Passport FAQ

What is PBS Passport?

PBS Passport is one of the benefits you receive when you support PBS SoCal With Passport, you can stream many of your favorite PBS programs – full seasons of Masterpiece as well as many episodes of NOVA, Nature, PBS SoCal Originals, American Experience, American Masters, Great Performances, Antiques Roadshow, Independent Lens and more.

Is there a minimum donation for PBS Passport?

PBS Passport is a benefit for all of our supporters who donate $5/month or $60/year or more.

I’m a member. How do I start watching?

When you make a contribution to PBS SoCal you’ll receive an email with a link to create your Passport login. Just click that link and sign in or create a login. From then on, you can use your login on any device. If you’re already a member, but can’t find that email, click here.

How do I watch shows with Passport?

To watch on your TV, just get the PBS app, which is available for your Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android, Vizio or newer Samsung TV. You can also get the PBS app for your phone or tablet. Or, watch on our website - click Watch at the top of the screen.

I forgot my login. How do I find it?

Enter your email address at this link and you’ll receive an email with information on how to log in.

Can I stream shows without a membership?

Yes! Just download the PBS app on your streaming player, phone or tablet. Or, click Watch at the top of our website. Most of our programs are available for free streaming for at least two weeks after they premiere. And many shows, like the PBS NewsHour and FRONTLINE, will always be free. Also, you can watch PBS SoCal on television for free.

Can I view PBS SoCal Passport videos outside the United States?

Due to rights restrictions, our streaming videos can only be viewed within the United States. A growing number of videos can also be viewed in Canada.

I can’t stream my favorite show with PBS Passport. Why not?

We would love to be able to offer every single program. However, streaming rights have to be negotiated separately for each program, and for financial or contractual reasons, we can’t always secure those rights. But we’re doing our best and adding new programs all the time.

My video is stopping and starting, how do I fix this?

• If you have an ad blocker on your computer, you’ll need to disable it for pbssocal.org.
• If Flash was disabled on your browser, the video won’t play - enable Flash in your browser’s settings.
• If cookies were disabled on your browser, then the video won’t play - enable cookies in your browser’s settings.
  

How do I change the email address I use to log into my PBS account?

• Go to pbs.org and click Sign In at the top left corner.
• Click the blue bar labeled Sign In with PBS Account and sign in.
• After a second, your name will appear at the top left of the screen. Click your name, then choose Profile
• Click Account Security.
• Click the pencil next to your email address and enter your new email address.
• Click Continue and follow the instructions to complete the process.

How do I switch my Passport benefit to a different PBS account?

If you’d like to switch your Passport benefit to a different account, just use our Passport Reset Tool.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes. Public Media Group of Southern California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your donation is tax-deductible. PBS Passport is a member benefit and not available for purchase, so there is no fair market value.

Technical Support

There are additional FAQs here. If you ever get stuck or need help with your membership, please contact Member Services at member@pbssocal.org or (714) 241-4100 ext. 4. You can also call PBS technical support at (844) 812-5623.