What PBS Passport is and who can use it

PBS Passport is a feature that lets you stream PBS shows on demand through the PBS app or website, available to people who have a membership at a participating PBS station. You do not buy PBS Passport directly — instead, you get access to it by supporting your local PBS station with a donation, usually $5 or more per month, or by being a cable or satellite TV subscriber whose provider has a deal with PBS.

The membership is tied to your local station, so the shows and content available to you depend on which station you support. If you move or want to switch stations, you can update your membership online. The service works on phones, tablets, computers, and some streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.

PBS Passport is separate from PBS.org, where some content streams free to everyone. With Passport, you get earlier access to new episodes and a larger back catalog of shows than the free tier offers.

Key Takeaways

  • PBS Passport requires a membership donation to your local PBS station, usually starting at $5 per month, or a cable or satellite subscription that includes PBS.
  • You stream shows through the PBS app or website using your membership login, and content varies by which station you support.
  • New episodes typically become available to Passport members before they air on TV, and you can watch past seasons of most PBS shows.
  • The service works on phones, tablets, computers, Roku, Apple TV, and some other streaming devices, but not all devices are supported.
  • You can watch without ads, and there are no separate fees beyond your station membership.

How to set up PBS Passport with a station membership

Start by choosing which PBS station to support. Go to PBS.org, find the "Support PBS" or "Become a Member" link, and select your state and station. You will enter your email, create a password, and choose your membership level — usually $5, $10, or $15 per month, though one-time annual donations are also an option.

After you complete the donation, you will receive a confirmation email with your membership details. Use that email and password to log into the PBS app or PBS.org. Once logged in, you can start streaming immediately. If you use multiple devices, you can log in on each one with the same account.

Your membership renews automatically each month or year depending on what you chose. You can cancel or change your membership level anytime through your account settings on PBS.org.

How to use PBS Passport if you have cable or satellite TV

If your cable or satellite provider includes PBS as part of your package, you may already have Passport access without an extra donation. Providers that offer this include some plans from Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Dish Network, and others, though not all plans include it.

To check if your provider supports Passport, go to PBS.org and look for the "Sign In" option. Select your provider from the list and follow the login steps using your cable or satellite account credentials. If your provider is listed and you can log in, you have Passport access.

If your provider is not listed or does not offer Passport, you can still get access by making a donation directly to your local station instead.

What shows and content are available

PBS Passport includes most PBS series, including popular shows like Masterpiece, NOVA, Nature, Antiques Roadshow, Downton Abbey, and Sherlock. You can usually watch current seasons and several past seasons of each show. The exact catalog varies slightly by station, but the differences are usually minor.

New episodes typically become available to Passport members a few days before they air on television, giving you early access. Some PBS documentaries and specials are also included. However, not every PBS production is on Passport — some older shows or regional content may not be available.

You can browse by show title, genre, or what is new. Most shows let you pick up where you left off, and you can add shows to a watchlist to keep track of what you want to see.

Devices and streaming compatibility

PBS Passport works on most common devices: iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Windows and Mac computers, Roku devices, Apple TV (4th generation and newer), Amazon Fire TV, and some Samsung Smart TVs. You can also watch through a web browser on any computer.

The app is free to download from the App Store, Google Play, or your device's app store. Once you download it, log in with your membership email and password, and you can start streaming right away.

If you have an older device or a less common streaming platform, check the PBS website to see if it is supported before you sign up. Some older Roku models and older versions of Apple TV may not work with the current app.

Cost and membership options

PBS Passport itself has no separate fee — you pay only for your membership to your local station. Monthly memberships typically start at $5 per month, with options for $10, $15, or higher depending on the station. Annual memberships are usually available at a discount, often around $60 per year instead of $60 spread over twelve months.

Some stations offer one-time donations as well, though these do not renew automatically and you will need to donate again to keep your access. A few stations have special introductory rates for new members, so it is worth checking your station's page to see if there is a current offer.

If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes PBS Passport, there is no additional cost beyond what you already pay your provider.

Canceling or changing your membership

You can cancel your membership or change your donation level anytime through your account on PBS.org. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for membership or billing options. You will see your current membership level and renewal date, and you can update or cancel from there.

If you cancel a monthly membership, your access ends at the end of that billing cycle — you do not lose access immediately. If you cancel an annual membership, you typically cannot get a refund for the unused portion, though policies vary by station, so check before you cancel.

If you want to switch to a different local station, you can cancel your current membership and start a new one with a different station. Your login and watchlist will stay the same, but the show catalog will update to reflect your new station's offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch PBS Passport shows on my TV without a smart TV?

Yes. If your TV is not a smart TV, you can use a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, or Chromecast device to stream PBS Passport to your television. You will need to connect the device to your TV and your home internet, then log in with your membership account.

Do I have to watch ads with PBS Passport?

No. PBS Passport is ad-free. You can watch full episodes without interruption, which is one of the main differences between Passport and the free PBS.org streaming service.

Can I download shows to watch offline?

PBS Passport does not currently offer offline downloads. You must stream shows while connected to the internet. Some PBS content may be available for purchase through other services if you want to own it permanently.

What happens if I move to a different state?

You can update your membership to a different PBS station anytime through your account settings. Your login and watchlist stay the same, but the available shows will reflect your new station's catalog. You can make the change online without contacting anyone.

Is PBS Passport the same as PBS.org?

No. PBS.org offers free streaming of some shows to everyone, but with ads and a smaller catalog. PBS Passport is the ad-free, members-only service with more episodes and earlier access to new content. You need a membership to use Passport.