Frequently Asked Questions
Passport is a PBS North Carolina member benefit that provides you with video-on-demand access to exclusive PBS programs. Existing members can simply visit our online video portal to start watching. New members can sign up on our Passport Membership page.
Explore below for answers to our most frequently asked questions. Please click the question that is most relevant to see the answer and additional information. If your question is not covered here, please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
General
What is Passport?
How can I sign up for Passport?
Activation
I just made my donation but haven't received my activation key. What should I do?
I'm already a donor at levels required for Passport. How do I find out if I have the benefit?
I can't remember my activation key. How do I find it?
I know that I am a Passport member but my account cannot be found in the system. What should I do?
I can't remember if my Passport account is active. How do I check?
Passport Programs
What kinds of programs can I watch with Passport?
How can I view Passport programs?
Why can't I find programs like Doc Martin, Father Brown or other episodes of my favorite shows?
How can I search for Passport programs only?
Device Setup
How do I set up my Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV?
Can I view Passport videos on my XBox?
How can I watch Passport videos on my smart TV?
What if I can't afford Passport? Can I still watch videos?
What is Passport?
PBS Passport is a PBS North Carolina member benefit that gives eligible supporters extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online. The PBS NC Passport library currently offers more than 1,000 episodes to watch, with new PBS programs added weekly.
How can I sign up for Passport?
Passport is a benefit for members of PBS North Carolina who contribute a minimum of $5 a month as a sustaining donor or who make a one-time gift of at $60 per year or more.
To become a member, make your donation. Once your gift is processed, you’ll receive an activation key and instructions on setting up your Passport account.
If you are already an existing member at these donation levels, please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM to activate your Passport benefit.
I just made my donation but haven’t received my activation key. What should I do?
Please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM for help in obtaining your activation key.
I’m already a donor at levels required for Passport. How do I find out if I have the benefit?
If you are an existing sustaining donor at $5/month or more or have made a one-time gift of $60 or move this year, it’s possible that our system generated a Passport activation key for you!
To check, please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in at which point you can set up your account.
I can’t remember my activation key. How do I find it?
Please visit https://www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/ and enter your email address. If you are an active member, you will be prompted to log-in.
If not, please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM and they’ll be happy to help you get set up.
I know that I am a Passport member but my account cannot be found in the system. What should I do?
Please make sure that the email address that you used to activate your account is the same. If you’re still having trouble, please contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM and they’ll be happy to help.
I can’t remember if my Passport account is active. How do I check?
Simply go to pbs.org and sign in. If your account is activated properly, you’ll see a small blue and white compass rose symbol by your name in the upper left portion of the screen.
What kinds of programs can I see with Passport?
The library features episodes from popular programs like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece — including Victoria, Poldark, and early access to many upcoming new series. In addition to these signature series, the library is full of public television’s acclaimed arts, science, history, and lifestyle programs.
How can I view Passport programs?
Passport programs can be viewed on your computer or devices by visiting video.pbsnc.org. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the PBS Video App for an even better viewing experience. You can find the PBS Video App on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and more! Learn more about the PBS Video App here.
Why can't I find programs like Doc Martin, Father Brown or other episodes of my favorite shows?
PBS is not a producer but rather a distributor of programming. Certain programs have limited streaming rights or are only available for broadcast distribution. Additionally, local member stations such as PBS North Carolina are individually owned and operated and therefore schedule independently. This includes our ability to acquire programming from sources other than PBS such as American Public Television (APT) and BBC Worldwide.
How can I search for Passport programs only?
Visit video.pbsnc.org and enter a search term, such as “masterpiece” or “nova”. Click on ”Show Filters” and then click on the PBS NC Passport Videos link under “Filter by Access.” In addition to Passport videos, you can filter by shows, types or video link.
How do I set up my Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV?
Passport is available on these devices through the PBS Video App. Before starting, ensure that your account on pbs.org is activated with your Passport key. (You will do this at the time of your contribution to PBS North Carolina.) Find the PBS channel on your device. You will receive code to link your device to your account at pbs.org/activate.
Online Tutorials Are Available! View the Apple TV tutorial video or the Roku tutorial video. (Instructions are similar for Amazon Fire.)
Unable to connect to the PBS channel or app? Please make sure your operating system is updated. Learn more
Can I view Passport videos on my XBox?
Unfortunately, the PBS Video App is no longer available on XBox. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How can I watch Passport videos on my smart TV?
The PBS Video App is currently available on Samsung Tizen (please check for current platforms), and all compatible Android smart TVs will have a Google Play Store app on their TV where they can download the PBS Video app for Android. A separate streaming device such as a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick is needed to watch Passport on smart TVs that do not use Android. You will also be able to access Passport videos if you have a Roku TV.
What if I can’t afford Passport. Can I still watch videos?
Yes! PBS North Carolina offer hundreds of wonderful programs online. You can watch them on the PBS Video App and by visiting pbs.org/video, which will feature more of the national programs, or video.pbsnc.org, which features more of PBS North Carolina's locally produced programs.
If you have more questions about specific programs or shows on Passport, or any other questions not answered above, please visit the PBS Help home page or contact our Audience Services team by email at viewer@pbsnc.org or by phone at 1-888-292-7070 Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Return to the Passport Information Page
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