PBS Retro is a new FAST channel that plays only the classics

Parents across the country just breathed a sigh of relief at the prospect of allowing more screen time for their kids that didn’t revolve around some really loud and annoying dude on YouTube. PBS just launched a new free ad-supported channel called PBS Retro. as reported by The casing. As the name suggests, it’s a repository for all your favorite educational classics from the 80s, 90s and beyond. The nostalgia is strong with this one.

PBS Retro is available through The Roku Channel, which is a streaming service on smart TVs and, of course, Roku devices. The 24/7 channel broadcasts all the shows you can possibly imagine right now, inclusive Reading the rainbow and Mister Rogers’ Quarter. You will also be able to introduce your children to Thomas and friends, Zoboomafoo and The creatures of Kratt, by the way. This is a collection of old school classics.

It’s not the only PBS-adjacent channel available on Roku’s platform. It is home to other ad-supported channels such as PBS Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Road Trip, PBS Food, Julia Child and PBS Nature. In addition, there are many PBS-affiliated channels available by subscription, including PBS Masterpiece, PBS Kids, PBS Living, PBS Documentaries, and PBS America. Some of them are available on Hulu+ Live TV.

PBS could become an even bigger place in the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) space in the future. The organization says it is in the “early days of experimentation” with the goal of making PBS content “available in new places.” He “will continue to consider additional opportunities” if these FAST channels increase revenue and brand recognition. Meanwhile, Mister Rogers’ Quarter makes for some seriously good ASMR.