HLN is one of the standard cable channels — known to hotel guests the world over. It really is a great way to get your bearings on the world. And now it airs true crime throughout the day. Best of all: you don’t need cable to watch it.
In a hurry? The biggest streaming services offer HLN. Here are our top picks:
- DIRECTV STREAM: Makes it easy to switch from cable to streaming with their 75+ channel Entertainment plan and options for much more. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
- Sling TV: The top low-cost streaming service provides a great base channel lineup in both its plans. Save 50% with Sling TV.
- Hulu + Live TV: This total entertainment streaming service provides a great on-demand selection and all the essential live TV channels.
If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, try ExpressVPN to get access to the content you deserve.
Table Of Contents
If you mainly watch morning news and true crime shows, you should find a way to add HLN to your channel lineup today. In addition to its outstanding morning programming, HLN boasts a quality daytime and primetime lineup that will provide maximum value for your streaming dollar.
Let’s take a closer look at its program lineup, which streaming services have this it, and where you can go to find even more news and true crime programming.
What Is HLN?
HLN first made it to the airwaves in 1982, and at the time, it was known as CNN2. This station was also known as “CNN Headline News” and just “Headline News” before adopting the HLN moniker. Throughout the 21st century, the station has cycled through a variety of formats in an effort to obtain greater market share.
In 2013, it attempted to become the cable news source for those who typically use social media. Over the next three years, it produced content that amplified viral videos and other content that was making waves online.
In 2016, the format changed to a combination of news during the day and true crime content during the evenings. However, HLN typically covers stories that are deemed to have the most entertainment value for its audience.
Over the last three years, many of the hard news programs that debuted on the channel were either canceled or moved to CNN.
HLN Shows
There is little doubt that Morning Express with Robin Meade is HLN’s flagship news show. It runs weekdays from through (ET). On Saturday and Sunday, Weekend Express is hosted by Susan Hendricks. It airs from to .
On the true crime side, Forensic Files and Forensic Files II are among the most viewed shows on HLN. If you are interested in historical true crime cases, you’ll want to check out How It Really Happened. Finally, Vengeance: Killer Neighbors and Vengeance: Killer Lovers are shows that you need to watch if you like stories about crimes of rage or passion.
Unblock Your Favorite Movies and Shows With a VPN
If you can’t watch your favorite movies and shows because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequalled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.
Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.
Stream HLN
Being part of its family, HLN is only available from streaming services that offer Turner channels.
Sling TV
HLN is available through the Sling Blue package. It comes with 40+ channels including CNN, Fox, and NBC. The cost is just $40.00/mo and you have many options for upgrading, including the News Extra for $6/mo, which contains BBC World News, Weather Nation, the Science Channel, and Newsmax.
It comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and streaming on up to 3 devices at a time. See our Sling TV review and news overview for more information.
DIRECTV STREAM
HLN is available with the base (Entertainment) DIRECTV STREAM packages. It costs $69.99 per month and comes with roughly 80 channels.
If you subscribe online, you get unlimited cloud DVR. It comes with streaming on 20 devices at once. See our DIRECTV STREAM review for details.
Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers HLN as part of its base package of 85+ channels for $69.99. This also includes the Hulu on-demand library as well as ESPN+ and Disney+.
The plan includes unlimited cloud DVR, 9 months of storage, and simultaneous streaming on two devices. Get all the details in our Hulu + Live TV review.
YouTube TV
The YouTube TV base package starts at $64.99 and comes with dozens of channels including HLN and CNN. It includes unlimited cloud DVR storage and streaming on up to 3 devices.
CNN Go
CNN Go is the official Turner news app. It allows users to live stream CNN, CNN International, and HLN. You need a TV provider log to use it. Note that Sling TV does not provide this access but the other streaming services do.
Live Stream Devices for HLN
All the services mentioned above let you watch HLN live on these devices:
- Android devices
- iOS devices (iPhones, iPads)
- Chromecast (built-in and external)
- TV devices (Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku)
- Samsung TVs
- Web browsers.
DIRECTV STREAM has its own (optional) device. You can purchase it directly from them.
The other services support a number of additional devices. These include TVs that are Android TV-powered as well as LG and Vizio TVs and Xbox One gaming devices. Hulu supports the Nintendo Switch. And both Hulu and YouTube support the PlayStation.
Other devices are supported. See our streaming reviews for complete details.
Superpower Your Live TV Streaming With a VPN
You can’t beat a VPN for privacy, security, and access. We have used them for years as an important part of our streaming toolkit and we recommend ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.
| i | See our VPN Buyer’s Guide for complete information on how to choose the best VPN for your needs. |
HLN Alternatives
There are various alternatives to HLN but because of its divided content, you may need two channels.
News
- CNN: A sister station of HLN. Its top shows include Anderson Cooper 360 and CNN Tonight. Other popular programming includes Early Start and New Day.
- BNC: As the name suggests, the Black News Channel delivers news focused on the issues and concerns of the African American community. Its top shows include BNC Live and DC Tonight.
- Fox News: Although known for its nighttime opinion shows, its daytime programming is news-focused. You will find shows such as America’s Newsroom and Cavuto’s World.
- MSNBC: Like Fox News in being known for its nighttime opinion shows, it features straight news throughout the day (after the right-of-center Morning Joe). Shows include Andrea Mitchell Reports and Way too Early.
- Network News: ABC, CBS, and NBC have their own live news feeds. ABC and CBS both offer local news as well. You can watch them free of charge on most streaming platforms.
True Crime
- A&E: Known for its reality and true crime programming, its most popular programs include Cold Case Files and I Survived a Serial Killer. If you are interested in how detectives handle cases as they come in, you may also want to check out The First 48.
- Investigation Discovery: Offers a slew of popular shows such as Crime Scene Confidential and Deadly Women. Other interesting shows that air on this channel include I (Almost) Got Away With It and On the Case.
- Oxygen: Has a lineup that is mostly true crime or programs that feature similar content. These shows include An Unexpected Killer and Buried in the Backyard. Other popular programs include Dateline: Secrets Uncovered and Famous Cases Explained.
- TV One: Fffers a mixture of comedy and true crime programming. Its most prominent true crime shows are Fatal Attraction and Sins of the City.
Finally, HBO Max and Netflix have a significant amount of true crime programming that is available on-demand. You can add HBO Max Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, or YouTube TV.
Today’s HLN Schedule
Here is today’s schedule in Eastern Time:
| CNN News Central (HLN) The anchors share the latest stories about significant events that take place across the world and interview prominent figures. | |
| CNN News Central (HLN) The anchors share the latest stories about significant events that take place across the world and interview prominent figures. | |
| Very Scary People – The Cross Country Killer: He Could Make People Disappear Pt. 1 While closing shop in Anchorage, Alaska, Samantha Koenig is approached by a man known in the community as a business owner and caring father who kidnaps her, triggering a manhunt. | |
| Very Scary People – The Cross Country Killer: The Kill Kits Pt. 2 While closing shop in Anchorage, Alaska, Samantha Koenig is approached by a man known in the community as a business owner and caring father who kidnaps her, triggering a manhunt. | |
| Very Scary People – John Gotti: It Was Kill or Be Killed Pt. 1 John Gotti's expensive suits and swagger earn him the nickname Dapper Don; in reality, he is a man to be feared, a ruthless, dangerous Mafia gangster who orders hits on his enemies, his friends, and anyone who crosses him. | |
| Very Scary People – John Gotti: There Were Fatal Consequences Pt. 2 John Gotti's expensive suits and swagger earn him the nickname Dapper Don; in reality, he is a man to be feared, a ruthless, dangerous Mafia gangster who orders hits on his enemies, his friends, and anyone who crosses him. | |
| Very Scary People – The Times Square Killer The only thing scarier than a serial killer is one hiding in plain sight. | |
| Very Scary People – The Times Square Killer The only thing scarier than a serial killer is one hiding in plain sight. | |
| Very Scary People – The Trailside Killer A killer stalks California; the clues are scarce, until one victim gets away. | |
| Very Scary People – The Trailside Killer A killer stalks California; the clues are scarce, until one victim gets away. | |
| Forensic Files – Making the Collar The body of a 16-year-old girl is discovered nine months after her disappearance; forensic scientists find clues that paint a virtual portrait of her killer. | |
| Forensic Files – Financial Downfall A young woman falls to her death in what appears to be a tragic accident; a forensic exam of photos taken at the scene tells a different story. | |
| Forensic Files – A Daughter's Journey Haunted by her mother's long-ago disappearance, a woman undertakes an investigation of her own and stumbles upon a dark family secret. | |
| Forensic Files – Over a Barrel The robbery and brutal murder of an elderly couple goes unsolved for 10 years; a forensic scientist makes history when he solves the crime. | |
| Forensic Files – Pinned by the Evidence A man is charged with the murder of a wrestling champion; six years later, a forensic animator testifies on his behalf. | |
| Forensic Files – Cries Unheard A 19-year-old girl is found dead in her car in what appears to be a suicide; police discover that the victime was involved in a love quadrangle, giving several people motive to kill. | |
| Forensic Files – Buried Treasure Fifteen years after a man disappears, using a metal detector, police find evidence which proves what had happened. | |
| Forensic Files – Badge of Betrayal The body of a young California co-ed under an isolated interstate ramp sets off an investigation; San Diego police have no idea who would want her dead, but they discover a tiny, unique fiber on the victim's clothing. | |
| Forensic Files – Deadly Matrimony Police become suspicious of a man who reported his wife missing 15 years after doing the same thing with his first wife. | |
| Forensic Files – Muddy Waters While investigating the case of a Colorado hunter shot three times and killed, police suspect two murder weapons, and two killers, but forensic evidence points them closer to home. | |
| Forensic Files – Point of Origin A serial arsonist burns thousands of California homes and businesses. | |
| Forensic Files – Seeds for Doubt A small community in upstate New York is devastated when a car accident claims the life of a well-respected nurse. | |
| Forensic Files – Making the Collar The body of a 16-year-old girl is discovered nine months after her disappearance; forensic scientists find clues that paint a virtual portrait of her killer. | |
| Forensic Files – Financial Downfall A young woman falls to her death in what appears to be a tragic accident; a forensic exam of photos taken at the scene tells a different story. | |
| Forensic Files – A Daughter's Journey Haunted by her mother's long-ago disappearance, a woman undertakes an investigation of her own and stumbles upon a dark family secret. | |
| Forensic Files – Over a Barrel The robbery and brutal murder of an elderly couple goes unsolved for 10 years; a forensic scientist makes history when he solves the crime. | |
| Forensic Files – Pinned by the Evidence A man is charged with the murder of a wrestling champion; six years later, a forensic animator testifies on his behalf. | |
| Forensic Files – Cries Unheard A 19-year-old girl is found dead in her car in what appears to be a suicide; police discover that the victime was involved in a love quadrangle, giving several people motive to kill. | |
| Forensic Files – Buried Treasure Fifteen years after a man disappears, using a metal detector, police find evidence which proves what had happened. | |
| Forensic Files – Badge of Betrayal The body of a young California co-ed under an isolated interstate ramp sets off an investigation; San Diego police have no idea who would want her dead, but they discover a tiny, unique fiber on the victim's clothing. | |
| Forensic Files – Deadly Matrimony Police become suspicious of a man who reported his wife missing 15 years after doing the same thing with his first wife. | |
| Forensic Files – Muddy Waters While investigating the case of a Colorado hunter shot three times and killed, police suspect two murder weapons, and two killers, but forensic evidence points them closer to home. | |
| Forensic Files – Point of Origin A serial arsonist burns thousands of California homes and businesses. | |
| Forensic Files – Seeds for Doubt A small community in upstate New York is devastated when a car accident claims the life of a well-respected nurse. | |
| Forensic Files II – Portrait of a Serial Killer A serial killer terrorizes a small Texas town. | |
| Forensic Files II – The Ambush A mysterious murder in an upscale community is solved by cell phone forensics. | |
| CNN News Central (HLN) The anchors share the latest stories about significant events that take place across the world and interview prominent figures. | |
| CNN News Central (HLN) The anchors share the latest stories about significant events that take place across the world and interview prominent figures. |
Wrapping Up
If you have an affinity for network news and true crime programming, HLN has you covered all day and night. Available on a variety of streaming platforms, HLN is relatively easy to get without having to pay more than you want or need to for your favorite shows.
We recommend Sling TV for HLN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no news on HLN?
There is still news during the morning hours on HLN both during the week and on weekends. However, during the day, you will need to watch CNN or one of the other news outlets that we discussed above to get coverage of breaking news and other top stories.
How can I watch other news channel without cable TV?
We have guides on watch most of the important news channels:
- Fox
- Fox Business
- Fox News
- HLN
- MSNBC
- NBC
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