PBS Is so Much More Than You Think...
And Sherlock Is Here to Figure It Out
By Guest Blogger Janie Lee
When you see or hear the name Arkansas PBS, what do you think of? For me, it’s PBS KIDS. Well, let me make something clear: PBS is so much more than a kid’s channel, and it is not your grandma’s TV. PBS is one of the best ways to not only watch live broadcast television but also to gain access to so many shows and movies through their streaming service, PBS Passport ... the best value around.
Like the byline says, my name is Janie Lee. I am the summer intern here at Arkansas PBS (which means we’re going to get to know each other more over the next month or so). To be completely honest, my experience with PBS stopped after I grew out of watching PBS KIDS, which is a common experience I hear.
But now that I’m a part of the Arkansas PBS team, I have realized how much I’ve missed out on by not paying more attention to public media and all it has to offer for ALL stages of life. Hopefully, you can join me in saying that that stops now. Arkansas PBS has tons of content, local programs, films, documentaries, “how to” shows and more readily available. “Where?” you may ask. Well, that’s easy ... on the app or website. So, now that we have that squared away, let’s dive in a little deeper.
One show that was released on Passport at the beginning of July that will excite everyone is “Sherlock.” Personally, I have never seen an episode of “Sherlock.” I know, I know I’m disappointed in myself. I am, however, thrilled that now I have the perfect chance to watch! Later in the year, “Sherlock” will also be broadcast live. For a period of time after it is broadcast, it will be available in the PBS app, so be sure to keep your eye out for it and watch then without a login.
As many of you already know, in the series, Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a witty detective who solves crimes and battles villains with the help of his longtime friend, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman). This show was co-created by Steven Moffat (who also helped write and produce series 5-10 of “Doctor Who” and “The Adventures of Tintin”) and Mark Gatiss (who plays Mycroft Holmes in the show and has also helped write episodes of “Doctor Who”). The show also stars Amanda Abbington, Rupert Graves and Andrew Scott (“Fleabag”?? “All of Us Strangers”???). All episodes of each of the four seasons are up now and can be streamed via Passport.
The show “Sherlock” takes a very old character (we’re talking late 1800s), and places him into a world that we in the 21st century can understand and relate to. This is what makes this show so intriguing, and why so many people are avid watchers. I’m not one for assumptions but find me in a week and I’m sure I’ll be able to tell you all about it. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for more Sherlock content from Arkansas PBS specifically on our Instagram account, as I will be giving updates on my own “Sherlock” journey and will be back in another blog for a review!
You can get access to Passport through PBS.org, or by downloading the PBS app. Unlike other streaming services where you pay a subscription, to access Passport, you donate. You can start with a tax-deductible gift of $5 a month or an annual gift of $60 or more.
STEPS TO GET STARTED WITH PASSPORT:
- Download the PBS app and locate your profile.
2. Click on the link “pbs.org/more” which will take you to a web browser, and then click on “Donate and Start Watching”.
3. This will take you to the Arkansas PBS Passport page.
4. Click on “Get Started” and go to the Donation page.
**On this page you can select your donation amount and preference, enter in your contact information, choose from an optional list of thank you gifts, and choose how you want your monthly program guide.
5. Once you donate and become a member of Passport, sit back, relax and choose from a growing list of shows and movies.
Not only can you stream shows through Passport, but you can also stream early releases of new series, get extended access to past seasons of PBS shows, watch live TV from your local stations, and stream on all devices.
HOW TO WATCH:
You can visit myarpbs.org/watch to get access to the PBS livestream. You can also visit myarpbs.org/passport to get signed up for PBS’s streaming site and begin watch “Sherlock” today!
GET THE PBS APP
MAKE A DONATION:
Visit myarpbs.org/donate to support public media in Arkansas.