The Best of PBS: Shows Worth Your Time

PBS has been producing and broadcasting some of television's most respected programming for decades. From critically acclaimed British dramas to groundbreaking science documentaries, the network offers content that genuinely informs, challenges, and entertains. Here's a guide to some of PBS's most celebrated series — and how to access them.

Drama & Masterpiece

Masterpiece

The flagship drama anthology series on PBS, Masterpiece has brought American audiences some of the finest British television for over 50 years. Notable titles under the Masterpiece banner include Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Victoria, and Wolf Hall. New installments air regularly, and many seasons are available on demand through the PBS app and with PBS Passport.

Frontline

Frontline is one of the most respected investigative journalism programs on television. Each episode dives deep into a single topic — from political investigations to global health crises — with rigorous reporting and powerful storytelling. Full episodes are available free on the PBS website and app.

Science & Nature

NOVA

Running since 1974, NOVA is PBS's flagship science documentary series. It covers topics from ancient history to cutting-edge physics and climate science, consistently making complex subjects accessible without dumbing them down. Most episodes are available free on the PBS app.

Nature

The Nature series focuses on wildlife and the natural world with stunning cinematography. Episodes explore everything from the behavior of individual species to broad ecosystem stories. It's a perfect choice for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

History & Culture

Ken Burns Documentaries

Filmmaker Ken Burns has produced many of his landmark documentary series for PBS, including works on the Civil War, Jazz, Baseball, the National Parks, and more. These multi-part epics are celebrated for their depth and emotional resonance. PBS Passport members often have access to extended libraries of Burns's work.

American Experience

American Experience tells the stories of people, places, and events that shaped the United States. Each episode stands alone, making it easy to dip in based on your interests — whether that's the Space Race, the Dust Bowl, or the history of Las Vegas.

News & Public Affairs

PBS NewsHour

For those who prefer in-depth news coverage over sound bites, PBS NewsHour remains one of the most trusted nightly news programs in the country. Full episodes and individual segments are available on the PBS website, app, and YouTube channel shortly after broadcast.

Arts & Performance

Great Performances

Great Performances brings world-class theater, opera, ballet, and music to living rooms across the country. Productions from Broadway, the Met Opera, and iconic concerts are all part of this long-running series. PBS Passport unlocks a large back catalog of past performances.

Kids Programming

Sesame Street & More

PBS Kids remains a trusted destination for educational children's programming. While Sesame Street has moved its first-run episodes to a different platform, PBS Kids continues to offer strong educational content through series like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, and Curious George.

How to Watch PBS Shows On Demand

  • Free with PBS account: Many recent episodes are available at no cost with a free PBS account.
  • PBS Passport: A membership benefit that unlocks extended on-demand libraries, including full series back catalogs and early access to some content.
  • PBS app: Available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, smart TVs, iOS, and Android.
  • pbs.org: Stream directly in your browser without any app installation.

No matter what your interests are, PBS likely has something worth your time. The combination of a free PBS account and a Passport membership gives you one of the deepest content libraries available in public broadcasting.