DIRECTV STREAM Adds PBS Kids, Joining YouTube TV as Only Streaming Service to Carry the Channel

DIRECTV STREAM users just got one of the best child-friendly channels added to their lineup at no additional cost. PBS Kids is available on all tiers. This is only the second live streaming service to include the channel in its native interface.

PBS Kids does offer an excellent free app that features on-demand access to the same family-friendly content from the linear channel. The app offers a rotating selection of episodes from each series. In any form, the service ranks highly in The Streamable’s list of Best Streaming Services for Kids.

Toddlers and young children will enjoy shows like “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Wild Kratts,” “Arthur,” and “Sesame Street.” Commercials never interrupt the shows themselves, with brief pre-roll sponsor messages as the only annoyance.

If your child can’t get enough content from the linear channel or the app, you can also add PBS Kids as a channel on Amazon Prime Video, unlocking the entire archive of your favorite shows. That option costs $4.99/month after a 7-day free trial.

This move naturally suggests that DIRECTV STREAM may soon add regular PBS as part of its lineup soon, but there’s no news on that front.

PBS has previously said the holdup is that streaming services want a national feed, but PBS’ Chief Digital Officer Ira Rubenstein said, “That doesn’t work for us.” PBS was looking to be treated like a local network affiliate where member channels can also show their local content. Right now, YouTube TV is the only live streaming service to offer a PBS channel.

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PBS Kids

PBS Kids is a free online streaming platform serving toddlers and preschoolers. All content here is kid-friendly and safe. Children will learn lessons about emotional regulation, creative thinking, and problem-solving, with shows focused on science, reading, and more. Standout shows include “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Wild Kratts,” and “Molly of Denali.” It’s a must-have service for anyone with young children.

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While your family can enjoy PBS Kids for free with the app, the content is limited to eight episodes and a handful of clips per show. If you pay for PBS Kids as an Amazon video channel, you’ll have on demand access to every episode of every show.

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