You can stream PBS for free on nearly any modern smart TV, tablet, or phone. PBS offers a wide range of educational shows, local news, and popular dramas like Masterpiece and NOVA.
You do not need a cable subscription or expensive streaming service to watch live local broadcasts and recent episodes.
This guide will show you how to watch PBS for free on all your devices.
1. Use the official PBS app and website
The easiest way to stream PBS is to use the official PBS App or visit PBS.org. Both let you watch high-definition videos without needing a credit card or subscription.
What you can watch for free
- Local Live TV: When you open the app, it finds your local PBS station based on your location. You can watch your station’s live TV channel in real time, just like regular TV.
- On-demand episodes: You can watch recent episodes of top shows like PBS NewsHour, FRONTLINE, Nature, and Antiques Roadshow for free, usually for two to four weeks after they air on TV.
- Local programming: The app also features local station shows, documentaries, and community news specials.
How to Get Started
- Open the app store on your device, such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung TV, or your phone.
- Search for “PBS” and download the free app.
- Open the app and sign in with a free PBS or Google account to save your watch history and create a watchlist.
2. Watch kid-friendly shows with the PBS KIDS app
If you have young children, PBS has a separate app called the PBS KIDS Video App.
- 24/7 live channel: Watch the full PBS KIDS channel live all day, no cable login needed.
- On-demand shows: Kids can watch full episodes and clips from trusted shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Sesame Street, and Curious George.
- Kid-safe environment: The app is free, safe, and has no ads or hidden in-app purchases.
3. Stream local stations on Prime Video and FAST platforms
If you like using free ad-supported streaming services or other streaming platforms, you can also watch PBS in a few other ways:
- Free PBS channels on Amazon Prime Video
PBS works with Amazon to provide free live streams of over 150 local PBS stations and the PBS KIDS channel in the Prime Video app. You do not need a paid Prime membership. Just look for free streams under the Live TV tab.
- FAST apps and free channels
Free services like the Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi also offer PBS channels. You can find curated topic feeds, such as channels for Ken Burns documentaries or classic archives, and local broadcast channels.
4. Hook up an over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna
If you want to watch PBS in high definition without using the internet, a digital TV antenna is a great option.
- Truly free broadcasts: PBS stations are broadcast over the air across the U.S. Once you have an indoor or outdoor antenna, watching is completely free.
- Multiple subchannels: Over-the-air signals often include your main local PBS channel and extra subchannels like PBS Create for how-to and cooking shows, WORLD Channel for documentaries and news, and local news channels.
- Uncompressed picture: Over-the-air broadcasts are uncompressed, so the picture quality can look even clearer than streaming online.
What is PBS Passport?
While current shows and live channels are free, some older episodes or full-season box sets have a blue compass icon. This means they are for PBS Passport members.
PBS Passport is a benefit for viewers who support their local PBS station with a small donation, usually about $5 per month or $60 per year. Members get extended streaming access to thousands of past seasons, early show releases, and full documentary archives.
PBS Passport is completely optional. If you just want to watch current episodes, daily news, and live broadcasts, you do not need Passport.
Summary checklist to stream PBS for free
To start streaming PBS for free today, follow these steps:
- Download the free PBS App on your smart TV or mobile device.
- Turn on location services so the app can connect you to your nearest local PBS station.
- Check the Live TV tab to watch your local channel in real time.
- Get an antenna if you want live over-the-air coverage without using your internet.