PBS12 Passport is a member benefit that gives eligible donors extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programs online. Featuring both PBS and select local programming, PBS12 Passport allows you to watch even more episodes of your favorite shows, including full seasons of many current and past series. Become a member and start watching!
Do you want more details about streaming videos and PBS12 Passport? Get the answers to some frequently-asked questions here.
general questions
What kind of shows can I watch with PBS12 Passport?
The PBS12 Passport library grows every week as more series and episodes are added. Notable titles include select Masterpiece series such as Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Poldark, and Wolf Hall, along with episodes from popular programs and documentaries like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and The Great British Baking Show.
PBS12 Passport also includes popular local series such as Sounds on 29th and Street Level that you can’t see anywhere else.
In addition to these signature series, the library is full of public television’s acclaimed arts, science, history and lifestyle programs, including How We Got to Now, EARTH a New Wild, Austin City Limits, Independent Lens, Secrets of the Dead, Rick Steves’ Europe and a rotating selection from filmmaker Ken Burns.
Does PBS12 Passport cost anything?
PBS12 Passport is a member benefit available to everyone who contributes as little as $5/month as a sustainer or a $60 annual gift to the station. Since PBS12 Passport is a member benefit, a donation is required. You can do that here.
Where can I donate to receive access to PBS12 Passport right away?
You can make your ongoing donation with as little as $5 a month or a one-time donation of $60 or more on this donation form to immediately begin the activation process for PBS12 Passport. Once your donation is processed, you’ll receive an activation code and instructions on setting up your Passport account.
How can I view PBS12 Passport programs?
Passport programs can be streamed on your computer or devices at video.pbs12.org. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can download the PBS app for an even better viewing experience. For TV viewing, you can watch Passport programs via the PBS Video apps on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and other streaming devices. We will expand access to additional devices and platforms over time.
If I do not have PBS12 Passport, will I still be able to watch programs on video.PBS12.org and PBS.org for free?
Yes. Free is not going away. Many videos can be streamed online at video.PBS12.org and on various digital platforms without requiring a Passport benefit. And of course, PBS12 will continue to broadcast PBS programs to the public, for free, over the air.
PBS12 Passport is a membership benefit that allows you extended access to some shows when their streaming rights have expired or they have otherwise become unavailable for general streaming.
How can I tell which videos are PBS12 Passport videos?
PBS12 Passport videos are designated by a blue compass icon.
I can’t find my favorite PBS shows in PBS12 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 – so please keep checking back!
Is PBS12 Passport available outside the U.S.?
Due to rights restrictions, our streaming videos can only be viewed within the United States.
member/activation questions
I’m already a PBS12 donor. Can I view PBS12 Passport Content?
If you are an existing sustaining donor at $5 a month or more, or have made a one-time gift of $60 or more this year, it’s possible that our system has generated a Passport activation key for you!
To check, please visit enter your email address on the PBS Member Lookup page. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log in, at which point you can set up your account.
If you’re a member but don’t have an active email address on file with us, please contact PBS12 Membership Services via our contact form or by calling 303.296.1212 (8am-4pm Monday-Friday) to provide an email address and begin the activation process.
I believe my membership should qualify me for PBS12 Passport, but my account is “not found” in the PBS Member Lookup. Why?
There are a few reasons that could explain why your membership account cannot be not found:
- If you donated within the last 1-2 business days, your information may not be in our member database yet, so won’t be found using this form. You will receive an activation email once your membership is processed.
- If you donated through the Passport forms on video.pbs.org or PBS.org (after having designated PBS12 as your local PBS station), you should have received an email with activation instructions immediately after making your donation. Please be sure to check your SPAM folders for an email from “PBS & Your Local Station” containing your activation code and instructions.
- If you made your donation through the mail or over the phone, we may not have an email address on file to create your account. Please contact PBS12 Membership Services via our contact form or by calling 303.296.1212 (8am-4pm Monday-Friday) to have an activation code sent to you. We’ll need a valid email address to get it to you.
- If you use multiple email addresses, your PBS12 membership may be linked to an old or different email. Try logging in again with an alternative email address.
If you’re still having trouble, please contact PBS12 Membership Services via our contact form or by calling 303.296.1212 (8am-4pm Monday-Friday) for additional support.
I just made my donation but haven’t received my activation key. Why?
There are a few reasons that could explain why your membership account cannot be not found:
- If you donated within the last 1-2 business days, your information may not be in our member database yet, so won’t be found using this form. You will receive an activation email once your membership is processed.
- If you donated through the Passport forms on video.pbs.org or PBS.org (after having designated PBS12 as your local PBS station), you should have received an email with activation instructions immediately after making your donation. Please be sure to check your SPAM folders for an email from “PBS & Your Local Station” containing your activation code and instructions.
- If you made your donation through the mail or over the phone, we may not have an email address on file to create your account. Please contact PBS12 Membership Services via our contact form or by calling 303.296.1212 (8am-4pm Monday-Friday) to have an activation code sent to you. We’ll need a valid email address to get it to you.
If you’re still having trouble, please contact PBS12 Membership Services via our contact form or by calling 303.296.1212 (8am-4pm Monday-Friday) for additional support.
I’m seeing a message that says I already activated, but I can’t remember how to sign in
There are three sign in options: Google, Facebook, and a PBS account. If you cannot remember which option you chose when you activated, the easiest plan is to just try all three until one works. Each has its own process for resetting passwords if you need to.
Who should I contact with other questions – PBS12 Membership Services or PBS Support?
If you need assistance with resending your activation code and/or confirming or setting up the email address linked to your PBS12 Passport account, we can help at PBS12 Membership Services. You can reach us via our contact form or by calling 303.296.1212 (8am-4pm Monday-Friday).
technical/device questions
How do I watch PBS12 Passport online, on my mobile devices, or on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android Smart TV, or Chromecast?
To watch on our website:
- Click Sign In at the top left side of video.pbs12.org
- Sign in using the login you used to activate Passport
- Choose a program, and enjoy it!
If you’d like to set up PBS12 Passport on your phone, tablet or streaming player, just download the PBS app and activate Passport on your device. Here are some helpful links:
Where can I find answers to all other technical questions?
You will find a wealth of information on the PBS Help home page. If you don’t see what you need you can submit an online support request or call PBS Support at 844-585-2340, 8am-9pm (MST) Monday-Friday.