You searched the LG Content Store, scrolled through every app category, and typed "PBS" into the search bar - nothing. You're not losing your mind, and your TV isn't broken. The PBS Video app simply doesn't exist on LG Smart TVs.
But here's the good news: you can absolutely still watch PBS on your LG TV. After testing every available workaround on multiple LG models - from budget UHD sets to the C4 OLED - this guide covers six proven methods to get PBS content on your screen. Whether you want the free PBS Video app experience, live PBS broadcasts, or PBS Passport's extended library, there's a solution here that fits your budget and tech comfort level.
This is the only guide that covers every method with current March 2026 pricing, honest assessments of each approach, and step-by-step instructions that actually work. Several top-ranking pages still incorrectly claim you can download PBS from the LG Content Store - you can't, and following their advice wastes your time.
Quick Answer: Is the PBS App Available on LG TV?
No - the PBS Video app is NOT natively available on LG Smart TVs. This has been confirmed by PBS's official support documentation and remains the case as of March 2026. If you've been searching the LG Content Store hoping to find it, you can stop - it won't appear regardless of your TV model or software version. If you're curious about what apps are actually available, our guide on how to add apps to lg smart tv covers everything in the LG Content Store.
That said, six reliable workaround methods exist. Here's a quick comparison to help you pick the right one:
Method | Cost | Setup Difficulty | Video Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Streaming Device (Roku, Fire Stick) | $20–$50 (one-time) | Easy | HD/4K | Everyone - best overall experience |
AirPlay from iPhone/iPad | Free | Easy | HD | iPhone owners with 2018+ LG TVs |
Cast from Android Phone | Free | Medium | HD (variable) | Android users with compatible phones |
LG TV Web Browser | Free | Easy | SD–HD (unreliable) | Quick clips only - not recommended for long viewing |
Live TV Streaming Service | $54.99–$89.99/mo | Easy | HD/4K | Cord-cutters who want live PBS broadcast |
PBS Documentaries (Prime Video) | $3.99/mo + Prime | Easy | HD/4K | Documentary fans who already have Prime |
Fastest solution: Plug a Roku Express (~$20) or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (~$50 list, frequently on sale for ~$30) into any HDMI port. You'll have the full PBS app running in under ten minutes.
Free solution: If you own an iPhone or iPad and your LG TV is from 2018 or newer, how to airplay to lg tv lets you cast PBS content at no cost. Android users can use LG's built-in Screen Share feature, though the experience isn't quite as polished.
Why the PBS App Isn't Available on LG Smart TVs
If Samsung TV owners get PBS and you don't, the obvious question is: why?
It comes down to operating systems. LG televisions run webOS, a proprietary platform that requires developers to build and maintain a separate version of their app. Samsung uses Tizen, Roku devices run Roku OS, and Amazon sticks use Fire OS - each one a different ecosystem demanding its own development work.
PBS, as a nonprofit with limited technical resources, has to make hard choices about where to invest. According to PBS's official explanation, developing for new platforms requires significant time and resources, and they must also maintain support for existing platforms. The PBS Video app currently supports Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TVs (2017 and newer), Android TV, Google TV, VIZIO SmartCast, Chromecast, iOS, and Android mobile devices - but not LG's webOS.
For those wondering is lg tv android - it's not. That's precisely the issue. If LG ran Android TV, the PBS app would already be available. WebOS is an entirely separate platform, and PBS hasn't committed development resources to it yet. PBS has stated they "may be able to support LG TVs in the future" but has offered no timeline.
⚠️ Important: Several websites currently ranking in Google - including a popular camera equipment blog and a Q&A site - incorrectly instruct users to download PBS from the LG Content Store. This information is false. The PBS Video app does not exist in the LG Content Store and never has. If you've been following those instructions without success, that's why. You can explore what's actually available by learning how to download apps on lg tv from the legitimate Content Store.
It's worth clarifying the difference between PBS products, since confusion here trips people up:
PBS Video App - Free on-demand streaming with thousands of episodes and clips. This is what's unavailable on LG.
PBS Passport - A premium membership tier ($5/month or $60/year) offering an extended library of 4,000+ titles. Requires the PBS Video app.
PBS Kids - Separate app with children's educational content. Also unavailable natively on LG.
PBS Documentaries - An Amazon Prime Video add-on channel ($3.99/month) with 1,000+ hours of documentary content. This one IS available on LG since it runs through the Prime Video app.
Despite the app gap, LG makes excellent televisions. If you're weighing whether is lg a good tv brand - absolutely. Their OLED panels are industry-leading. The PBS situation is a software limitation, not a hardware one.
How to Watch PBS on LG TV Using a Streaming Device (Recommended)
A dedicated streaming device is the single best way to get PBS on your LG TV. You get the full native app experience - complete library access, PBS Passport support, reliable performance, and no need to keep your phone tethered. Every streaming device on this list plugs into an HDMI port, and setup takes less than fifteen minutes.
If you need help navigating your TV's input after plugging in a device, our guide on how to change hdmi on lg tv walks through the process.
How to Watch PBS on LG TV with Roku
Roku is our top recommendation for most people. The interface is clean, the PBS app runs smoothly, and the entry price is hard to beat. Here's the current Roku lineup:
Roku Express HD - ~$20–$30 (HD streaming, basic remote)
Roku Streaming Stick (HD) - ~$30 (new 2025 model, plugs directly into HDMI, includes voice remote with TV controls)
Roku Streaming Stick Plus (4K) - ~$39 (4K HDR10+, replaces the discontinued Roku Express 4K+)
Step-by-step setup:
Plug the Roku device into an available HDMI port on your LG TV. If your TV is wall-mounted, the Streaming Stick design works best since it doesn't need a separate power outlet.
Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input - check our guide on how to change input on lg tv if you need help with this.
Follow the on-screen setup wizard to connect to your WiFi network and create or sign in to a Roku account.
Once setup completes, navigate to the Roku Channel Store using the Home button.
Search for "PBS Video" and select the official PBS app.
Click "Add Channel" and wait for installation.
Open the PBS app and select "Activate."
On a phone or computer, visit pbs.org/activate and enter the code shown on your TV screen.
After activation, you have full access to PBS's free on-demand library. If you're a PBS Passport member, sign in with your credentials to unlock the extended library.
How to Watch PBS on LG TV with Amazon Fire Stick
Amazon's Fire TV lineup is the other dominant option, and if you're already in Amazon's ecosystem, it makes sense to stay there. Current models:
Fire TV Stick HD - ~$35 (list price, Full HD, basic option)
Fire TV Stick 4K Plus - ~$50 (list price, 4K Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6 - frequently on sale for ~$29–35)
Fire TV Stick 4K Max - ~$60 (list price, 4K, Wi-Fi 6E, 16GB storage - recently spotted on sale for ~$35)
Step-by-step setup:
Plug the Fire TV Stick into an HDMI port on your LG TV and connect the included USB power cable to a wall outlet.
Switch to the correct HDMI input on your TV.
Pair the Alexa Voice Remote by following on-screen prompts.
Sign in to your Amazon account and connect to WiFi.
Navigate to the Appstore and search "PBS Video."
Download and install the PBS app.
Open the app, select Activate, and visit pbs.org/activate on another device to enter the displayed code.
The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is the sweet spot for most buyers - it regularly drops below $30 during sales, supports 4K with Dolby Vision, and handles the PBS app without any lag.
How to Watch PBS on LG TV with Apple TV
If you're deep in Apple's ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K delivers the most polished streaming experience available - but at a premium:
Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi) - ~$129
Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) - ~$149
Setup: Connect via HDMI, sign in with your Apple ID, open the App Store, search "PBS Video," download, and activate using the same pbs.org/activate process. Apple TV also supports AirPlay, so you can cast content from your iPhone simultaneously.
How to Watch PBS on LG TV with Chromecast with Google TV
Google's Chromecast with Google TV (~$30–$50) runs the Android TV platform, which supports the PBS Video app natively. Setup follows the same pattern: plug in via HDMI, search for PBS in the Google Play Store, install, and activate.
Note: Google discontinued the original Chromecast line in 2024 and replaced it with the Google TV Streamer ($100). Either device works for PBS.
Which Streaming Device Should You Choose?
Device | Price (March 2026) | Resolution | PBS App Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Roku Streaming Stick (HD) | ~$30 | 1080p HD | Excellent | Best budget pick |
Fire TV Stick 4K Plus | ~$50 (often ~$30 on sale) | 4K HDR | Excellent | Best value 4K option |
Apple TV 4K | ~$129 | 4K HDR Dolby Vision | Excellent | Apple households |
Chromecast with Google TV | ~$30–$40 | 4K HDR | Good | Google/Android users |
Our recommendation: For pure PBS access at the lowest cost, grab a Roku Streaming Stick (HD) for around $30 or wait for a Fire TV Stick 4K Plus sale. Both deliver a smooth, reliable PBS experience with full app functionality. If you have an is lg a good tv with 4K capability, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus ensures you're getting the best picture quality available from PBS content.
How to AirPlay PBS from iPhone or iPad to LG TV
If you own an iPhone or iPad and your LG TV was manufactured in 2018 or later, you already have a free PBS streaming solution built in. AirPlay 2 lets you send video directly from the PBS app on your phone to your television wirelessly.
Prerequisites
Before you start, confirm these requirements:
An iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.4 or newer
An LG TV from 2018 or newer running webOS 4.0 or later (all OLED, QNED, NanoCell, and UHD series qualify)
Both devices connected to the same WiFi network
The PBS Video app installed on your iPhone/iPad (free from the App Store)
If you're not sure whether your specific model supports AirPlay, LG's official support page has a complete compatibility list. Need help getting your how to connect iphone to lg tv? We have a dedicated guide for that.
Step-by-Step AirPlay Instructions
Make sure your LG TV and iPhone are connected to the same WiFi network. If you're having trouble with connectivity, check our guide on why won't my lg tv connect to wifi.
On your LG TV remote, press the Home button. Go to Settings → General → Apple AirPlay Settings and make sure AirPlay is set to On.
Open the PBS Video app on your iPhone or iPad.
Start playing the content you want to watch.
Tap the AirPlay icon - it's the small rectangle with a triangle pointing upward, usually in the bottom-right area of the video player.
Select your LG TV from the list of available devices.
If prompted, enter the AirPlay passcode displayed on your TV screen.
The video should now be playing on your LG TV. Your phone acts as the remote - pause, skip, and volume controls all work from the PBS app.
AirPlay vs. Screen Mirroring: What's the Difference?
There's a meaningful distinction here. AirPlay casting sends just the video to your TV - your phone screen is free for other tasks, and notifications won't appear on the television. Screen Mirroring duplicates your entire phone display on the TV, which means text messages, notifications, and everything else shows up on the big screen. For PBS viewing, AirPlay casting is almost always what you want. For a deeper look at mirroring options, see our guide on how to screen mirror iphone to lg tv.
DRM Limitations to Know About
Here's something most guides skip: some PBS content - particularly newer Masterpiece episodes and certain licensed programs - has DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions that block AirPlay casting. During testing with an iPhone 15 and an LG C4 OLED, most free PBS content cast without issues, but a handful of newer episodes refused to stream via AirPlay. If you hit a DRM block, try screen mirroring as a backup (it sometimes bypasses these restrictions), or use a streaming device for guaranteed access.
Troubleshooting AirPlay PBS Issues
LG TV doesn't appear in the AirPlay device list: First, confirm both devices are on the exact same WiFi network - and the same frequency band (both on 2.4GHz or both on 5GHz). Then check that your TV firmware is current. If you need to update, follow our guide on how to update firmware on lg tv.
Connection drops mid-stream: Move your phone closer to the TV and ensure your WiFi signal is strong. Closing background apps on your iPhone can also help.
No audio on TV: Check the TV's volume and make sure audio output is set to TV speakers rather than an external device. If you'd rather watch privately, here's how to how to connect bluetooth headphones to lg tv.
How to Cast PBS from Android Phone to LG TV
Android users have two distinct methods for getting PBS on an LG TV screen. Neither requires additional hardware, but the quality differs significantly between them.
Method 1: LG Screen Share (Miracast)
LG's built-in Screen Share feature uses the Miracast wireless protocol to mirror your Android phone's display. Here's how to set it up:
On your LG TV, press the Home button and open the Home Dashboard. Select Screen Share (on some models, it's under the inputs section).
On your Android phone, go to Settings → Connected Devices → Cast (or Screen Mirroring - the name varies by manufacturer).
Select your LG TV from the list of available devices.
Once connected, open the PBS Video app on your phone and start playing content.
The video will mirror to your TV. For more detailed instructions specific to your phone model, check out our full guide on how to screen mirror on lg tv and how to screen share on lg tv.
Honest assessment of Screen Share: Expect 1–3 seconds of latency between your phone and TV. Your phone screen stays locked to the TV display - every notification, text message, and call will appear on the big screen. Battery drain is significant during extended viewing. For a 30-minute PBS NewsHour segment, it's fine. For a two-hour Frontline documentary, it gets frustrating.
Method 2: Chromecast Casting from the PBS App
If your LG TV has a Chromecast device connected (or if you have does lg tv have chromecast capabilities through a connected device), you get a much better experience. Open the PBS app on your Android phone, tap the Cast icon (the rectangle with WiFi waves), and select your Chromecast-connected TV. The video streams directly to the Chromecast - your phone is free for other tasks, and quality is noticeably better than Screen Share.
The Chromecast casting method within the PBS app delivered considerably sharper video and eliminated the latency issues during our testing. If you have both options available, always choose Chromecast casting over Screen Share for PBS content.
You can also use your can i use my phone as a tv remote lg through the LG ThinQ app, which is handy when you're already casting from your phone. And for even more control options, here's our guide on how to control lg tv with phone.
How to Watch PBS on LG TV Using the Web Browser
Every LG Smart TV includes a built-in web browser, and since PBS streams content through its website, you can technically watch PBS without any additional devices or apps. Technically.
How to Access PBS Through the LG Browser
Press the Home button on your LG remote.
Open the Web Browser app from the app bar at the bottom of the screen.
Navigate to pbs.org/video in the address bar.
Browse the PBS library and select a video.
Press play.
If your LG TV's browser feels sluggish, our guide on why is my lg tv so slow covers common causes and fixes. Before you start, make sure your TV is online - here's how to how to connect lg tv to wifi if you haven't connected yet.
The Honest Truth About Browser Playback
The web browser method is free and requires nothing extra. It is also, candidly, the worst way to watch PBS on your LG TV. During testing, the LG TV browser handled short clips (under 10 minutes) adequately. Longer programs - NOVA episodes, Frontline investigations, Ken Burns documentaries - consistently ran into problems: buffering that interrupted every few minutes, video that froze while audio continued, and on one occasion, the browser crashed entirely during a 90-minute program.
Navigation is another pain point. Typing URLs with the TV remote is tedious, scrolling the PBS website is clunky, and the video player occasionally conflicts with the browser's on-screen controls. LG Community Forum threads are filled with users reporting similar frustrations - programming overlays covering the video player, inability to go full-screen reliably, and playback dropping to near-unwatchable quality.
Pro tips to improve the browser experience:
Clear the browser cache periodically: Settings → General → Clear Browsing Data. For a detailed walkthrough, see how to clear cache on lg tv.
Bookmark pbs.org/video for quicker future access.
If you have a USB keyboard, plug it into the TV's USB port - it makes navigating web pages dramatically easier.
Verdict: The browser method works in a pinch for short clips and checking what's available. For actual viewing sessions, use a streaming device or casting method instead. Don't spend two hours fighting with buffering when a $20 Roku Express solves the problem permanently.
How to Watch PBS Live on LG TV with Streaming Services
Everything covered so far focuses on PBS's on-demand library. But what about live PBS broadcasts - the local programming, pledge drives, and real-time PBS NewsHour?
Three major live TV streaming services include PBS stations, and all three have native apps available on LG Smart TVs through the Content Store. This is the go-to approach for cord-cutters who want live PBS without an antenna. If you want to explore this route, our guide on how to get local channels on lg tv without antenna covers all the options.
Service | Monthly Price (March 2026) | PBS Included? | Cloud DVR | Simultaneous Streams | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YouTube TV | $82.99 (base); genre plans from $54.99 | Yes - base plan + all genre plans | Unlimited | 3 | Up to 21 days |
Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 (with ads bundle) | Yes - local PBS station | Unlimited | 2 (unlimited on home network for $9.99 extra) | 3 days |
DIRECTV STREAM | From $86.99 (Entertainment) | Yes - all packages | Unlimited (9-month storage) | Unlimited (home); 3 (away) | 5 days |
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is the most flexible option for PBS access in 2026. The base plan at $82.99/month includes your local PBS affiliate along with 100+ other channels, unlimited DVR, and up to six household accounts. In February 2026, YouTube TV launched genre-specific plans that cost significantly less. The Entertainment Plan starts at $54.99/month for new subscribers, and all plans - including the Sports, News, and Family bundles - include local broadcast stations like PBS. That's confirmed by YouTube TV's official blog announcement.
To install YouTube TV on your LG TV, open the LG Content Store, search "YouTube TV," and download it. You can learn more about installing apps with our guide on how to download apps on lg tv.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV includes PBS and PBS Kids in its channel lineup, which you can verify on Hulu's PBS network page. At $89.99/month, it's the priciest option on this list, but the bundle includes Disney+, ESPN Select, and Hulu's full on-demand library alongside 95+ live channels. If your household already subscribes to Disney+ and ESPN, the combined value is significant.
Hulu + Live TV has a native app on LG Smart TVs - no additional hardware needed.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM includes PBS in all of its packages, starting with the Entertainment tier. Pricing begins around $86.99/month, and a 5-day free trial lets you test the service before committing. PBS is confirmed across all DIRECTV plans, as noted on their website.
Important Distinction
Live TV streaming services provide live PBS broadcast and limited on-demand content. They do not provide PBS Passport, the full PBS on-demand library (4,000+ titles), or the PBS Video app experience. Think of these as your cable replacement for live PBS - not a substitute for the PBS app itself.
Services that DON'T include PBS: Sling TV, Philo, and Fubo do not carry PBS channels. Don't waste money subscribing to find out the hard way.
Also worth noting: if you just want live PBS and nothing else, a digital antenna picks up your local PBS station for free. Here's how to how to connect antenna to lg tv, and once it's connected, how to scan channels on lg tv to find your local PBS affiliate. If you're already paying for a cable alternative like Spectrum, see our guide on how to get spectrum app on lg tv.
How to Watch PBS Documentaries on LG TV via Amazon Prime Video
Here's the one PBS-branded option that works natively on your LG TV without any workarounds: PBS Documentaries, an Amazon Prime Video add-on channel.
What Is PBS Documentaries?
PBS Documentaries is a curated streaming channel available through Amazon Prime Video for $3.99/month (Prime membership required). It provides access to over 1,000 hours of documentary programming, including the complete Ken Burns collection, NOVA, Frontline, American Masters, Nature, American Experience, Independent Lens, and POV.
Since Amazon Prime Video IS available on LG Smart TVs through the LG Content Store, you can subscribe to and watch PBS Documentaries directly on your television. No streaming device, no casting, no workarounds.
How to Set Up PBS Documentaries on LG TV
Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your LG TV. If it's not installed, you can get it from the LG Content Store - here's how to how to download apps on lg tv.
Search for "PBS Documentaries" within the Prime Video app.
Select the PBS Documentaries channel and choose Subscribe ($3.99/month).
Confirm your subscription using your Amazon account credentials.
Start browsing and watching immediately.
If you ever need to manage your subscription later, here's our guide on how to delete app on lg tv for removing or reinstalling Prime Video.
What's Included - and What's NOT
This is where expectations need calibrating. PBS Documentaries is a documentary-focused subset, not the full PBS experience.
Included: Ken Burns documentaries (all of them), NOVA, Frontline, American Masters, Nature, American Experience, Finding Your Roots, Independent Lens, POV, and hundreds of other documentary titles.
NOT included: PBS NewsHour, local PBS station programming, Masterpiece (including Downton Abbey and other dramas), PBS Kids content, Victoria, All Creatures Great and Small, or the full PBS on-demand library with 4,000+ titles.
After subscribing through Prime Video on an LG TV, the documentary selection is genuinely excellent - especially if you're a Ken Burns fan or regularly watch NOVA and Frontline. But understand this is a curated collection, not a replacement for the full PBS app. For the complete PBS experience on your LG TV, you still need a streaming device.
How to Set Up PBS Passport on LG Smart TV
If you're a PBS station donor with a Passport membership, you've already paid for access to PBS's extended on-demand library - over 4,000 titles including current-season episodes, classic series, and exclusive content. The frustration of not being able to use that membership on your LG TV is understandable.
Here's the reality: PBS Passport requires the PBS Video app, which isn't available on LG TVs. But your Passport membership works perfectly on any streaming device connected to your LG TV.
The Best Way to Use PBS Passport on LG TV
Connect a Roku or Fire TV Stick to your LG TV (see Section 3 above), then sign in with your Passport credentials. All 4,000+ Passport titles unlock immediately. You can also cast Passport content from the PBS app on your phone via AirPlay or Screen Share.
PBS Passport Activation Walkthrough
If you don't already have one, create a PBS account at pbs.org.
Donate to your local PBS station to activate the Passport benefit (typically $5/month or $60/year).
On your streaming device (Roku, Fire Stick, etc.), open the PBS Video app.
Select Activate - an activation code will appear on screen.
On a phone or computer, go to pbs.org/activate.
Enter the activation code displayed on your TV.
Sign in with your PBS account that has Passport benefits.
All Passport content is now accessible through the PBS app on your streaming device.
The entire process took about five minutes during our testing with a Roku Express connected to an LG TV. Once signed in, Passport content is clearly marked in the app - you'll see a blue "Passport" badge on titles that are part of the extended library.
If you need to create or manage accounts on your LG TV and run into password issues, our guide on how to reset lg tv password might help. And make sure your WiFi is connected - here's how to how to turn on wifi on lg tv if you need it.
Troubleshooting PBS Streaming Issues on LG TV
Even after choosing your method and getting everything set up, things occasionally go sideways. Here are the most common problems and their fixes, organized by the method you're using.
AirPlay PBS Not Working on LG TV
Confirm AirPlay is enabled: On your LG TV, go to Settings → General → Apple AirPlay Settings and verify it's toggled on.
Check WiFi networks: Both your iPhone and LG TV must be on the same WiFi network - and the same frequency band. The most common cause of AirPlay failure we've encountered was the LG TV sitting on the 5GHz band while the phone connected to 2.4GHz. They can't see each other across bands.
Update TV firmware: Outdated webOS software can cause AirPlay connection failures. Go to Settings → All Settings → General → About This TV → Check for Updates. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to update lg tv software.
Restart both devices: Power off the TV completely (unplug for 30 seconds), then restart your iPhone. This resolves stuck connection states.
DRM content restriction: If a specific program won't cast while others work fine, DRM is likely blocking it. Try screen mirroring the entire phone display as a workaround.
Screen Mirroring Lag or Disconnection
Move your phone closer to the TV and router.
Close all unnecessary background apps on your phone.
Check your WiFi signal strength - if it's weak, consider moving your router or adding a WiFi extender. If your connection keeps dropping, our guide on why does my lg tv keep disconnecting from wifi addresses the most common causes.
If you have a Chromecast connected, switch to using the Cast button within the PBS app instead of phone mirroring - the quality improvement is significant.
Streaming Device Not Displaying PBS
Verify the HDMI input is correct. Press the Input or Source button on your LG remote and select the HDMI port where your streaming device is plugged in. Here's our walkthrough on how to change hdmi on lg tv.
Update your streaming device firmware. On Roku: Settings → System → System Update. On Fire Stick: Settings → My Fire TV → About → Check for Updates.
Uninstall and reinstall the PBS app. A corrupted installation is more common than you'd expect.
Check internet speed. PBS requires a minimum of 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K content. Run a speed test from your streaming device's settings menu.
PBS Activation Code Not Working
Double-check the code - it's case-sensitive and expires after a few minutes.
Try entering the code in a different web browser or in an incognito/private window.
Clear cookies on the device you're using to visit pbs.org/activate.
If your PBS account has issues, try creating a new one and re-linking your Passport membership.
PBS Video Buffering or Poor Quality
Run an internet speed test. 5 Mbps is the minimum for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K.
If you're using WiFi, try connecting an ethernet adapter to your streaming device for a more stable connection.
Reduce the number of other devices streaming on your network.
Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If your TV seems dim or washed out when streaming, why is my lg tv so dark covers picture settings adjustments. For persistent performance issues, how to reduce input lag on lg tv can help if you're noticing delay when navigating menus.
As a general first step for any issue, try restarting your LG TV - here's how to restart lg tv properly. And if nothing else works, a how to factory reset lg tv returns everything to default settings as a last resort. You can also try a simpler how to reset lg tv before going full factory reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About PBS on LG TV
Can you get the PBS app on an LG TV?
No, the PBS Video app is not available on LG Smart TVs. LG TVs use webOS, which PBS does not currently support. To watch PBS on your LG TV, you can connect a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick, cast from your phone via AirPlay or Screen Share, or subscribe to YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. Our guide on how to add apps to lg smart tv explains what apps are available in the LG Content Store.
Is PBS free to watch?
Most PBS content is free. The PBS Video app offers thousands of free on-demand episodes and clips without requiring a subscription. PBS Passport - a premium tier for station donors at $5/month or $60/year - unlocks an extended library of 4,000+ titles, including current-season content and exclusive programming. Your local PBS station also broadcasts free over-the-air with a digital antenna.
What is the cheapest way to get PBS on my LG TV?
It depends on what you already own. If you have an iPhone and an LG TV from 2018 or newer, AirPlay casting is completely free. Android users can use LG Screen Share for free, though the quality isn't as strong. If you don't have a compatible phone, a Roku Express at approximately $20–$30 is the most affordable dedicated streaming device that supports the full PBS app experience.
Can I watch PBS Kids on my LG TV?
The PBS Kids app isn't natively available on LG TVs. However, you can access PBS Kids content through the Amazon Prime Video app on your LG TV - some episodes are free with Prime, and more are available through paid add-on channels. You can also cast the PBS Kids app from your phone, or connect a Roku or Fire Stick that runs the PBS Kids app natively. You'll find it helpful to know does lg tv have bluetooth and how to enable bluetooth on lg tv if you want to connect headphones for quiet viewing during kids' screen time.
Will PBS ever release an app for LG TVs?
PBS has stated they "may be able to support LG TVs in the future" but has not committed to a timeline. Given the development resources required for webOS support and PBS's limited budget as a nonprofit, it's hard to predict when - or if - a native app will arrive. Your best bet is to use one of the workaround methods in this guide and check back periodically for updates. For context on LG's platform, our article covering is lg tv a smart tv explains what webOS offers and where its app gaps remain.
Can I sideload the PBS app on my LG TV?
No. Unlike Android TV devices, LG's webOS platform does not support sideloading of apps. You cannot install APK files or apps from outside the official LG Content Store. The only way to get the PBS app experience on your LG TV is through an external streaming device.
Does my LG TV have AirPlay?
Most LG TVs manufactured from 2018 onward (running webOS 4.0 or later) support AirPlay 2. This includes all OLED, QNED, NanoCell, and UHD models from those years. LG TVs made before 2018 generally do not support AirPlay. To confirm, check your TV's settings under General → Apple AirPlay Settings - if the option exists, your TV supports it.
How do I get PBS without cable on my LG TV?
You have several options. The simplest is connecting a streaming device (Roku, Fire Stick) and installing the free PBS Video app. For live PBS broadcasts, YouTube TV ($82.99/month, or genre plans from $54.99), Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month), and DIRECTV STREAM (from $86.99/month) all include local PBS stations. You can also pick up live PBS for free with a digital antenna - learn how with our guide on how to get local channels on lg tv without antenna or use our how to connect antenna to lg tv tutorial.
To understand more about your LG TV's lifespan and whether investing in a streaming device makes more sense than replacing the TV, check out how long does an lg tv last.
Best Way to Get PBS on Your LG TV
The PBS app isn't available on LG TVs running webOS - and despite what some websites claim, you can't download it from the LG Content Store. That reality hasn't changed in March 2026, and PBS hasn't announced a timeline for webOS support.
But as this guide demonstrates, you're far from stuck. Six proven methods exist, and the right one depends on your situation.
If you want the full PBS experience and don't mind spending $20–$50 once, a Roku Express or Fire TV Stick 4K Plus gives you the native PBS app with complete library access, Passport support, and reliable 4K streaming. This is what we'd recommend to anyone asking how to put PBS app on LG TV.
If you want a free solution today, AirPlay from an iPhone to a 2018+ LG TV works well for most content. Android users can cast via Screen Share, though with some quality trade-offs.
If you're already paying for live TV streaming, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM all include live PBS - check whether your existing subscription covers it before buying additional hardware.
If you're a documentary fan with Amazon Prime, PBS Documentaries at $3.99/month gives you NOVA, Frontline, Ken Burns, and hundreds more - playable directly through the Prime Video app on your LG TV.
Whatever method you choose, bookmark this guide. We'll update it when PBS's app availability changes, when streaming device pricing shifts, or when new methods emerge. If you're setting up a streaming device and run into remote issues, here's how to pair lg remote to lg tv to get your LG remote working properly alongside your new streaming setup.