dobbs , Yellowstone Kelly , The Outlaw Josey Wales , They Call Me Trinity , Joe Kidd , Comanche Station , Tall Man Riding , Badman's Territory , Man in the Saddle , Tulsa , Ambush at Cimarron Pass , Colt .45 , and Open Range . [10]
Original series
In its early years, INSP produced a wide range of original programming, including specials, concerts, and inspirational entertainment. While some of the overnight or early morning programming was faith-based, the network's daytime and evening scheduling was original content focused on a variety of family-oriented and traditional value productions. [11] [12] In 2010, INSP was rebranded and subsequently saw a change in its programming. It increased the amount of original series, but also diversified into other areas of content, such as dramas and lifestyle television series. [13] One of the first major projects of this transition was A Walton’s Family Reunion, a program that embodied the network’s renewed focus on wholesome, nostalgia-driven entertainment. In the special, the surviving cast members of The Waltons reunited on Walton’s Mountain almost 30 years after the beloved series concluded.
In 2011, a short-form episode from INSP's Moments called "Thank You For Your Service" went viral. It has been featured on ABC’s The View , the Pentagon Channel, and USAA’s web site. It has been shown at several national conventions and conferences, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Jewish War Veterans. [14] During a Vietnam memorial in which "Thank You for Your Service" aired General Claude M. Kicklighter noted, “This stirring tribute never fails to inspire deep emotions. It has helped bring healing and encouragement to true patriots, many of whom have felt taken for granted and ignored.” [15]
In 2013, Old Henry was launched by INSP, a series of interstitials. Stars on the interstitials included Ralph Waite from The Waltons , and Rachel Hendrix from October Baby. They aired as six separate interstitials, but due to their popularity, were merged together into a 30-minute version with additional content. [16] In early 2014, INSP moved forward in their commitment to original content, creating the position of Vice President of Original Programming. [17]
Content on INSP changed again in 2015, as it launched its first reality television series entitled Handcrafted America , hosted by Jill Wagner. Handcrafted America originally aired exclusively on INSP. After its linear run, the series was licensed by Amazon Prime. In Handcrafted America, host travels the country to seek out talented artisans who continue to make products the traditional way—with their own two hands. [18] A year later, one of its longest running original series The Cowboy Way aired, running until 2020 for a total of seven seasons. [19] In 2019, Ultimate Cowboy Showdown hosted by Trace Adkins aired until 2023 for a total of four seasons. It continued with the same strategic approach as The Cowboy Way , with the entire TV schedule for INSP having a focus on Westerns.
As of 2025, INSP has a number of original series currently airing or green lit for new series, many of which would be defined as Western dramas. Into the Wild Frontier and Wild West Chronicles are both docudramas, exploring the historical events in the American Frontier. Both have been widely praised for the depiction of the timeline in American history. The most popular historical docuseries by INSP is Elkhorn, which has currently has two seasons, with the first winning many notable accolades for its depiction of Theodore Roosevelt, The Cowboy President. [20] Blue Ridge: The Series represents a diversification by INSP that shows they aren't just about Westerns, as with the police drama that follows on from the film of the same name that aired on INSP in 2020.
