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Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
The PBS app provides a streaming service for educational, cultural, and public affairs programming, offering access to live local television and a vast on-demand library. It suits viewers interested in documentaries, dramas, news, and science content from Public Broadcasting Service, with expanded access available through PBS Passport for station members.
What is PBS?
The PBS app is a mobile application designed for streaming television content from the Public Broadcasting Service. It allows users to watch live television from their local PBS station and access a broad collection of on-demand episodes from various series and documentaries.
Developed by PBS, the application is available for download on both Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. It is categorized under Entertainment on both platforms.
The app functions as a hub for PBS programming, presenting a range of genres including dramas, news, public affairs, history, arts, science, and nature content. New videos and episodes are added daily to its library.
Latest on PBS
Is this the real PBS app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (PBS), and the developer website help.pbs.org matches the publisher.
- Established since 2010Listed since Oct 25, 2010, 5,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | PBS |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | PBS |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | com.pbs.video |
| iOS bundle ID | org.pbs.playeripad |
| On the stores since | Oct 25, 2010 |
| Installs on Google Play | 5,000,000+ |
| Developer website | help.pbs.org |
| Content rating | Google Play: Teen / App Store: 17+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Users can connect to their local PBS station and stream its live broadcast.
- The app provides on-demand access to a wide selection of TV shows across multiple genres.
- A custom watchlist allows users to save episodes of their favorite TV shows.
- Specially curated playlists, short films, interviews, and extras are available for streaming.
- PBS Passport offers an expanded library of programming, including extended and exclusive access to over 1,500 episodes, for station members.
- Content includes popular dramas like "All Creatures Great & Small" and "Call the Midwife," news programs such as "PBS NewsHour," and documentaries from "Ken Burns."
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Privacy and permissions
On Google Play, the PBS app requests access to several permission groups: Identity, Contacts, Location, Microphone, and Wi-Fi connection information. These permissions are specified in the Google Play listing.
The App Store listing does not state specific permission groups the app requests from iOS users.
PBS publishes its privacy policy at www.pbs.org.
PBS permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 5 permission groups. Google Play also lists 8 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is about as many as most streaming, tv & news apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 5).
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
The App Store privacy label lists these data types:
- Used to track you: Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics
- Linked to you: Contact Info, Search History, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics
- Not linked to you: Location, Diagnostics
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
PBS at a glance
| Developer | PBS |
|---|---|
| Category | Entertainment |
| Rating on App Store | 4.9 out of 5 (356K ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.7 out of 5 (28K ratings) |
| Installs on Google Play | 5M+ |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 17+ |
What changed in the latest PBS version
App Store · Version 5.26.1, released Sep 14, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“UI improvements and bug fixes”
Google Play · Listing updated Sep 29, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“Bug fix for the app not displaying users' "continue watching" or favorite shows on the Home screen”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
The PBS app is available at no cost on both Google Play and the App Store. The Google Play listing indicates a price of 0, and the App Store listing specifies "Free."
An added benefit known as PBS Passport is available to individuals who become members by donating to their local PBS station. PBS Passport provides extended access to an expanded library of programming, including past and current seasons of popular shows, early releases, and special collections.
PBS compared with similar apps
| App | Rating | Installs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 PBS | 4.9 | 5M+ | Free |
 YouTube | 3.8 | 10B+ | Free |
 Tubi | 4.9 | 100M+ | Free |
 YouTube Music | 4.5 | 5B+ | Free |
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How to get PBS safely
To acquire the PBS app safely, users should download it exclusively from reputable application marketplaces such as Google Play or the App Store. It is advisable to verify that the developer listed on the store page is 'PBS' to ensure authenticity.
Users should avoid downloading the app from unofficial sources, third-party mirrors, or modified versions, as these may pose security risks. Before completing the installation, it is recommended to review the permissions the app requests on Google Play to understand what device information it may access.
How to install PBS
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for PBS, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is PBS.
- Check that your device meets the listing's requirement: Android 6.0 and up.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for PBS, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is PBS.
- Make sure your device has iOS 15.4 or later and about 52 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
PBS version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 5.26.1 |
| Last updated | Sep 29, 2026 | Sep 14, 2026 |
| First released | Jun 9, 2015 | Oct 25, 2010 |
| Package name | com.pbs.video | – |
| Bundle ID | – | org.pbs.playeripad |
| Requires | Android 6.0 and up | iOS 15.4 or later |
| Download size | – | 52 MB |
| Content rating | Teen | 17+ (Frequent/Intense Sexual Content or Nudity; Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information; Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References; Frequent/Intense Mature/Suggestive Themes; Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor; Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence; Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes) |
| In-app purchases | No | – |
| Contains ads | Yes | – |
| Languages | – | 1 (including English) |
| Developer | PBS | PBS |
Who PBS is for
The PBS app is intended for a broad audience seeking diverse and high-quality television programming, particularly those with an interest in educational content, award-winning documentaries, and acclaimed drama series. It caters to viewers who appreciate public affairs, history, science, and cultural performances.
Individuals who wish to stay informed with programs like "PBS NewsHour" and "Frontline," explore British dramas from Masterpiece, or delve into nature and science series will find the app suitable. It also serves supporters of local public television stations through its live streaming and PBS Passport features.
PBS for kids and families
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of content genres, including drama, news, history, and science.
- Provides live streaming access to local PBS stations.
- Allows on-demand viewing of thousands of full-length episodes.
- PBS Passport enhances the viewing experience with an expanded content library for station members.
- Available on major mobile platforms, including Android and iOS.
Cons
- The content rating differs between Google Play (Teen) and the App Store (17+).
- Requires specific permissions like Contacts and Microphone on Google Play, which some users may find extensive.
- The expanded content library via PBS Passport requires a station membership, meaning a donation.
- Users without PBS Passport may not have access to all past and current seasons or early releases.
PBS: frequently asked questions
Is the PBS app available at no cost?
Yes, the PBS app can be acquired at no cost from both Google Play and the App Store.
Who developed the PBS app?
The PBS app was developed by PBS.
On which devices can the PBS app be used?
The PBS app is available on devices running Android via Google Play and iOS via the App Store.
What kind of content is available on the PBS app?
The app offers a variety of content including live local TV, dramas like "All Creatures Great & Small," news programs such as "PBS NewsHour," documentaries, history series, arts performances, and science and nature shows.
What is PBS Passport?
PBS Passport is an added benefit for individuals who become members by donating to their local PBS station, providing expanded access to an acclaimed library of programming, including over 1,500 episodes and early releases.
When was the PBS app last updated on the App Store?
The PBS app was last updated on the App Store on 2026-09-14.
PBS
- Category
- Entertainment
- Version
- 5.26.1
Download
Looking for the PBS website or sign-in? Go to help.pbs.org →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
PBS ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.7 average from 27,601 ratings
- 587%
- 47%
- 32%
- 21%
- 13%
App Store 4.9 average from 356,440 ratings
- 593%
- 45%
- 31%
- 20%
- 11%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Sep 30, 2026.
