How to watch PBS live online
In the US, PBS is free: over the air, and live in the PBS app and on PBS.org through your local member station. PBS says its live streams do not work outside the US and its territories.
Many local PBS stations stream live in the PBS app and on PBS.org for free. PBS Passport, a benefit for station members, adds a large library on demand.
- Country
- United States
- Run by
- PBS and its member stations (public broadcasting)
- Type
- General
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- PBS app / PBS.org
- Cost at home
- Free; PBS Passport with a station donation
- Abroad
- No: US only (Passport also in Canada)
- Checked
- 2 November 2026
Can you watch PBS abroad?
PBS says its rights are limited to the United States, so its apps and website generally do not work abroad. Viewers outside the US cannot watch a station's live stream, even as donating members.
PBS Passport, the on demand member library, is also open to members in Canada, though not every show is there.
PBS Passport in Canada
On demand shows for station members in Canada. Not the live stream.
Watch PBS in Canada, the UK, Australia and more
PBS in Canada
PBS itself does not stream live in Canada. Instead: PBS Passport in Canada (Canada, with a station donation). On demand shows for station members in Canada. Not the live stream.
PBS in the UK, Australia, Ireland, Mexico and Spain
No. PBS does not stream live in the UK, Australia, Ireland, Mexico or Spain: it is blocked outside the US, and we found no official alternative.
US TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
American TV in the UK: what works, channel by channel
American TV in Italy: what works, channel by channel
Apps for PBS: TV, phone and laptop
What is PBS?
PBS is the US public broadcasting service, made up of local member stations. It is known for PBS NewsHour, Masterpiece, Nova, Frontline and PBS KIDS.
It is paid for by viewers' donations, foundations and public money, with few adverts.
PBS: common questions
Is PBS free?
Yes, over the air and through many local stations' live streams in the PBS app, in the US.
Can I watch PBS abroad?
No. PBS says its live streams and apps work only in the US and its territories. Passport also works in Canada.
What is PBS Passport?
A benefit for people who donate to their local station: a large library of PBS shows on demand.
Which app do I need to watch PBS live?
PBS (US and territories): web, phones, smart TVs, streaming sticks. PBS KIDS Video (US only): phones, tablets, TVs.
Can I watch PBS on a smart TV?
Yes. PBS has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (US and territories).
Can I watch PBS on a Firestick?
Yes. PBS's help centre lists Amazon Fire among the devices for the PBS app (you need a free PBS account). It works in the US.
Can I watch PBS in the UK?
No. PBS does not stream live in the UK: it is blocked outside the US, and we found no official alternative.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- PBS help: I live outside the United States
- PBS help: common questions
- PBS help: how to watch PBS without cable
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
