As a cord-cutting blogger, I'm always interested in how public television is adapting to the streaming landscape. PBS, a beloved institution for generations, has recently expanded its presence on Amazon Prime Video, and I've been taking a closer look at what this means for viewers like us.
The good news is that PBS is making its content more accessible than ever. They've partnered with Amazon to bring a variety of programming to Prime Video, including local PBS stations, the PBS KIDS channel, and several specialized channels like PBS Drama and PBS Documentaries. It's great to see PBS embracing streaming platforms to reach a wider audience. You can read the official announcement from PBS here: https://www.pbs.org/articles/stream-pbs-and-pbs-kids-free-on-prime-video
One of the biggest draws is the availability of local PBS stations on Prime Video. Being able to stream local news, events, and programming without an antenna is a big plus for cord-cutters. And the fact that the local channels, along with PBS KIDS, are ad-free is a real bonus. Who doesn't appreciate commercial-free viewing?
Beyond the free content, PBS also offers subscription channels on Prime Video: PBS Masterpiece for drama lovers and PBS Living for lifestyle and how-to programming. However, this is where things get a little tricky. These channels require an additional subscription on top of your Prime membership. This brings up an important point: is it worth it?
Here's a breakdown of the PBS channels available on Prime Video:
Free
- Local PBS Stations: Over 150 local PBS stations offering local programming, news, and events. Content is ad-free. Also available on: PBS.org, PBS app
- PBS KIDS Channel: A curated selection of educational and entertaining children's programs, including popular shows like "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" and "Wild Kratts". Content is ad-free. Full-length episodes and clips from PBS KIDS series are also available for free on PBS KIDS' station-branded platforms, including pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app. Also available on: PBS KIDS' station-branded platforms, including pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app
Included with Prime Video
- PBS Drama: A selection of dramas from PBS, including British period dramas and international series.
- PBS Documentaries: A vast library of documentaries, including the complete Ken Burns collection and films from NOVA, FRONTLINE, and AMERICAN MASTERS.
- Rotating "Pop-Up" Channel: Features a rotating selection of classic PBS shows, starting with READING RAINBOW.
Subscription
- PBS Masterpiece: A curated selection of British dramas and international series, including popular shows like "Downton Abbey" and "All Creatures Great and Small". $5.99/month
- PBS Living: Lifestyle and how-to content, including shows like "Antiques Roadshow" and "Finding Your Roots". $2.99/month. Also available on: Apple TV Channels
For dedicated PBS viewers, especially those who already support their local station, PBS Passport is likely the better option. Passport gives you access to a much more extensive library of PBS content, including past seasons and exclusive shows, and it directly supports your local station. In my opinion, Passport offers a better value proposition than subscribing to the individual Prime Video channels. Why pay extra for Masterpiece on Prime Video when you can get a broader selection through Passport while also supporting public television? You can learn more about PBS Passport here: https://www.pbs.org/passport/
Now, let's talk about the Prime Video interface. While the content itself is excellent, finding it can be a bit of a challenge. There isn't a dedicated PBS section, which makes navigating the various channels and programs a bit cumbersome. It's something I hope Amazon and PBS will address in the future. You can find PBS on Prime Video here: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Video (search for PBS after logging in).
Overall, PBS on Prime Video is a mixed bag. The free, ad-free content, especially the local channels and PBS KIDS, is a definite win for cord-cutters. However, the subscription channels feel a bit redundant when PBS Passport offers a more comprehensive and supportive alternative. And the lack of a dedicated PBS section on Prime Video makes navigation less than ideal.
My Streaming Life has included PBS content via PBS Passport for years, and I've been a supporter of public television for over 40 years. While the Prime Video offerings are a welcome addition, PBS Passport remains my preferred way to access the full range of PBS programming and support my local station.
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