Prime Video adding hundreds of local PBS channels, PBS Kids for free
Prime Video adding hundreds of local PBS channels, PBS Kids for free
The new additions will unlock a huge amount of PBS content for viewers around the country, and will be free to stream.
More and more Americans are using free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms to fill in the corners of their streaming setups. Most FAST channels are built to resemble classic linear TV networks, but Amazon is taking the next step by adding an actual broadcast channel to its free streaming lineup. The company has announced that Prime Video will add PBS stations from across the country, giving viewers the ability to stream the channel without a cable plan, or even an antenna.
Key Details:
- Prime Video is welcoming 150+ local PBS stations, the PBS Kids channel, and new PBS-themed FAST channels.
- The local PBS channels will be presented on Prime Video ad-free.
- Amazon recently discontinued its free streamer Freevee to migrate its content to Prime Video.
Over the course of the next few months, Prime Video will roll out more than 150 local PBS stations from across the United States, marking the first time they’re available on a free streaming platform. These will be the exact same channels you’d see if you tried to switch to PBS through your over-the-air antenna or on a pay-TV plan.
Better yet, Amazon will present these channels ad-free. In addition, Prime Video will carry the PBS Kids channel, as well as two new FAST channels: PBS Drama and PBS Documentaries. They’ll be available starting Nov. 26 and will be exclusive to Prime Video for a limited time. Finally, Amazon will offer a “pop-up” PBS free streaming channel featuring a changing selection of classic PBS titles like “Reading Rainbow.”
“We’re delighted to bring PBS’s trusted, high-quality programming to our FAST channels,” said Ryan Pirozzi, Head of Prime Video Marketplace. “We have put together one of the most exciting FAST offerings today for Prime Video customers, driven by a highly personalized experience, and a leading selection of channels featuring fan-favorite series, movies, news, sports, and more. We know our customers will be excited to discover that their beloved PBS member stations and two new PBS FAST Channels are now part of our growing offering.”
All of these channels will be provided completely free of charge to customers, whether or not they’re paid Prime Video subscribers. Viewers will have a different experience accessing these channels than they did in the past; formerly, Amazon housed free streaming channels in its ad-supported streaming service Freevee. But this week, the company said it was officially shutting down Freevee, and that henceforward the free channels would be found within Prime Video itself.
Local PBS channels arriving on Prime Video takes the streamer’s FAST offerings to another level. It will bear watching to see if other free streamers like The Roku Channel or Tubi try to make similar distribution deals with PBS in the near future.
Prime Video
Prime Video is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 10,000+ movies, TV shows, and Prime Originals like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “Jack Ryan,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and more. Subscribers can also add third-party services like Max, Showtime, STARZ, and dozens more with Prime Video Channels. Prime Video also offers exclusive live access to NFL Thursday Night Football.