Parents across the country breathed a sigh of relief at the prospect of allowing their children more screen time that didn’t revolve around a very loud and annoying YouTube friend. PBS has launched a new free ad-supported channel called PBS Retro. as reported The Wrap. As the name suggests, it’s a repository for your favorite entertainment classics from the 1980s, 1990s and beyond. Nostalgia is strong with this one.
PBS Retro is available Via the Roku Channel, is a streaming service on smart TVs and, of course, Roku devices. 24/7 channel currently airing all the shows you described, including Rainbow sing and Mister Rogers’ Quarters. You will also be able to introduce your children Thomas and Friends, Zoboomafoo and Creatures of Kratt, among others. This is a collection of old school classics.
This isn’t the only PBS-adjacent channel available on the Roku platform. PBS hosts other ad-supported channels such as Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Road Trip, PBS Food, Julia Child and PBS Nature. Many PBS-affiliated channels are available by subscription, including PBS Masterpiece, PBS Kids, PBS Living, PBS Documentaries and PBS America. Some of these exist on Hulu+ Live TV.
PBS could become an even bigger player in the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) space in the future. The organization said it is “in the early days of experimentation” with the goal of making PBS content “available in new places.” If these FAST channels increase revenue and brand awareness, it will “continue to consider additional opportunities.” In the meantime, Mister Rogers’ Quarters makes for great ASMR.
