# Thirteen Explore

> Stream PBS and THIRTEEN programs on iPhone and iPad, with live options for NYC. (iPhone/iPad app by Thirteen/WNET.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thirteen-explore/id598509773 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Thirteen/WNET](https://appshunter.io/developer/446797258)
- Category: Entertainment, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 5,771 App Store ratings · 81 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 21 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-02-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: ad-supported
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thirteen-explore/id598509773/reviews.md

## What is Thirteen Explore?

Your favorite THIRTEEN and PBS programs like Masterpiece, Nature and Frontline - streamed right to your iPhone and iPad!

THIRTEEN Explore includes:
* Full episodes from programs such as Masterpiece, American Masters, PBS NewsHour, Great Performances, Nature, NOVA, Antiques Roadshow and Frontline
* New York-centric shows like NYC-ARTS, MetroFocus, Treasures of New York and NJTV News
* Stream via Apple TV and Chromecast to your TV
* Livestream THIRTEEN (must be in the NYC metropolitan area)

## Key features

- Stream full episodes
- Masterpiece, Nature, Frontline
- New York-centric shows
- Livestream THIRTEEN (NYC)
- Cast to TV

## What do users think of Thirteen Explore?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Quality entertainment and education
- 👍 Variety of programming
- 👍 Reliable and trustworthy content
- 👍 Ability to watch missed episodes

**Cons**

- 🐛 Buggy app with login and playback issues
- 🤔 Lack of user-friendly features (e.g., episode tracking, Chromecast support)
- 🤔 Limited content availability for Passport members

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes or doesn't work
- Playback issues, such as app crashing or getting kicked out
- Incompatibility with certain devices (e.g., Firestick)

**Most requested features**

- Add episode tracking and resume playback functionality
- Improve Chromecast support with features like closed captions
- Expand Passport content library to include more archived shows

## Recent user reviews (10 of 81)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thirteen-explore/id598509773/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Terrible amateur app

*2026-05-14, version 3.1.0*

I’ve never had such a terrible sign-up, renew, payment experience. And asking people to call your 800 number (during bankers hours only) to solve a problem every other business solved online in 2010 is terrible also. They took my subscription money twice, giving me an errors each time, but the charges are on my card, yet I’m still not subscribed. Bang up job PBS New York.

### 5/5 — The Best

*2026-03-19, version 3.1.0*

I could cancel all the apps and just watch everything on PBS. I’m a passport member. Best channel!

### 5/5 — All Creatures

*2025-02-17, version 3.0.4*

We so look forward to All Creatures Great and Small. The rest of the world stops on Sunday night while we tune in to All Creatures.

### 1/5 — Sign In Error

*2024-06-10, version 3.0.4*

Can't sign in with Apple using the app.  I get a blank pop-up screen and that's it.  Have no trouble signing in using a browser.

### 5/5 — Thirteen is Definitely a Lucky Number

*2023-12-21, version 3.0.4*

As a PBS MEMBER/SUPPORTER for more years than I can remember. . . at age 80+, I can safely say, “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!”.
My current copy of THIRTEEN Vol33, Issue 1/January 2024 is Testament to that Longevity.

### 1/5 — Horrible

*2023-03-10, version 3.0.3*

I made an account to watch Finding your roots.  I have been to watch only one episode ever since.  It keeps asking me to login again and again.  When I get to click “play” it cancels and the app shuts down.  I always been a fan of Channel 13 but this is ridiculous.  I have wasted some time just to login.

### 1/5 — App not reliable nor ADA compatible

*2023-03-10, version 3.0.3*

If you want to cast to your television (and you probably will) you can’t use the closed captioning feature. I can only view foreign language content which comes with captions preloaded.  Also you can’t continuously watch episodes without popping in and out of the app.

### 5/5 — Review thirteen programs

*2023-02-19, version 3.0.3*

Absolutely best on the block!

### 5/5 — Title

*2023-01-29, version 3.0.3*

Review

### 5/5 — JN

*2022-12-12, version 3.0.3*

Very good

## Frequently asked questions about Thirteen Explore

### What kind of shows can I watch on this app?

You can stream full episodes of popular PBS and THIRTEEN programs. This includes acclaimed series like Masterpiece, Nature, Frontline, American Masters, PBS NewsHour, Great Performances, NOVA, and Antiques Roadshow. The app also features New York-centric shows such as NYC-ARTS, MetroFocus, Treasures of New York, and NJTV News.

### How can I watch content on my TV?

You can stream content directly to your television using Apple TV and Chromecast. This allows you to enjoy your favorite programs on a larger screen from your iPhone or iPad.

### Is there a live TV option?

Yes, the app offers a livestream of THIRTEEN. However, this feature is only available if you are located within the New York metropolitan area.

### Is this app free to use?

The app is free to download and use. It is supported by advertisements, meaning you will see ads while streaming content.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

This application is designed for streaming on your iPhone and iPad. You can also cast content to your TV using Apple TV and Chromecast.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.1.0 — 2025-06-09

Bug fixes and improvements

### 3.0.4 — 2023-06-22

Bug fixes and improvements.

### 3.0.3 — 2022-10-18

Fixes a bug where the app can freeze after watching a video.

### 3.0.1 — 2021-12-20

Important update to ensure livestream functionality

### 3.0 — 2021-05-05

New design!
New icon!
Livestream the broadcast channel!
Browse popular programs by season!
Many bug fixes and improvements!

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## More apps by Thirteen/WNET

- [Mission US: Think Fast! About the Past](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mission-us-think-fast-about-the-past/id566607316)
- [Mission US: Up from the Dust](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mission-us-up-from-the-dust/id1137321335)
- [NJ PBS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nj-pbs/id1383342133)
- [ALL ARTS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/all-arts/id1439833045)
- [MissionUS: For Crown or Colony](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/missionus-for-crown-or-colony/id1445695332)

All apps by Thirteen/WNET: https://appshunter.io/developer/446797258

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*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 2026-08-24.*