PBS - App on Amazon Appstore

PBS - App on Amazon Appstore
PBS
by
Public Broadcasting Service
4.2 out of 5 stars
80,306 customer ratings
Guidance Suggested
Price:
App Free to Download
Sold by:
Amazon.com Services, Inc
Works with:
Game Controllers
Fire TV Voice Remote
Languages Supported:
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Featured content in this app
Preview
Latest updates
What's new in version 5.23.0
- UI/UX improvements and bug fixes
Product Details
Release Date:
2012
Date first listed on Amazon:
October 19, 2012
Public Broadcasting Service
ASIN:
B008Z2NVGK
Customer reviews:
4.2 out of 5 stars
80,306 customer ratings
Developer info
help@pbs.org
More apps by this developer
Product features
Stream Live TV, News & Documentaries.
Watch Full Seasons with PBS Passport.
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.
- PBS App: https://www.pbs.org/videoapp
- PBS Passport: https://pbs.org/getpassport
- PBS Support: https://help.pbs.org/
PBS offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new worlds through trusted educational television and digital content.
User Data Privacy
This information provided by the developer helps you understand the data this app collects from you and/or transfers to third parties.
To learn more, visit the
developer’s privacy policy
Learn what data is collected by this app and for what purpose:
User Info:
Name:
App functionality, Developer Advertising or Marketing, Third-party Advertising or Marketing
Email Address:
App functionality, Analytics, Personalization, Developer Advertising or Marketing, Third-party Advertising or Marketing
User IDs:
App functionality, Analytics, Personalization, Developer Advertising or Marketing, Fraud Prevention, Security and Compliance
Audio files:
Voice or sound recordings:
App functionality
Device or other IDs:
Device or other ID:
App functionality
Advertising ID:
Developer Advertising or Marketing
App info & performance:
Crash logs:
Analytics
Diagnostics:
Analytics
Other app performance data:
Analytics
Location:
Approximate location:
App functionality
Precise location:
App functionality
App activity:
App interactions:
Analytics, Personalization
In-app search history:
Analytics
Learn what data is transferred to third party by this app and for what purpose:
User Info:
Name:
Third-party Advertising or Marketing
Email Address:
Analytics, Third-party Advertising or Marketing
Device or other IDs:
Advertising ID:
Developer Advertising or Marketing
Account and/or data deletion:
The developer provides a way for you to request your account and associated data be deleted.
Delete account and associated data
Technical details
Size:
60.7MB
Version:
5.23.0
Public Broadcasting Service
Application Permissions:
Help me understand what permissions mean
ACCESS_ADSERVICES_AD_ID
ACCESS_ADSERVICES_ATTRIBUTION
Access coarse (e.g., Cell-ID, Wi-Fi) location
Access fine (e.g., GPS) location
Access information about networks
Access information about Wi-Fi networks
AD_SERVICES_CONFIG
FOREGROUND_SERVICE
Access the list of accounts in the Accounts Service
Open network sockets
Get notified that the operating system has finished booting
Record audio
Open windows using the type TYPE_SYSTEM_ALERT, shown on top of all other applications
PowerManager WakeLocks to keep processor from sleeping or screen from dimming
com.android.providers.tv.permission.READ_EPG_DATA
com.android.providers.tv.permission.WRITE_EPG_DATA
Receive message via Amazon Device
com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID
com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES
Minimum Operating System:
Android 6.0
Approximate Download Time:
More than 5 minutes
Customer reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
80,306 global ratings
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How customer reviews and ratings work
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.
Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon
Customers say
Customers love PBS's programming, particularly its variety of shows and educational content. The app works well with Kindle Fire devices, though some report it doesn't work on their devices. While some find it user-friendly, others say it's difficult to use.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Select to learn more
2265 customers mention functionality, 1849 positive, 416 negative
2,265 customers mention "Functionality"
1,849 positive
416 negative
Customers find that the PBS app works well and love its programs.
What a
great app
- makes my Kindle Fire that much more fun to have. Only wish they would add some kids shown too to entertain the younglings :)
Love PBS
. Hoped to be able to view shows I missed but requires a subscription thru cable or satellite. I'm on antennae so it's not free for me. Sad....
Good app
. Let you view your favorite PBS shows I like masterpiece mysteries, masterpiece contemporaries,and those great British detective series.
Works great
- good content. If you miss a program on TV, make sure you watch it on the app within a week or it will probably go away.
664 customers mention entertainment, 644 positive, 20 negative
664 customers mention "Entertainment"
644 positive
20 negative
Customers find the app entertaining, with plenty of PBS shows to watch, and one customer specifically mentions enjoying Season One of Victoria.
I love that this is available. PBS has so much educational,
entertaining
, and wonderful programs, that I don't have time to watch them when they air...
...Not run-of-the-mill TV "garbage", but many really engaging,
interesting
and unusual shows. Some are "educational", some are just FUN!
great show
.Recommend this app to all.Good quality in color while watching this show.PBS is a good tv station as well.
We are not done watching the entire series,
very interesting
and informative. My wife is a Country Music fanatic and she loves it; I love it too....
478 customers mention show quality, 448 positive, 30 negative
478 customers mention "Show quality"
448 positive
30 negative
Customers enjoy the variety of shows available, particularly the Great British programs and cooking content.
...
Great shows
like senior citizen Happytime Polka Hour and Teen Quiz Bowl where either one team absolutely decimates the other or nobody knows any of...
Love the shows
. Too many good ones to watch each one. HATE the PBS.ORG (WETA) video delivery process. Signed up for Acorn instead
...It has free shows and they are
good shows
too. My daughter watches a lot from this app as there are a lot catered to little kids on that network....
Absolutely the
best shows
and it's great to have access to them for free! So glad I got their app.
333 customers mention programming, 314 positive, 19 negative
333 customers mention "Programming"
314 positive
19 negative
Customers appreciate PBS's programming, particularly its diversity and availability at their convenience, with one customer highlighting its excellent non-fiction content.
...people, it's no wonder that the station continues to create such
great programming
. My PBS Distinguished Service Award still stands on my home desk.
Excellent programming
! Worked well on my kindle fire. Note: some programs require becoming a member to view which requires a donation.
This service is fantastic and we watch it constantly.
Great programing
and easy to use.
PBS always has
good programming
. Currently watching the series on country music... very interesting. I’m bummed it’s only a an 8 episode series.
292 customers mention informative, 287 positive, 5 negative
292 customers mention "Informative"
287 positive
5 negative
Customers find the PBS app educational and insightful, with many noting they learn something from watching it. One customer specifically mentions gaining knowledge about city and culture.
PBS is TV as television was meant to be:
educational
, always informative, high quality programs that are presented in a way that no other TV station...
Always found PBS to have the best quality documentaries. Accurate,
informative
. Nice to have access to a lot of Novas, Natures & Antique Roadshows....
The programs are always fantastic with no nonsense ,
very educational
,I can't find anything bad or negative about the programs.
I love the Ancestry programming.
Very informative
, and nice to know I can watch more than once for important information!
277 customers mention content, 253 positive, 24 negative
277 customers mention "Content"
253 positive
24 negative
Customers appreciate the content of PBS, describing it as the best on television with lots of free programming available.
Great content
. One of the better broadcasting apps. Access to full length videos of many of the best PBS programming, both old and new.
Works great -
good content
. If you miss a program on TV, make sure you watch it on the app within a week or it will probably go away.
Love the content
but the effort it takes to find and view is less than user friendly. Heaven help you if you want to rewind or resume an episode....
...I'll keep using it for all the
excellent content
I found.
311 customers mention user-friendliness, 211 positive, 100 negative
311 customers mention "User-friendliness"
211 positive
100 negative
Customers have mixed opinions about the app's user-friendliness, with some finding it very user-friendly and easy to connect, while others report that it is not at all user-friendly and has a clunky interface.
EAsy to use
, fast loading app to watch PBS broadcasts. Missed something on Downton Abbey? you can see it again here. Best of all it is totally free
...the PBS Video app (with instructions found on pbs.org) was quick and
easy
, and we were then able to view what we missed....
...The PBS Firestick app is
not user friendly
and difficult to navigate....
...
User friendly
, easy to see the content and view programs. This is one of my favorite apps! It has good descriptions of the programs....
280 customers mention compatibility, 192 positive, 88 negative
280 customers mention "Compatibility"
192 positive
88 negative
Customers have mixed experiences with the app's compatibility, with some reporting it works well with Kindle Fire devices and Fire TV, while others mention it doesn't work on HDX devices or outside the US.
Great service
, except for one major inconvenience. Unfortunately, PBS has taken to exclude certain shows....
Support public broadcasting
It
does not work in my country
Good Addition
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great choice
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2026
Verified Purchase
Excellent selection of shows
5 people found this helpful
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Patrick W. Riley
5.0 out of 5 stars
With sincere gratitude!
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2026
Verified Purchase
We know that PBS stands for The Public Broadcasting Service. It's completely safe to say that it's The Professional Broadcasting Network as well! Sincere thanks are due this team, Patrick Riley
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
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Neil
5.0 out of 5 stars
When the app opens and you get nothing more than a swirling "Wait" icon
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
Verified Purchase
A few times per year, you'll open the app and get nothing more than a swirling "Wait" icon. The navigation buttons on the remote won't do anything. Hitting Firestick Home and re-entering the app won't do anything.
I've learned that all the "waiting" won't result in anything ever happening. Waste of time.
Why does that happen? Was there an app-update and PBS never learned to manage their updates properly? Is it punishing me for watching too much PlutoTV?
The Great Oracle, "Artificial Intelligence," will recommend checking the Firestick App Store for an update, and/or going into the Firestick Settings to clear cache and cookies. All a waste of time.
Its last suggestion, reinstall the app, should be suggested first. Fastest way is to uninstall the PBS app and reinstall it. I've never been successful at the other stuff, mostly because I couldn't find the functions -- deep, deep in the Firestick menus, if they're actually in there somewhere at all.
Part of the reinstallation process is to get the code from the reinstalled app that appears on your TV and plug it into your cellphone. The display offers the PBS URL to go to with your phone, or point your camera at a QR code that is also displayed, which might save 5 seconds over typing the URL. You'll need your Passport login name and password; I keep mine refreshed on the back of my arm with a permanent marker. Once your phone is logged onto their website, you type the code that's burning into your TV's display into the website. Then, the phone and your TV start doing complex electronic communications, and the TV app comes to life as if nothing happened.
Only a few times a year. When you get the swirling "Wait" icon, REMEMBER. After reinstalling it a couple of times, it becomes old hat.
32 people found this helpful
Helpful
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Shields Family
1.0 out of 5 stars
Great content, awful app (Fire Tv Stick w/ Alexa Remote)
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
(FIre TV Stick with Alexa Remote). Great content. Terrible app. We have been trying to get through an episode of American Experience and it constantly skips, buffers and judders. The skipping is about 10-15 seconds of content, every couple minutes. Other shows in the app (Nature, Secrets of the Dead) do the same thing. We tried changing resolution, routing the sound through the TV instead of the receiver and surround sound, playing with the hidden fire stick resolution menu, restarting the fire stick, restoring the fire stick to factory defaults because all my tinkering with the settings had it locked up and I couldn't get back into my settings menu to undo what I did. I've been watching PBS on my iPad and desktop Mac, but we bought the Fire Stick specifically because we wanted to play this app on our big TV to enjoy the content as a family. Netflix and Prime do not seem to have the issues, it seems to be just this app. I still hope there might be some troubleshooting I haven't tried yet that may fix it, but out of the box, it simply isn't working well.
An additional word regarding the negative reviews about content availability: We donated $60 to PBS (tax deductible) and are able to watch anything that we have wanted to watch in the app for free for a year. That's cheaper than a good pedicure or a decent dinner date. "Support for Public Broadcasting comes from Viewers Like You". Also, I'm pretty sure most shows and serial episodes are free for a couple weeks after their original air date. If you stay fairly current with your shows, you'll be able to view what you want for free, even if you aren't a PBS donor/subscriber.
9 people found this helpful
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Fred
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's great, but the videos availble through this app are less than those availble through the PBS web site or the Kindle app.
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2015
Verified Purchase
This app is great for watching many videos available on PBS. It allows me and family to watch all kinds of great PBS content on demand and when I want to. It's part of how the internet is changing the way we watch TV. That is exactly why I downloaded it and exactly why I like to use it. To add to that, it seems to be rather resistant to crashing or freezing.
The kindle version lives up to expectations but the fire stick version has some serious problems. Many of the videos you see while browsing the with the Kindle version as well as looking at the PBS videos web site don't show up on the fire stick app. An excellent example is Rick Steve's Europe and Nature. A work around is to browse on a kindle or a web browser and add these shows to your watch list (you need a free PBS account). Sadly this work around is disappointing because some things that will show up on a watch list in the web browser and kindle app, won't show up in the fire stick app watch list. Some examples of this are the following Nature shows :American Eagle, Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air, Christmas in Yellowstone, Bears of the Last Frontier: The Road North, Bears of the Last Frontier: City of Bears, Bears of the Last Frontier: Arctic Wanderers, The White Lions, Kangaroo Mob, Cracking the Koala Code, and Magic of the Snowy Owl. Another work around is to mirror a kindle onto the TV but then your Kindle is tied up and mirroring can be unreliable. A problem report was submitted to PBS about 5 days ago and no useful reply has been received.
I like it but I'm bothered that videos available in a web browser on on the Kindle PBS app are not available on this app. This is a major disappointment especially when I was hoping to use it to help an elderly non technically inclined relative use it to watch PBS content.
I'd give it 3 1/2 stars because I think it's better than okay and it's worth downloading review but can have some serious annoyances. I suppose one could counter that it's free but also represents my tax dollars at work so we still paid for it.
52 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Michael G
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best deal for quality productions
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
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
Report
Emiliano
1.0 out of 5 stars
Doesn't work in the UK
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2013
Verified Purchase
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.
One person found this helpful
Report
MQ
1.0 out of 5 stars
Won't work as it needs Adobe flash?!?!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
Looks like a good app but won't work as it requires flash, which is not available for kindle as far as I'm aware!
One person found this helpful
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mllvanisl
1.0 out of 5 stars
Free trial not working-watched one series, when I go back to watch another it says I need a passport
Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
Supposed to get a free trial BUT whenever I go to watch the station it ways I have to get a PBS passport which I have done. I did watch one amazing program but I cannot commit to paying 7.00/month to a station that I cannot even watch to make a decision. So, is it the PBS station I DON'T want or is the fault of whoever provides the supposed 30 day free trial? Either way I am opting out of paying $100/year for PBS
Report
RickR
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loving it
Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2021
Verified Purchase
I really enjoy PBS and the shows that are offered especially the Masterpiece shows, which are all available on the PBS app.
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