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Featured content in this app
NatureIMDb: 8.9/10 (858)
As the most watched documentary film series on public television, Nature delivers the best in original natural history films to audiences nationwide.
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song
Trace the history of the Black Church in America. From enslavement to today, the series explores key events shaping an institution at the heart of African American communities on the frontlines of hope and change.
Hemingway: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn NovickIMDb: 8.1/10 (1649)
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s six-hour documentary series, HEMINGWAY, examines the visionary work and turbulent life of one of the greatest and most influential American writers – Ernest Hemingway. Intimate and insightful, the series weaves together Hemingway’s biography with excerpts from his work. The film penetrates the myth of Hemingway to reveal a deeply troubled and ultimately tragic figure.
D.I. RayIMDb: 6.9/10 (3397)
Captivating crime drama starring Parminder Nagra as a detective fighting the prejudices of those around her, while she gets dragged deeper into a world of organised crime.
Hope in the Water
The story of people who are feeding our growing planet while working to save our oceans.
The U.S. and the Holocaust: A Film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah BotsteinIMDb: 8.8/10 (1630)
Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein’s three-part, six-hour documentary series, The U.S. and the Holocaust, examines how the American people and our leaders responded to one of the greatest humanitarian disasters of the twentieth century, and how this catastrophe challenged our identity as a nation of immigrants and the very ideals of our democracy.
Mark Twain Prize
Honoring the career and success of American's most entertaining comedy moguls.
Antiques RoadshowIMDb: 7.3/10 (1348)
People bring prized possessions for evaluation.
The Civil War: A Film By Ken BurnsIMDb: 9.0/10 (18783)
Ken Burns' Emmy Award-winning documentary brings to life America's most destructive -- and defining -- conflict. The Civil War is the saga of celebrated generals and ordinary soldiers, a heroic and transcendent president, and a country that had to divide itself in two in order to become one.
Professor T: UKIMDb: 7.2/10 (5937)
Jasper Tempest is a Professor of Criminology at Cambridge University.
The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn NovickIMDb: 9.1/10 (28335)
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s ten-part documentary series, THE VIETNAM WAR, tells the epic story of one of the most consequential, divisive, and controversial events in American history.
A Chef's Life
A Chef's Life takes viewers inside the life and kitchen of Chef Vivian Howard.
Rick Steves' EuropeIMDb: 8.6/10 (699)
Rick Steves, author of the acclaimed travel guides Europe Through the Back Door, showcases the best of Europe.
Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century
ART IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY provides unparalleled access to the most innovative artists of our time, revealing how artists engage the culture around them and how art allows viewers to see the world in new ways.
Slavery by Another Name
Slavery by Another Name explores new forms of de facto slavery after the Civil War.
Finding HomeIMDb: 6.7/10 (177)
Fifteen-year-old Marie's father is a sailor, lost for three years and presumed dead by all but her. When her younger siblings are adopted, Marie disguises herself and signs on as a deck boy on the ship they are boarding to avoid being left alone. Can she find her father and reunite her family? From Walter Presents, in Danish with English subtitles.
The Central Park Five
In 1989, five teenagers were arrested and convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. This film tells the story of that crime, the rush to judgment, and an outraged public, and the five lives upended by this miscarriage of justice.
Ken Burns: The Roosevelts - An Intimate HistoryIMDb: 8.8/10 (2670)
Ken Burns chronicles the lives of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of the most prominent and influential family in American politics.
Native America
At the intersection of Native knowledge and modern scholarship is a new vision of America and its people.
Crash Course Physics
Explore the world of physics and motion with Dr. Shini Somara.
Craft in America
CRAFT IN AMERICA explores America’s creative spirit through the language and traditions of the handmade, taking viewers on a journey to the artists, origins and techniques of American craft. Each episode contains stories from diverse regions and cultures, blending history with living practice and exploring issues of identity, ritual, philosophy and creative expression.
Disco: Soundtrack of a RevolutionIMDb: 7.6/10 (183)
From the basement bars of ‘70s New York to the peak of the global charts, this is the story of disco: its rise, its fall--and its legacy. Revelling in iconic tracks and remarkable footage, this is a powerful, revisionist history of the disco age.
NOVAIMDb: 8.7/10 (3131)
PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA programs demystify science and technology, and highlight the people involved in scientific pursuits.
This Old HouseIMDb: 7.9/10 (1074)
This Old House is America’s No. 1 home enthusiast brand, offering trusted information and expert advice via Emmy award-winning television. We take the mystery out of home remodeling, carpentry, HVAC, landscaping, gardening and more.
The Great American RecipeIMDb: 6.5/10 (99)
Join host Alejandra Ramos and judges Leah Cohen, Tiffany Derry and Graham Elliot as ten talented home cooks showcase signature dishes, share heartfelt stories and compete to win the national search for THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE.
Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan
Enjoy an intimate and heartfelt interview series hosted by author Kelly Corrigan.
Benjamin Franklin: A Film by Ken BurnsIMDb: 8.2/10 (1225)
Ken Burns’s four-hour documentary, Benjamin Franklin, explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States. “Write things worth reading,” he said in Poor Richard’s Almanack, “or do things worth the writing.” Benjamin Franklin did both.
Ken Burns UNUM
Videos used on a Ken Burns feature website
The American Buffalo: A Film by Ken BurnsIMDb: 8.4/10 (591)
The dramatic story of America’s national mammal, which sustained the lives of Native people for untold generations, being driven to the brink of extinction, before an unlikely collection of people rescues it from disappearing forever. Ken Burns recounts the tragic collision of two opposing views of the natural world––and the unforgettable characters who pointed the nation in a different direction.
History with David Rubenstein
David Rubenstein’s skillful questioning of acclaimed writers takes us behind the scenes.
War of 1812IMDb: 7.9/10 (112)
The War of 1812 was a conflict the decided the fate of North America but is largely misunderstood for its impact on the creation of Canada and the downfall of an independent Native nation.
Finding Your RootsIMDb: 8.7/10 (1686)
In sharing their stories, FINDING YOUR ROOTS uses every tool available, from cutting-edge DNA research to old-school genealogical sleuthing to reveal long-buried secrets.
A Brief History of the FutureIMDb: 7.0/10 (186)
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE is a unique six-part documentary series about our futures and how we can reimagine them. Hosted by renowned futurist Ari Wallach, the show invites viewers on a journey around the world that is filled with discovery, hope, and possibility about where we find ourselves today and what could come next.
Firing Line
A public affairs show that delivers a civil and engaging contest of ideas.
America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston
America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston follows the The New York Times bestselling author podcaster, and outdoor enthusiast on his journey to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and discover how they shape our outdoor lives. Wherever we live, we share a love for the wild, but in a country as big and diverse as America we have vastly different ways to find and experience nature.
Prohibition: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn NovickIMDb: 8.2/10 (3442)
Experience the rise, rule and fall of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in Ken Burns and Lynn Novick's PROHIBITION.
Preview
Latest updates
What's new in version 5.15.5
- Fix for the app crashing for some users when signing in on tablet devices
Stream TV shows, series & videos from the PBS archives
Watch a local TV channel, live news, or catch up on your favorite TV series
TV shows of all genres are available on demand in the PBS App
Product description
Watch TV and stream live news anywhere on the free PBS App. With new programs added daily, you can enjoy TV shows from any device. From streaming news and live TV to award-winning documentaries and full-length TV shows, PBS is your place for non-stop video streaming.
Stream TV shows uninterrupted, discover new indie films, or dive into exciting documentaries from PBS. Movies and TV shows are just a few taps away in an easy-to-use streaming app. Watch live TV, stream indie movies, and follow the latest news seamlessly on the PBS App. Endless on demand video content is yours to enjoy anytime, anywhere. Whether live streaming news, streaming TV series, or watching indie movies, you can enjoy video content from wherever. Best of all, you can save TV shows and indie movies to your watchlist that you can access anytime.
Live news streaming, local tv shows, and top programs await on the PBS App. Enjoy new TV series and collections including documentaries, history, and science shows to feed your curiosity. TV news, timeless films, and compelling TV series are available for streaming on all of your devices. All your favorites, on demand and in one place – watch TV anywhere with the PBS App.
Watch live TV from your PBS local TV channel or discover new shows from Masterpiece, Ken Burns, NOVA, & Nature. Watch new episodes from PBS NewsHour, Frontline, Antiques Roadshow, Finding Your Roots, American Experience, American Masters, Independent Lens, POV, Great Performances, Call the Midwife & more.
Watch TV everywhere, stream indie movies, and follow live news at any time when you download PBS.
PBS FEATURES:
WATCH BREAKING NEWS & LOCAL TV - Watch live TV news on the PBS App and keep up with public affairs - Start live streaming news from your local PBS station and shows from around the world - Watch breaking news and local channels - Streaming news is easy with PBS’ collection of trusted sources
TV SHOW APP – STREAM TV SHOWS ON DEMAND - Shows, indie movies, & more are at your fingertips - Enjoy an entertainment app made for everyone, with different genres, curated lists & Passport favorites - TV series favorites can be saved so you can dive back in when you’re ready to video stream
WATCH DOCUMENTARY FILMS & INDIE MOVIES ANYWHERE - Stream award-winning documentaries from anywhere - Discover thrilling indie movies on the PBS App - Films, interviews, extras and more available for streaming - Watch movies anywhere from the documentary and indie film genre
ENDLESS TV & VIDEO STREAMING - Stream TV shows, series & videos from the PBS archives - Watch a local TV channel, live news, or catch up on your favorite TV series - TV shows of all genres are available on demand in the PBS App
DISCOVER PBS TV SHOWS - Watch TV anywhere & explore a vast collection of shows on one video streaming app - On demand TV shows from drama, documentary, history, and more await - Stream a wide variety of TV shows from Downton Abbey, NOVA, Finding Your Roots, Professor T & so much more!
WATCH MORE WITH PBS PASSPORT Passport is an added benefit of station membership. By donating to your local PBS station, you’ll find: - An expanded library of acclaimed PBS programming available for streaming - Access to exclusive TV shows & series - Past and current seasons of popular TV shows - New TV series and your favorite PBS shows ready to stream - Early releases and special collections, like Ken Burns films and Antiques Road Show
Live news, TV channels, and movies are yours to watch anywhere with the PBS App.
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
The mobile application offers great content and programming. Customers find it easy to navigate and like the variety of programs. However, opinions vary on functionality, value for money, and download process.
Customers enjoy the content on PBS. They find it a great channel for educational programs, with interesting and well-worth viewing. The shows are well-received and provide useful information.
"...Subsequently, I became a PBS Passport member. Many more shows are now available. For as little as $5/year, anyone can join...." Read more
"(FIre TV Stick with Alexa Remote). Great content. Terrible app...." Read more
"I love PBS, I really really do. The shows are excellent. The quirks with this app as of late...." Read more
"...with it I am finding it to be of value and to provide more information than initially thought. If viewing programs is your desire it is easy...." Read more
Customers like the app. It's easy to use and provides a good streaming service. They enjoy watching PBS and local shows on demand. The app is free to open and streamed smoothly without buffering issues.
"...I wouldn't like without PBS. The app itself is nice in that it allows one to put items on a WATCHLIST so he can schedule the things in advance..." Read more
"...This PBS app is easily far better than some of the commercial broadcasters's apps." Read more
"...Decent app with expected features:The content that PBS provides speaks for itself, from Downton Abbey to Nova to Ken Burns...." Read more
"(FIre TV Stick with Alexa Remote). Great content. Terrible app...." Read more
Customers appreciate the excellent programming available on the mobile application. They mention it has a lot of great programs, including documentaries, interviews, dramas, mysteries, dance, and music concerts. The app is well-designed and easy to use.
"PBS is the best programming to be found. One can find something to fit nearly everyones likes...." Read more
"...6/2/2016 - Got an App update for this last night and the interface is much improved. Biggest thing, Close Caption is back!..." Read more
"...There is a generous amount of great programming available here, completely free...." Read more
"Excellent programming, but unreliable service! We were watching "Call the Midwife," season 3, and encountered several problems...." Read more
487 customers mention "Ease of use"341 positive146 negative
Customers appreciate the app's ease of use. They find it simple to navigate, with a clean user interface and an easy-to-use menu of shows. The app is a convenient way to watch content free on the go.
"My grandson absolutely loves PBS shows. The menu of shows is easy to navigate and features thumbnail pictures of each show in a grid...." Read more
"...For most people, this isn't an issue. Also, browsing content is fairly intuitive. The ability view content from my local PBS station is nice...." Read more
"Autoplays the wrong episode in the sequence. Takes forever to load menus. Spontaneously exits. Occasionally freezes. Choppy buffering." Read more
"...I found it reasonably easy to locate the videos I am looking for although it works a bit differently than other television apps because PBS is often..." Read more
297 customers mention "Variety of programs"258 positive39 negative
Customers like the variety of programs available in the mobile application. They mention it offers a huge selection of shows, including travel shows. There is a menu for some popular shows. The accessibility and diverse content are appreciated by customers.
"...the pleas for money, but someone is buying a lot, because their shows are diverse and very well done...." Read more
"...Love the program availability, thanks, excited to have access. Helen." Read more
"...A good variety of shows & movies plus also is always updating with mew movies but wish the ones i like seem to go in place of these new movies but..." Read more
"I liked the selection of programs to choose from, but I disliked the difficulty I had selecting a new program to watch after I had finished one...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the mobile application's functionality. Some say it works well and plays well on devices like Fire Stick and Kindle Fire HD. Others report issues like poor performance, lack of functionality, and content not playing properly.
"...to only show clips of a few videos before it is activated, and they work very well so maybe there is hope if I could just activate it...." Read more
"...I haven't tried yet that may fix it, but out of the box, it simply isn't working well...." Read more
"...I have to say, this app works flawlessly on my Kindle Fire. As far as the programming goes, well PBS has come up short there...." Read more
"...The kindle version lives up to expectations but the fire stick version has some serious problems...." Read more
249 customers mention "Value for money"155 positive94 negative
Customers have mixed views on the value for money of the mobile application. Some find it worth the $5 a month fee, while others say it's not cheap and requires an annual contribution to local PBS station.
"...And this is free. I use this to watch Ask this Old House and This Old House. There are about 5 to 10 episodes available at any given time...." Read more
"...This new app is a waste of PBS supporter funds and I would give it negative stars for consistent non-performance and a lack of effort on the part..." Read more
"...That's cheaper than a good pedicure or a decent dinner date. "Support for Public Broadcasting comes from Viewers Like You"...." Read more
"...Well worth considering a monthly contributions to our local and national channels...." Read more
244 customers mention "Ease of download"168 positive76 negative
Customers have mixed opinions about the app's download process. Some say it loads quickly and streams shows clearly. Others mention issues with downloading issues, such as freezing or skipping.
"...I was able to start the videos instantly with no lag, no buffering, no issues at all...." Read more
"Lots of free content. To become a passport member and get loads more programs, donate to your local PBS station...." Read more
"...they broadcast, I use an antenna, and even with that the signal is not always there...." Read more
"The PBS Video viewing options are excellent, loading without delays or viewing interruptions in general has been excellent minus the first days use..." Read more
Televisión via satellite has become nothing more than a series of repeats and fund-raising. We find ourselves using Firestick more and more. The only continuing problem is a chronic loss of signal.
With PBS becoming so much more diverse in its topics, I had to download this app. Best decision I’ve made, at least where apps are concerned. Subsequently, I became a PBS Passport member. Many more shows are now available. For as little as $5/year, anyone can join. See “Finding Your Roots”, to discover the ancestral beginnings of some of the most beloved public figures*
*Addendum: After I read a couple of other reviews I realized that maybe I should edit my original review. Yes, if you want to see the best of PBS, you need to become a Passport member. I was given the option of recurring $5/monthly or 1-time donation. I opted to make it monthly. As for the quality of streaming, it has more to do with your WiFi and/or device. I have the Amazon 8” fire tablet and have never encountered any difficulties.
My grandson absolutely loves PBS shows. The menu of shows is easy to navigate and features thumbnail pictures of each show in a grid. When you hover over one of the thumbnails it expands. When selected you can choose from about 4 complete episodes of the show, some songs, and some other brief episode samples. Good stuff here.
I purchased an Amazon fire stick and downloaded this channel APP along with many other channel app's. I wasn't aware I would be prompted for a review from Amazon for each channel downloaded (or I wouldn't have downloaded 90% of them.) If there are no previous words to this paragraph and a three star review, then it is obvious I haven't had the time nor inclination to review the channel APP. I do often review items for seller discounts and therefore I am expected to leave reviews for every item purchased. The problem here is I didn't purchase any of these channel apps, they were all free for download and use. I will eventually get around to either reviewing each channel or deleting them from my Amazon fire stick, however when they are deleted from my fire stick the review requests remains. Due to the fact I am rated on my ability to leave a review for all my Amazon purchases, I must leave this wordy explanation for my review explaining the fact that I wish I had not been prompted for a review on a free channel app. The Amazon fire stick has been a good little functioning device that allows me to stream conventional shows over my home wifi and internet and although it's not the fastest device (click and wait sometimes) it does function as expected for a small HDMI stick over wifi. I only wish there was a way to disable the requests for reviews on free channel apps.
PBS is the best programming to be found. One can find something to fit nearly everyones likes. Masterpiece Theater has incomparable movies and series that always capture my attention, and Nova has great shows that amaze and educate at the same time. While the app is free, one must make a contribution to the local PBS carrier to get the programming. So, a simple $100 donation captures a myriad of programming options that end up costing only $8.33 per month. I wouldn't like without PBS. The app itself is nice in that it allows one to put items on a WATCHLIST so he can schedule the things in advance that he wants to make sure to view. It is one of the best apps I've downloaded. Buy the app, make a donation to your local PBS station, and keep this informative, entertaining channel on the air for all to see!
Recently in the news there have been a number of announcements for paid streaming services. If you are looking to cut your cable tv subscription but want PBS, this (like well as a similar Roku PBS app) and an excellent option. And this is free. I use this to watch Ask this Old House and This Old House. There are about 5 to 10 episodes available at any given time. There is an A to Z list of all programs and it is extensive. If you need closed captioning, you can access that when the video (not the ads) is playing by click on the bottom of the screen. A menu bar appears at the bottom. Click on the greyed out CC icon on the right. It will change to black and white and you should see closed captioning. Shows that have closed captioning will be marked in their description with a black CC next to the description. I was pleased that the captions worked well in most programs (except the national newscast which unfortunately seemed to be about 40 seconds behind.) The only thing I would change is that I would want episodes to be marked as "Season 2, Episode 4" or something like that so it is easier to find the most current episodes.
I did not find the ads annoying and since the advertisers are PBS's corporate sponsors who enable the shows to happen, I think it is fine that there are ads given that is public broadcasting. (and there seems to be less than other similar apps). The app also allows you to shop PBS' store and to contribute/donate as well.
This PBS app is easily far better than some of the commercial broadcasters's apps.
It is a wonderful add on to streaming library- Quality productions. For the Ken Burns documentaries alone worth the money and the donation to PBS is modest. Have watched three documentaries already and for those alone was worth the year's donation
This did look very promising until I downloaded it and found that it requires a US zip code to work. It won't let you enter letters (for a UK postcode), so you can't get permission to view any content.