The world of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume media, offering a plethora of options to suit every taste and preference. Among these, Amazon Prime has emerged as a leading platform, providing its subscribers with a wide range of benefits, including access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and original content. However, one question that has been on the minds of many Amazon Prime users is whether PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service, is free with their subscription. In this article, we will delve into the details of Amazon Prime’s offerings, the content provided by PBS, and how these two services intersect.
Understanding Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime is a membership program offered by Amazon that provides users with a host of benefits. These benefits include free two-day shipping on millions of items, same-day or one-day shipping in eligible areas, streaming of movies and TV shows through Prime Video, music streaming with Prime Music, photo storage with Prime Photos, and access to exclusive deals and early access to Lightning Deals. Amazon Prime’s streaming service, Prime Video, is one of its most popular features, offering a vast library of content that can be streamed on a variety of devices.
Prime Video Content
Prime Video’s content library is vast and diverse, including original series and movies produced by Amazon Studios, licensed content from major studios and networks, and add-on channels that allow users to subscribe to additional streaming services. The original content produced by Amazon has garnered significant critical acclaim, with shows like “The Grand Tour,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” attracting large audiences. However, when it comes to PBS content, the situation is a bit more complex.
PBS on Amazon Prime
PBS offers a wide range of high-quality content, including documentaries, children’s programming, and public affairs shows. While Amazon Prime does offer some PBS content through its Prime Video service, not all PBS shows are available for free to Prime members. Some PBS shows can be streamed as part of the Prime Video catalog, but others may require a separate subscription to the PBS Documentaries or PBS Living channels, which are available as add-ons through Amazon Channels.
Amazon Channels and PBS
Amazon Channels is a feature of Prime Video that allows users to subscribe to additional streaming services on top of their Prime membership. Through Amazon Channels, users can access content from a variety of networks and services, including HBO, Showtime, Starz, and, importantly for our discussion, PBS. The PBS channels available through Amazon Channels include PBS Documentaries, which offers a collection of documentaries from PBS, and PBS Living, which focuses on lifestyle and how-to content. Subscribing to these channels provides access to a broader range of PBS content, but it comes at an additional cost.
Cost and Availability
The cost of subscribing to PBS channels through Amazon Channels can vary. Typically, PBS Documentaries and PBS Living are available for a free trial period, after which they require a monthly subscription fee. The exact cost may depend on the user’s location and the specific channels they choose to subscribe to. It’s worth noting that while these channels offer a significant amount of PBS content, they may not provide access to the full range of PBS programming, including local content and certain specials.
Alternative Ways to Watch PBS
For those looking to watch PBS content without subscribing to additional channels through Amazon Prime, there are alternative options. The PBS Video app is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. This app allows users to stream a wide range of PBS content for free, although the availability of certain shows may depend on the user’s location and the PBS station they are affiliated with. Additionally, many PBS shows are available to purchase or rent through digital stores like Amazon Video, Google Play, and iTunes, although this can become costly for frequent viewers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Amazon Prime offers a vast array of benefits, including access to a significant library of streaming content through Prime Video, not all PBS content is available for free to Prime members. Some PBS shows can be streamed as part of the Prime Video catalog, but accessing the full range of PBS programming may require a separate subscription to PBS channels through Amazon Channels or watching through the PBS Video app. For fans of PBS, exploring these options can provide the best way to enjoy their favorite shows while also considering the costs and benefits of each approach. As the landscape of streaming services continues to evolve, understanding how different platforms and services interact will become increasingly important for consumers looking to make the most of their viewing experience.
Is PBS free with Amazon Prime?
PBS is not entirely free with Amazon Prime, but Amazon Prime members can access a limited selection of PBS content, including some popular shows like Masterpiece and Nature, through the PBS Video app. However, to access the full range of PBS content, including local stations and a wider variety of shows, users need to subscribe to the PBS Passport service, which is available as an add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video. This add-on channel offers a more extensive library of PBS content, including documentaries, dramas, and children’s programming.
The PBS Passport service is available for $4.99 per month, and it provides access to a vast library of PBS content, including both current and past episodes of popular shows. Amazon Prime members can sign up for the PBS Passport service directly through the Amazon Prime Video website or through the PBS Video app. Once subscribed, users can access the full range of PBS content, including local stations, and watch their favorite shows on-demand. It’s worth noting that while the PBS Passport service is not free, it does offer a free trial period, allowing users to test the service before committing to a subscription.
What PBS content is available on Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime members can access a limited selection of PBS content, including some popular shows like Masterpiece, Nature, and Nova, through the PBS Video app. This content is available to stream on-demand, and it includes a mix of current and past episodes. However, the selection of content is limited compared to what is available through the PBS Passport service. To access the full range of PBS content, including local stations and a wider variety of shows, users need to subscribe to the PBS Passport service, which is available as an add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video.
The PBS content available on Amazon Prime includes a range of genres, from drama and documentary to children’s programming and news. Some popular shows available on Amazon Prime include Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, and Antiques Roadshow. However, to access the full range of PBS content, including local stations and a wider variety of shows, users need to subscribe to the PBS Passport service. This service offers a more extensive library of PBS content, including both current and past episodes of popular shows, and it provides access to local stations, allowing users to watch their favorite shows on-demand.
How do I access PBS content on Amazon Prime?
To access PBS content on Amazon Prime, users need to download the PBS Video app, which is available on the Amazon Prime Video website. Once the app is downloaded, users can sign in with their Amazon Prime credentials to access the limited selection of PBS content available through the app. To access the full range of PBS content, including local stations and a wider variety of shows, users need to subscribe to the PBS Passport service, which is available as an add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video.
The PBS Video app is easy to use, and it provides a user-friendly interface for browsing and searching PBS content. Users can browse by genre, search for specific shows, or browse through the available content by network. Once a show is selected, users can stream it on-demand, and they can also download episodes for offline viewing. The PBS Video app is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, making it easy to access PBS content from anywhere.
What is the PBS Passport service?
The PBS Passport service is a subscription-based service that provides access to a vast library of PBS content, including both current and past episodes of popular shows. The service is available as an add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video, and it costs $4.99 per month. With PBS Passport, users can access a wide range of PBS content, including documentaries, dramas, and children’s programming, and they can watch their favorite shows on-demand.
The PBS Passport service offers a range of benefits, including access to a vast library of PBS content, including local stations, and the ability to watch shows on-demand. The service also provides a user-friendly interface for browsing and searching content, and it allows users to download episodes for offline viewing. Additionally, the PBS Passport service supports PBS and its mission to provide high-quality, educational content to the public. By subscribing to the PBS Passport service, users are helping to support PBS and its programming.
Can I watch local PBS stations on Amazon Prime?
Yes, users can watch local PBS stations on Amazon Prime, but only if they subscribe to the PBS Passport service. The PBS Passport service provides access to local PBS stations, allowing users to watch their favorite shows and programming from their local station on-demand. However, to access local PBS stations, users need to subscribe to the PBS Passport service, which is available as an add-on channel on Amazon Prime Video.
The PBS Passport service provides access to a wide range of local PBS stations, and it allows users to watch their favorite shows and programming from their local station on-demand. Users can browse by station, search for specific shows, or browse through the available content by network. Once a show is selected, users can stream it on-demand, and they can also download episodes for offline viewing. The PBS Passport service is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, making it easy to access local PBS stations from anywhere.
Is the PBS Passport service worth the cost?
The PBS Passport service is worth the cost for users who want to access a wide range of PBS content, including local stations and a wider variety of shows. The service provides a vast library of PBS content, including both current and past episodes of popular shows, and it allows users to watch their favorite shows on-demand. Additionally, the PBS Passport service supports PBS and its mission to provide high-quality, educational content to the public.
The cost of the PBS Passport service is $4.99 per month, which is a relatively low cost compared to other streaming services. The service also offers a free trial period, allowing users to test the service before committing to a subscription. Overall, the PBS Passport service is a good value for users who want to access a wide range of PBS content and support PBS and its programming. However, users who are only interested in accessing a limited selection of PBS content may not find the service to be worth the cost.