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Best Pbs Documentaries Apps

189+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated June 2026

From beginner-friendly picks to power-user tools, our pbs documentaries list covers 189+ iPhone apps updated through June 2026. Compare ratings, prices, and screenshots in one place.

Top Picks for Pbs Documentaries

PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries#1

PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries by Public Broadcasting Service

Stream News, Movies, and Shows
Editor's Choice
🎬 Entertainment
4.9😐(356K ratings)
FreeAds
PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 1
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PBS: Watch TV & Documentaries screenshot 6

Stream a vast library of award-winning documentaries, iconic series, and live local TV from your PBS station. Discover new shows and catch up on favorites across drama, news, history, science, and arts anytime, anywhere.

What We Love

  • 🎥 Excellent programming, especially documentaries
  • 🎨 High-quality, diverse content
  • 📺 Ability to watch shows on-demand
  • 🎬 Exclusive access to shows through Passport

Room to Improve

  • 🤖 Buggy app with frequent crashes
  • 🔍 Difficulty finding and resuming shows
  • 💰 Paywall for most content, even for donors
HISTORY: Shows & Documentaries#2

HISTORY: Shows & Documentaries by A&E Television Networks Mobile

Watch your favorite TV series
Strong Contender
🎬 Entertainment
4.7😊(1.3K ratings)
FreeAds
HISTORY: Shows & Documentaries screenshot 1
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HISTORY: Shows & Documentaries screenshot 6

Stream a vast library of popular HISTORY TV series and documentaries. Watch full episodes, catch up on seasons, and access exclusive clips. Create a profile to continue watching across devices.

What We Love

  • 🤩 Fascinating mystery
  • 👍 Diligent and dedicated team
  • 🎉 Exciting new discoveries
  • 🙌 Integrity and care for the work

Room to Improve

  • 🔍 Slow progress
  • 🚨 Frequent commercial breaks
  • 🐛 Streaming issues and glitches
CuriosityStream#3

CuriosityStream by CuriosityStream, LLC

Watch smart documentaries
Worth Considering
🎬 Entertainment
4.6😐(6.3K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
CuriosityStream screenshot 1
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Access a vast library of award-winning documentaries and non-fiction content covering science, nature, history, and biographies. Enjoy ad-free streaming and offline viewing for all ages, including a dedicated kids' section.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Great content
  • 💡 Excellent value for money
  • 👍 Diverse range of documentaries
  • 👍 Informative and educational

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes
  • 🐛 Streaming issues and buffering problems
  • 🐛 Poor user interface and navigation

More Pbs Documentaries apps to explore

4
RMPBS+ Rocky Mountain PBS
RMPBS+ Rocky Mountain PBS
RMPBS+ Rocky Mountain PBS
by Rocky Mountain Public Media, Inc.
Free

Stream your favorite PBS series and discover new shows on demand or live. Access local Colorado programming, documentaries, dramas, and more. Enhance your viewing with an expanded library of content through station membership.

Stream PBS series on demandWatch live TV channelsDiscover local Colorado programming
🎬 Entertainment
(10)
free
5
Thirteen Explore
Thirteen Explore
Thirteen Explore
by Thirteen/WNET
Free

Stream full episodes of popular PBS and THIRTEEN programs, including Masterpiece, Nature, and Frontline, directly to your iPhone and iPad. Access New York-centric shows and livestream THIRTEEN if you're in the NYC metro area. Cast content to your TV using Apple TV and Chromecast.

Stream full episodesMasterpiece, Nature, FrontlineNew York-centric shows
🎬 Entertainment
(5.8K)
ad-supported
6
HISTORY Vault
HISTORY Vault
HISTORY Vault
by A&E Television Networks Mobile
Free

Explore thousands of documentaries and specials about history, from ancient times to modern conflicts. Watch full-length, commercial-free videos on demand, with new content added weekly. Access classic series and discover the events and people that shaped our world.

Thousands of documentaries and specialsCommercial-free viewingNew videos added weekly
🎬 Entertainment
(1.1K)
free with in-app purchases
7
Cascade PBS
Cascade PBS
Cascade PBS
Presented by KCTS 9
Free

Stream prestige dramas, landmark documentaries, inspiring nature, and science programs. Access PBS favorites, local original series, and international content from a nonprofit streaming service for the Pacific Northwest. Enhance your viewing with an extended library through membership.

Prestige dramasLandmark documentariesNature and science programming
🎬 Entertainment
(29)
free with in-app purchases
8
PBS KIDS Video
PBS KIDS Video
PBS KIDS Video
Episodes, shorts, movies & TV
Free

Stream and download educational videos and live TV from popular PBS KIDS shows. Watch episodes in English or Spanish with captions, perfect for toddlers and early grade school children. This app offers a safe, kid-friendly viewing experience with new content added regularly.

Stream full episodes and clipsDownload shows for offline viewingWatch live PBS KIDS TV
📚 Education
(358K)
free with in-app purchases
9
DOCUMENTARY+ | Streaming App
DOCUMENTARY+ | Streaming App
DOCUMENTARY+ | Streaming App
Stream Documentaries
Free

Access a vast library of critically acclaimed documentaries, from Oscar winners to cult classics. Stream nonfiction storytelling curated by experts on any device, anytime, anywhere. Explore diverse categories like history, science, and true crime.

Stream award-winning documentariesCurated by acclaimed filmmakersWatch on mobile, tablet, computer, and TV
🎬 Entertainment
(120)
free with in-app purchases
10
Science Channel GO
Science Channel GO
Science Channel GO
Watch with TV Provider
Free

Stream your favorite Science Channel shows and access content from up to 14 additional networks, including Discovery and TLC. Watch new episodes the same day they premiere on TV and enjoy thousands of on-demand episodes. Requires a pay TV subscription to access.

Stream live TV from multiple networksAccess thousands of on-demand episodesNew episodes available same day as TV premiere
🎬 Entertainment
(5.2K)
free
11
GuideDoc Curated Documentaries
GuideDoc Curated Documentaries
GuideDoc Curated Documentaries
Watch Best Documentary Movies
Free

Stream award-winning documentaries from around the world. Explore a vast library of films covering diverse categories like nature, history, and society, all in stunning 4K HD. Enjoy daily additions and ad-free viewing with flexible streaming options.

4K HD StreamingUnlimited Access to 2,000+ documentariesDaily New Content Additions
🎬 Entertainment
(16)
subscription
12
CBS
CBS
CBS
Watch New Episodes & Live TV
Free

Stream the latest episodes of popular shows for free without a login. Access full seasons and live TV by signing in with your cable provider. Enjoy news, sports, and major live events on demand.

Stream new episodes for freeNo login required for new episodesWatch on any device
🎬 Entertainment
(70K)
free with in-app purchases
13
TV Guide: Streaming & Live TV
TV Guide: Streaming & Live TV
TV Guide: Streaming & Live TV
Best Shows & Movies to Watch
Free

Discover what to watch on live TV and streaming services. Get personalized recommendations, track your favorites, and find where to stream any show or movie. Stay updated on new releases and upcoming episodes.

Personalized WatchlistShow and movie recommendationsStreaming and live TV availability
🎬 Entertainment
(114K)
free with in-app purchases
14
ID GO - Stream Live TV
ID GO - Stream Live TV
ID GO - Stream Live TV
Watch with TV Provider
Free

Stream live TV and on-demand episodes from ID and over a dozen other networks. Access current hits and classic favorites, with new episodes available the same day they premiere on TV. Requires a pay TV subscription to unlock content.

Stream live TV from ID and other networksAccess thousands of on-demand episodesNew episodes available same day as TV premiere
🎬 Entertainment
(78K)
free with in-app purchases
15
CBS News: Live Breaking News
CBS News: Live Breaking News
CBS News: Live Breaking News
Top stories and local news
Free

Stay informed with breaking U.S. and world news, plus local news, weather, and sports from numerous cities. Access live streaming news channels, full episodes of popular shows, and personalized alerts for stories that matter to you.

Local news coverageLive streaming newsFull episodes and clips
📡 News
(6)
free with in-app purchases
16
KQED: Bay Area Culture & News
KQED: Bay Area Culture & News
KQED: Bay Area Culture & News
Read, Listen, and Watch
Free

Access trusted local news, live radio, and television streams from the Bay Area. Discover original podcasts and video series, and stay updated on community events. Personalize your feed with topics that interest you most.

Personalized news feedLive TV and radio streamingOriginal podcasts and video series
📡 News
(9.3K)
free
17
WETA+ PBS
WETA+ PBS
WETA+ PBS
by GREATER WASHINGTON EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION, INC
Free

Stream a wide selection of PBS and WETA programs, including popular dramas, documentaries, and live news. Enhance your viewing with an optional PBS Passport membership for extended access to thousands of additional titles.

On-demand PBS and WETA programsLive streaming of WETA channelsAccess to Masterpiece and Ken Burns films
🎬 Entertainment
(10)
free
18
Animal Planet GO
Animal Planet GO
Animal Planet GO
Watch with TV Provider
Free

Stream Animal Planet and other popular networks live or on-demand with your pay TV subscription. Access thousands of episodes from a variety of genres, including natural history, science, and food. New episodes are available the same day they air on TV.

Stream live TV from multiple networksAccess thousands of on-demand episodesNew episodes available same day as TV premiere
🎬 Entertainment
(12K)
free with in-app purchases
19
Travel Channel
Travel Channel
Travel Channel
Watch with TV Provider
Free

Stream your favorite shows from Travel Channel and up to 14 other networks, including live TV and on-demand episodes. Access content from the Discovery family of networks with your pay TV subscription. New episodes are available the same day they premiere on TV.

Stream live TVAccess thousands of episodes on demandWatch new episodes same day as TV premiere
✈️ Travel
(22K)
free with in-app purchases
20
Discovery GO
Discovery GO
Discovery GO
Watch with TV Provider
Free

Stream your favorite Discovery shows and access content from up to 14 additional networks, including TLC and HGTV. Watch new episodes the same day they premiere on TV and enjoy thousands of episodes on demand. Requires a pay TV subscription to access.

Stream live TV from multiple networksAccess thousands of on-demand episodesWatch new episodes same day as TV premiere
🎬 Entertainment
(35K)
free with in-app purchases