Last year, we discussed why you can’t watch PBS live offerings on streaming services. While that hasn’t changed, there are ways that you can watch their best series on demand, even without cable. Through Amazon Channels service, you can can subscribe to streaming service called PBS Masterpiece and get their best period dramas on-demand.
Until January 17, Amazon Prime subscribers can add PBS Masterpiece for only $3.59 per month (40% OFF) for three months (normally $5.99 a month). If you don’t have Amazon prime, sign up for a 30-Day Free Trial.
Save On Other Streaming Services
For the limited time, you can also get 40% off on Starz, Lifetime Movie Club, and Showtime through Amazon Channels. Unfortunately, current subscribers to these channels through Amazon Prime Video aren’t eligible for the deal.
What Can You Watch of PBS Masterpiece?
While some older PBS content is already available through Prime Video, like Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, you will need PBS Masterpiece to watch all of PBS’ period dramas.
The streaming service gives you access to more recent TV shows, movies, and miniseries including Great Expectations and The Windsors, a documentary on four generations of The Royal Family. Jamestown, a series about a group of women in the 17th century Virginia settlement, is exclusively available through the Masterpiece channel. You’ll be able to watch new episodes of shows as soon as they air on PBS.
PBS has even started acquiring international content for the service through a deal the British streaming service Walter Presents. The international shows, which all have English subtitles, include Danish noir drama Norskov and Belgium’s thriller 13 Commandments.
PBS Masterpiece can be streamed across a wide variety of devices including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV.
PBS Masterpiece vs. PBS Passport?
What you won’t get with the service is the library of PBS science and lifestyle shows like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, and NOVA. To watch those you’ll need to subscribe to a “donation-based” service called PBS Passport for at least $60 a year. PBS Passport is potentially a better deal if you’re primarily interested in the science and lifestyle offerings, though you’ll miss out on Masterpiece exclusives.