PBS offers a wide variety of educational, informative, and entertaining TV shows and documentaries for both adults and kids. Fortunately, there are several ways to stream this great content without needing a cable subscription.
Table of Contents
Stream on the PBS Website and Apps
The easiest way to watch PBS shows for free is on the PBS website or using the PBS video apps.
On the website you can:
- Stream current full episodes and clips from popular shows like Masterpiece, Nova, Nature, Frontline, Antiques Roadshow and more.
- Watch your local PBS station’s live broadcast.
- Browse and stream over 4000 available episodes and clips.
The free PBS Video app offers the same streaming content as the website, available on platforms like:
- iOS and Android phones/tablets
- Roku
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android TV
- Samsung Smart TVs
With no logins or fees required, the PBS website and apps make it easy to watch your favorite shows on-demand on your preferred device.
Use a Streaming Service With Live PBS Channels
Several live TV streaming services also provide PBS channels as part of their channel lineups:
YouTube TV
- Over 100 channels including live PBS local stations in most markets.
- $64.99 per month.
- Unlimited DVR storage.
DirecTV Stream
- Over 140 channels with 250+ local PBS station options.
- Packages from $69.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV
- 75+ channels including on-demand PBS content.
- Adding live PBS channels over 2023.
- $69.99 per month.
While more expensive than watching for free on the PBS platforms, these streaming TV services offer live PBS along with many other popular channels.
Subscribe to PBS Through Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime members can add special PBS channels for extra monthly fees:
- PBS Masterpiece – $5.99 per month for British dramas and mysteries.
- PBS Kids – $4.99 per month for children’s shows.
- PBS Living – $2.99 per month for lifestyle and home improvement programs.
By subscribing to these channels through Amazon Prime Video, you can stream even more PBS content on-demand to complement what’s available for free.
Use a Digital TV Antenna
Another way to watch PBS without cable is to use a digital antenna to access over-the-air signals from your local PBS station. This allows you to watch live broadcasts from PBS just like you would with cable, except completely free.
You’ll need:
- A digital TV antenna ($10-$150 depending on type).
- A TV with a digital tuner or a digital converter box.
With the antenna properly set up, you can scan for channels on your TV and add your local PBS station to start watching live shows and PBS Kids.
Tips for Streaming PBS Without Cable
- Use the PBS Video app on mobile devices to download shows for offline viewing.
- Set up accounts on PBS and the streaming services to access member-only content.
- Consider donating to your local PBS station to support the free programming.
- Use a streaming device like Roku or Fire TV Stick to watch PBS on your TV.
- Check your local PBS station’s schedule online to know when your favorite shows are airing live.
Cutting cable doesn’t mean losing access to quality PBS programming. With the PBS website and apps or a streaming service that provides PBS channels, you can continue to watch all your favorite shows commercial-free.
