# Smithsonian Channel — user reviews > 51 indexed App Store user reviews of Smithsonian Channel by SN Digital LLC, rated 2.80/5 from 387 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smithsonian-channel/id1033037451/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smithsonian-channel/id1033037451.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 125 · 4★ 33 · 3★ 31 · 2★ 34 · 1★ 164 ## What do users think of Smithsonian Channel? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 📚 High-quality educational content - 🎬 Excellent documentary selection - 🌍 Diverse nature and history programming - 📺 Beautiful cinematography and 4K content - 💰 Affordable subscription pricing ($4.99-$5/month) - 📱 Available across multiple platforms (iOS, Apple TV, Roku) **Cons** - 💳 Requires separate paid subscription despite cable provider access - 🔐 No cable provider login integration in app - 📉 Reduced content library after CBS acquisition - 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes - 🎬 Limited full season availability - 📺 Poor video resolution quality despite 4K claims - 🔄 Broken remember-me and auto-login functions - 📱 Portrait-mode only orientation issues - 💰 Paywalls for individual episodes despite subscription - 🎯 Confusing multiple subscription service options - 📺 Inconsistent content between app and cable broadcast - ⚠️ Ads interrupting subscription viewing experience **Commonly reported bugs** - App randomly pauses during playback, especially with headphones - Login credentials not recognized in app despite working on website - App hangs when loading show pages - Splash screen logo freezes on startup - Landscape mode displays previous screen overlay - Video doesn't resume after commercial breaks - Ads repeat for extended periods despite countdown timer - Full-screen playback not functioning on phones - Subscription authentication errors after app updates - Poor performance and navigation responsiveness - Website login compatibility issues with certain browsers **Most requested features** - Cable provider login integration in mobile app - Favorites/watchlist feature - Full season availability for all shows - Landscape mode support on mobile devices - Integration with TV app and Up Next feature - Ad-free experience for paid subscribers - Improved video streaming quality - Better content discovery and navigation - More nature and history documentaries - Fewer sensationalized show formats ## Newest reviews (15 of 51) ### 2/5 — Missing an important feature *2021-12-22, version 97.0* There’s no add to my favorites list anywhere within the app that I can see. So, what? We have to hunt down what we want to watch each time? No, thanks! Yes, I’ve signed in with my provider, it still didn’t show how to save programs! Bummed! ### 2/5 — fix this stupid app. *2021-10-30, version 93.0* this app used to be amazing. no ads, full videos with all seasons. now i can’t watch anything because when it goes into commercials, it doesn’t open the video back up. it just repeats ads for a good five minutes even though it says “content will resume in 1:30”. Take away the ads, or fix the bug. ### 2/5 — Good contents but poor picture resolution *2021-01-01, version 4.1.0* My family loves watching documentaries on big screen. I was excited when I was browsing the movie list in the app. But when we started to watch on our 120” projector screen, we were very disappointed with the picture quality. Even for the ones in 4K category, the quality is not even close to, say the Apple original series “Tiny World” - one of our favorites. Eventually it became such a torture to the eyes we had to stop the movie. **Developer response:** We appreciate this feedback, and have forwarded your feedback internally. Thank you for watching Smithsonian Channel! ### 3/5 — Needs work *2020-07-17, version 4.0.21* This app needs a lot of work. You can’t watch it full screen on your phone and it doesn’t work sometimes lol. I love Smithsonian and would pay 2-3 extra dollars a month just so they could make this app better. Of course, the cable subscription thing is dumb but that’s probably not the fault of the developers. Someone higher up is trying to save money or just has an old school way of thinking and that’s why this app is so far behind from everyone else. Smithsonian is 10 times better than curiosity stream so I’ll always appreciate their great content but I’m hoping this app improves sooner than later. Is it as bad as everyone is saying? No, not really but it’s insane it’s with how the whole thing is set up. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that you are having technical difficulties, and we want to help you! If you are still having trouble watching our content, use https://help.smithsonianchannel.com and submit a request. We're happy to let you know that if you already get Smithsonian Channel through your cable provider, you can now stream hundreds of hours of programming within the Smithsonian Channel app. Select 'SIGN IN' then 'SELECT TV PROVIDER.' Once you've selected your provider, you may sign in with your provider credentials. Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback, and thank you for watching Smithsonian Channel! ### 1/5 — Smithsonian Channel + *2020-05-13, version 4.0.19* I subscribe to SC+. However there are very few shows to watch the entire season for. Usually it is season limited, and then the app ask me to buy each show for $2.99. Smithsonian support said since I’m buying through Apple I should talk to them. But the app is not Apple’s. Anyway I reached out to Apple, they suggested I reach out to Smithsonian. Meanwhile I am getting charged. Addendum: received response advising that if I wanted to see all shows, to get and subscribe to SC+. Please refer to the first sentence of this review. ### 1/5 — What everyone else has said *2020-04-07, version 4.0.19* We pay for Smithsonian Channel through our $$$ Comcast package. But, if you can’t watch on a cable box (our kids’ TV doesn’t have one), you are SOL. You have NO streaming rights as a Comcast subscriber to Smithsonian apps - unless you pay them a 2nd time! Don’t you hate it when grifters don’t even know how to do it well? I’ll probably downgrade our package at some point in the future and I won’t miss this channel at all. The world’s awash in content and some programming exec thinks we are stupid enough to pay for the same thing twice. **Developer response:** We're happy to let you know that if you already get Smithsonian Channel through your cable provider, you can now stream hundreds of hours of programming within the Smithsonian Channel app. Select 'SIGN IN' then 'SELECT TV PROVIDER.' Once you've selected your provider, you may sign in with your provider credentials. Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback, and thank you for watching Smithsonian Channel! ### 1/5 — Horrible experience *2020-03-26, version 4.0.19* I already get the Smithsonian Channel though my cable provider. Unlike every other premium cable channel which allows me to log in with my service provider credentials Smithsonian expects me to pay more for the joy of watching though the app. I can go to a URL and stream shows on my iPad using my service provider credential - I just can’t do that though the app. I expected more from Smithsonian. ### 2/5 — Great content but videos pause themselves randomly *2020-01-18, version 4.0.16* As the title says, there is some great content to be had here at a great price. Most of the lower reviews are about the confusion regarding the various subscriptions that have been made available over the years, not the app itself. Problem is, for MONTHS this app has had an issue with randomly pausing itself, particularly when using headphones. It happens with various different headphones, so it’s not those, and this is the only app it happens to so it’s unlikely to e the iPad. Still, I restored the iPad and set it up as new just in case, but the issue persists. I have no idea why this is happening but it’s an immense frustration. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that you are having technical difficulties. Please try updating to the latest iOS version. If you are still having trouble watching our content, please visit https://help.smithsonianchannel.com and submit a request. We want to help you! ### 1/5 — No Streaming Through TV Providers *2020-01-06, version 4.0.16* The only way this app works is through paid subscriptions only. If you want to watch through your TV Provider you must do it on the website, this goes for the app on the Apple TV. To think that in 2020 a television channel would not provide this basic service that every other channel provides in their apps, says a lot about the people responsible for providing the content at the Smithsonian Channel. ### 1/5 — No provider login *2019-09-11, version 4.0.7* I read the previous reviews about how there’s no provider login in the app, and come to find out it’s true. The developer does give a response with a website on were to go and stream. I think they are misunderstanding what we’re asking for. What we mean is that there’s now “In APP login”. Yeah, we can go to the site, but if we go to the site then what the point of the app? ### 3/5 — Who do I contact regarding... *2019-09-10, version 4.0.7* I have had a subscription for the Plus through Apple which renews each month with payment. Today, I clicked on the App, started watching a program without any problems, decided to try another program & a screen came up offering me a 7-day free trial & wouldn’t let me watch anything else unless I signed up for another paid subscription which just renewed 2 weeks ago. Tried “restore purchase” & tried to sign back in...still refused my attempt to open. Clearly, the App Store says I have an active subscription. I sent an email to Smithsonian through their App feedback option, who in turn is replying they can’t help me. And says to contact Apple. Seems like Smithsonian Network says it’s all on Apple to assist me—too late today, so, I guess I will try tomorrow. Follow-up…deleted App & reinstalled & now, it opens programming without a problem. Smithsonian kinda passed the problem on to Apple which is interesting since most other Subscription Apps are usually anxious to assist or suggest solutions. Which,simply, could’ve been to just delete the App & reinstall. **Developer response:** We're sorry to hear that you're disappointed! Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. If you would like to share specific details about your Smithsonian Channel experience, we want to hear them. Please visit https://help.smithsonianchannel.com where you can submit a request. ### 1/5 — Why pay twice? *2019-08-23, version 4.0.7* I'm already paying for Smithsonian Channel through my TV provider. Every other channel let's me use the app with my provider login. They're going to respond to this saying I can use the website, but that's disingenuous. I can login to every other channel's app on my AppleTV. How about you actually value your subscribers instead of trying to milk them for more money? ### 1/5 — No cable subscription login *2019-08-03, version 4.0.7* If this app is just for the Smithsonian Channel Plus subscription, then change the name of the app. I used to be able to watch programming through the older version of this app, but now the developer just says that we need to go to a website to access the programming that this app should show me. When I go to the website it says to use the app. Very frustrating. ### 2/5 — How much is this *2019-08-02, version 4.0.7* I have Dish Network and don’t have this channel. I downloaded this new app just like any other. There was no mention of cost. If I delete the app will it cancel the monthly fee? I never would have known there was a monthly cost until after I downloaded the new app and started reading the reviews. God grief. I tried to send and have to enter a nick name, which I don’t have? I’ll get this sent today I hope. I’ve entered 10 nick names and all are taken. Wow ### 1/5 — Needs cable login *2019-07-26, version 4.0.7* I pay for cable and the Smithsonian channel. I don’t understand why I should have to buy a second Smithsonian subscription to stream through the app.... I can log in through the website? That’s fine and dandy except when I am on my phone and not wanting to stream in the browser. If cable login is ever added, my review will likely change. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Pathetic! *2023-11-09* I was formerly a Verizon Fios customer up until a week ago, and that is how I used to authenticated the Smithsonian app so I could watch Smithsonian on demand via the app. I’ve since switched my provider from fios to YouTubeTV. However, when I try to sign in on either my iPad or AppleTV, the Smithsonian app still redirects me to Verizon to authenticate and does not give me ANY option to authenticate through another TV provider (eg YouTubeTV). This is insane! I’m already paying for this programming, and Smithsonian is failing me miserably. Not fair…not right! **Developer response:** Open Settings on your iOS device, scroll down to the menu option “TV Provider” and tap Sign Out. Go to the app to sign in again. If you see the prompt asking you whether you wish to allow the app to use your TV provider subscription, choose “Don’t Allow”. Allowing this will reactivate SSO and trigger the error. You should then be able to sign in to your TV provider as normal. ### 1/5 — Unable to use Directv stream to connect *2023-02-09, version 126.0* I have the Smithsonian channel included with my Directv Stream. But the only option to connect a tv provider is Directv Satellite. The two are different accounts. So when I try to connect my tv provider it doesn’t work. There is no option for Directv Stream. With more and more people cutting the cord and using steaming, this should already be corrected. ### 1/5 — Still Terrible Since Last Years Rewrite *2022-02-17, version 101.0* If only I could give zero stars for an absolutely terrible app. The previous app apparently had too much content and was way to easy to navigate. We can fix that. It also had a tremendous amount of 4K shows. Gone. This is like going back to Windows 98 after using the latest version of iOS. Smart move. I used to view shows in this app on a daily basis. I haven’t watched anything in this app since the rewrite. Just checking when an update comes in to see if it’s fixed. Sadly it’s the same garbage app on the iPad and Apple TV. ### 1/5 — They Don’t Care About Cable Customers *2021-12-08, version 96.0* The selection & quality of content was unrivaled til this company saw an opportunity to make more money with Paramount+. They reduced the library by more than half & made the other shows exclusive to Paramount+. Why are trying to force cable customers to pay for content they’ve already paid for on an additional platform? The customer is always right, bring the old app back and stop being greedy! This is an outrage. ### 1/5 — Latest Version *2021-11-04, version 94.0* Honestly my favorite streaming app to watch documentaries. Now not at all, since the new update, it only works in portrait mode, really annoying changing positions with the iPad. Even when it changes to landscape to play any show, the top part of the screen (where the time and battery are showing) stays showing the previous screen. Now we have to deal with commercials too. One of the main reasons why I like to use the app is to get away from commercials. ### 1/5 — Crap app *2020-12-30, version 4.1.0* This has to be one of the worst app I have used. And the sad thing is they charge for this. You would think they would put some care into it since it’s based off a channel let alone to make money. One thing if the app for free but even then. They even make money from advertisements but can’t help but to cut corners when building the app they are going to charge for in the first place. Very disappointing that a company as big as this can be as careless as this ### 1/5 — Don't support my provider? *2020-12-12, version 4.1.0* Soo...let me get this straight, I subscribe to a specific tier with my cable provider to watch Smithsonian channel, yet when I want to use the mobile app my provider is not available? Listen AT&T & Viacom, cut the crap, what's the sense of even subscribing to have the channel yet I can't use the mobile app?? Also, I have cbs all access, which is owned, yet again, by ViaCom CBS but doesn't have the latest episodes?? What's the point!!!!! It's all useless garbage! ### 1/5 — Used to be great then cbs stepped in *2020-12-06, version 4.1.0* This used to be one of my favorite apps/services. But now cbs has taken over and forced me into cbs all access. So now I'm paying more to watch commercials with a abysmal interface. The Smithsonian channel is literally the only thing of interest to me on CBS all access. Oh, and there's also a season of air disasters missing from what's on the Smithsonian app which I can no longer access. ### 1/5 — I don’t want cbs I only want Smithsonian *2020-11-30, version 4.0.25* The app was 4.99 a month. Now in order to watch it I have to pay for cbs. If I wanted to watch anything on cbs, I would have paid for cbs. I don’t watch anything at all on cbs, if I did I could turn on the television and watch the boring cbs shows. So in order to watch Smithsonian I have to pay more money to cbs. Can you please go back to how it was? ### 1/5 — You have to pay twice? *2020-05-29, version 4.0.19* Just like everyone says, you have to pay twice. Once for your cable subscription, and then once for the streaming app service. They’ll come and say, “you can access all of our stuff on our website for free with your cable provider....blah blah blah.” Yes I understand that, But I want to watch that content through the app on my Apple TV, and not through a web browser. Not that difficult to figure out. It’s amazing how stupid UX people can be... ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Aerial America rules! *2022-01-28, version 99.0* You guys need to make more shows like aerial America…take air disasters off the air, no pun intended…that show is scary and is always on, more nature and history documentaries less plane crash garbage ### 5/5 — Loved this Channel - App *2020-12-06, version 4.1.0* One of the only decent apps I’ve found on any of these pad, phone, Win 10 deals. Just wished they understood that a lot of us come from the net with no tv provider at all except the “45 foot antenna outside the house.” And I’ve just read that it’s been canceled‼️ 🤦🏼‍♂️ Nothing left to watch except a few old reruns - OMG 😳 CLASS 1AAA APP/CHANNEL **Developer response:** We appreciate this feedback, and have forwarded your comment internally. Thank you for watching Smithsonian Channel! ### 5/5 — Great app *2019-11-14, version 4.0.12* This is a great app with great content. I plan to become a history professor, but have to take a break from school for a bit for family stuff. I’ve found this app to be an enjoyable and reliable way to keep my knowledge up to date. The only reason for the bad reviews is because people don’t like having to pay for stuff lol **Developer response:** Thank you for taking the time to provide this great feedback, and thank you for watching Smithsonian Channel! ### 5/5 — Love this channel *2019-06-25, version 4.0.7* Love this channel but my cable provider (dish) only allows it on their highest tier. For $5 a month it’s worth it for me to watch all of these shows ad free without having to buy additional channels through dish that I don’t want. ### 5/5 — Fantastic collection of documentaries *2019-01-12, version 2.0.3* I discovered this app on my Roku Tv and was happy to find find out there was an iOS App as well. It is filled with hundreds of videos, including documentaries about nature, history, technology and much more. A true treasure trove. ### 5/5 — Beautiful documentaries and Amazing wildlife cinematography *2018-06-03, version 1.2.5* Smithsonian has been a world class museum for almost as long as the USA has been a country. The science and education that the institution has provided since its inception in 1846 is incredible. All that knowledge and exploration has translated very well into the videos they produce, from exploring delicate ecosystems to delving into the history of ancient civilizations, they continue to capture thrilling and timely movies and tv shows. This Smithsonian app is a must have for anyone interested in history, nature and science. They have tried to keep up with providing new full length shows for this app, but it seems the process is slow, that would be my only complaint, but there is enough currently available to keep you entertained for quite a while. I’m happy to keep my subscription going, not only to support this great institution, but to satisfy my curiosity about the history, nature, and science in our amazing world. **Developer response:** Thank you for taking the time to provide us with this amazing feedback! We are happy to hear that you are enjoying your subscription! Thank you, as always, for watching Smithsonian Earth! ### 5/5 — Beautiful Documentaries *2017-12-06, version 1.2.2* These documentaries look absolutely stunning on my Apple TV4K. My ONLY complaint is I would LOVE if you’d integrate it with the “TV” app and “Up Next” on iOS and tvOS. But other than that it’s such a great app and such great content! ### 4/5 — Greedy *2021-01-10, version 4.1.0* I logged in through my provider and they still don’t offer full seasons as other apps do. This is a cheesy way to get more money out of your audience by charging for episodes for a complete season. Smithsonian must be a CBS affiliates as there one of the worst for being greedy also like their programming is gold or something. Some Free advice for you, do like almost all others do and don’t limit your customers that already pay for your programming & you’ll increase the size of your programming audience. This isn’t rocket science!! **Developer response:** Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. If you would like to share specific details about your Smithsonian Channel experience, like what was missing with your TV login, we want to hear them. Please visit https://help.smithsonianchannel.com where you can submit a request. ### 4/5 — Was working, now doesn’t *2018-12-27, version 2.0.2* We were so excited for the pay subscription model as we don’t have cable. App was working beautifully until last update, now nothing loads. We are missing this app already, we had been enjoying it so much. Hopefully a fix is on the way! ### 3/5 — Good content, but very glitchy *2022-04-09, version 104.0* Just like the title says- the content is still mostly educational. The Smithsonian channel hasn’t digressed to mindless content like some other networks, just to garner more views. The app is a pain to use though due to its poor programming, and/or server. I would love it if I wouldn’t have to sign in with my cable network every time I want to use the app! The “don’t ask again on this browser” and “remember me” functions do not work. This seems like it would be an easy fix, but I’m not a programmer. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*