PBS is a local broadcast channel that is available free as an over-the-air TV channel, and through a number of free and subscription-based streaming services. “Masterpiece”, “PBS NewsHour”, and the latest Ken Burns documentaries are among the PBS programs that you can watch for free.
How to Watch PBS Live & On-Demand
You can use the PBS Video app (with or without PBS Passport), and Local Now to stream local PBS stations for free across most of the U.S.
A subscription to DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV includes local PBS and PBS Kids stations. There is also on-demand PBS content offered through PBS Passport, Amazon Prime and Netflix.
PBS has been maximizing options for its viewers in recent years, especially cord-cutters who no longer pay for a cable TV subscription. You can now watch thousands of local and national PBS shows without a pay TV provider.
- PBS Video app and website
- Local Now
- PBS Passport
- YouTube TV
- DIRECTV STREAM
- Hulu + Live TV
- Amazon Prime
- Netflix
- PBS for free with a TV antenna
I watch and record my PBS station using a TV antenna and OTA DVR. It’s a dependable way for me to save my favorite episodes of “Austin City Limits” and “Front and Center.” If you have an internet connection, you can also use a number of streaming apps with a Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast or Apple TV to start watching PBS.
Here is a quick look at all of your options.
PBS Video app and website
The PBS Video app and its website now live stream local PBS stations without any membership, subscription or fee.
You can start watching local PBS member stations on your TV with five easy steps:
- 1) Download the PBS video app to your Smart TV or streaming device.
- 2) Go to pbs.org/activate using a web browser or smartphone, and enter the activation code on your TV screen.
- 3) Create a free PBS account, or proceed using an account you already have with Google, Facebook or Apple.
- 4) Read and accept the terms of service and click the “Create an account” tab.
- 5) Once your account is activated, open the PBS app on your TV and click on the “Live TV” tab.
Aside from live TV, you can build a watchlist of favorite shows. The PBS app is available on a number of Smart TVs that run Android TV or Google TV. VIZIO SmartCast and Samsung TVs have the app.
You can also find a PBS app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV. Mobile devices including iPhones, iPads (with recent iOS software) and Android smartphones and tablets can use the PBS app.
With the PBS website, you should make sure you are using an updated web browser such as Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome for the best streaming experience. Want to watch PBS shows on the big screen? Smart projectors with Android TV support the PBS app.
Local Now
Local Now, a free streaming service, streams a local, live PBS feed in more than 300 markets across the U.S.
Local Now is known for offering free local weather forecasts, supplied by The Weather Channel, along with local newscasts and a deep library of movies and TV shows. The ad-supported streaming service has more than 500 free streaming channels along with over 20,000 movies, documentaries and TV shows.
On December 13, 2022, the Allen Media Group announced a new partnership with PBS. The deal brought live streaming of local stations and a “KIDS 24/7” channel, which will likely feature PBS Kids shows. The Local Now app is available on LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and the Google TV platform. There are mobile apps for iPhones and Android smartphones.
PBS Passport
You automatically get full access to PBS Passport, an on-demand streaming service, when you make a $5 per month (tax-deductible) donation to PBS.
PBS Passport has current shows that you will find on a local PBS station along with past seasons of shows such as “NOVA,” “Frontline,” “American Masters,” and “Great Performances.”
Passport members get early access to select new series and episodes.
And it’s a decent way to binge watch favorite PBS shows such as “American Experience” and “Antiques Roadshow” on the cheap. You can sign up for PBS Passport on the PBS website, then log in to the PBS app using your account.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries local PBS stations in its Base channel plan. The Base plan has 128 live tv channels and unlimited Cloud DVR. A subscription costs $72.99 per month.
Subscribers get other local channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX stations. The channel lineup includes ESPN, CNN, and NFL Network.
You can watch live TV or episodes of PBS shows on-demand. Subscribers can watch live TV on three screens at once through the YouTube TV app.
Subscribers can use Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku and Chromecast. You can also watch TV live on a PC with your subscription. You can get a free trial for seven days.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM carries PBS in its Entertainment channel bundle. But it’s the most expensive option at $79.99 per month.
Subscribers get more than 75 live TV channels in the Entertainment bundle. There is unlimited Cloud DVR for recordings, and 40,000 on-demand shows. You can watch live TV on unlimited screens within your household.
You can watch DIRECTV STREAM on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast with Google TV and Apple TV. New customers can have a 5-day free trial without any obligations. Subscriptions run month to month. There are no contracts or obligations.
Hulu + Live TV
Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV get PBS included in its lineup of local broadcast channels along with ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. The live TV package has more than 90 cable networks total such as ESPN, CNN, TNT and HGTV. Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR and can watch live TV on two screens at once.
Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month, and included ad-supported subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+. The Hulu app works on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Smart TV platforms such as Google TV.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime members should search for “PBS” in the search bar to find series such as “Poldark” and “Victoria” available to stream without an additional charge.
Prime members have the option to add on-demand channels that PBS has launched.
- PBS Masterpiece ($5.99 per month / 7-day free trial)
- PBS Documentaries ($3.99 per month / 7-day free trial)
- PBS Kids ($4.99 per month / 7-day free trial)
All three PBS-themed channels are exclusive Amazon channels and require an Amazon Prime Video membership. You can get a free trial of each channel that lasts for seven days. PBS Living is only available through a subscription on Apple TV Channels.
Is PBS free on Amazon Prime?
There is no live stream of PBS on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime members can subscribe for a few Amazon channels that carry PBS content. But it will cost you another monthly fee. PBS Masterpiece, PBS Kids and PBS Documentaries are all available as subscription options through Amazon Channels.
Netflix
You can find some PBS content on Netflix, but there is not any kind of PBS hub, or steady stream of shows. Your best bet is to use the search icon and type in “PBS” to find what shows are available.
Netflix is not an option to live stream PBS, but you may find full seasons of a show you wanted to binge watch.
PBS for free with a TV antenna
There is an easy way to watch your favorite TV shows on PBS for free without any kind of streaming service or internet connection.
A TV antenna can receive local TV stations, including PBS, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC for free.
People living within 30 to 40 miles of local broadcast towers have an excellent chance at getting local broadcast channels with a well-made antenna.
Local channels broadcast digital signals in 1080i or 720p, which is High Definition. There are also a few TV markets that are broadcasting PBS in ATSC 3.0, including PBS North Carolina, and New Mexico PBS.
If you are new to TV antennas, here are a few resources that I have written to get you started.
- How to Choose the Best TV Antenna
- How to Connect Multiple TVs to One Antenna
- Review: The Best Indoor TV Antennas
How can I watch PBS documentaries for free?
The PBS app lets you watch local PBS stations live. Most PBS content is available on-demand on the PBS app and the PBS website for roughly two weeks before it goes into the library of PBS Passport.
What’s the best way to stream PBS?
The PBS Video app live streams local stations for free in most markets. You can also get local member stations using a TV antenna, or by signing up for YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DIRECTV STREAM.
