PBS Documentaries has officially launched a new Prime Video channel in Canada, bringing a treasure trove of high-quality documentaries to Canadian audiences. This launch mirrors the success of its U.S. counterpart and offers an extensive library that promises to educate, entertain, and inspire viewers across the country.
Central to the channel’s offering is the esteemed collection from pioneering filmmaker Ken Burns. Known for his meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Burns’ documentaries have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. The channel’s lineup includes some of his most celebrated works such as The Vietnam War, Baseball, The American Buffalo, The U.S. and the Holocaust, and Muhammad Ali. Each of these films delves deep into American history, offering viewers an immersive experience through rich narratives and archival footage.
In addition to Burns’ masterpieces, the channel will feature a variety of other noteworthy documentaries. Fans of science, history, and culture can look forward to titles from Nova, Frontline, American Masters, Independent Lens, The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer, and The Gilded Age. These documentaries are known for their in-depth exploration of subjects, providing audiences with thought-provoking content that spans a wide range of topics.
Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s influential series, Gospel and Finding Your Roots, will also be available on the channel. Gates’ work in exploring genealogy and African American history has been widely praised for its depth and educational value. His inclusion in the channel’s roster highlights PBS’s commitment to offering diverse and significant historical perspectives.
A particularly exciting addition to the channel will come in November, with the release of a documentary about Leonardo da Vinci. This film marks the first in the channel’s collection to focus on a non-American subject, signaling a broadened scope for future content. Ken Burns expressed his enthusiasm for the channel’s launch in Canada, stating, “We are thrilled that Canadian audiences will now be able to see all of our past. When the channel launched in the U.S. a few years ago, it fulfilled a dream that we’d had for many years — for our full library of work to live in one easily accessible destination.“
The subscription rate for the PBS Documentaries Prime Video channel is set at C$5.99 ($4.36) per month for those with an Amazon Prime or Prime Video subscription. This reasonable rate provides access to an extensive array of documentaries, ensuring that high-quality, educational content is accessible to a broad audience.
Andrea Downing, President of PBS Distribution, emphasized the complementary nature of this launch alongside the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video channel in Canada. The Masterpiece channel has been successful in delivering acclaimed dramas such as Magpie Murders and Hotel Portofino. Downing remarked, “We are delighted to offer a significant volume of high-quality content, including our award-winning documentaries to fans in Canada.“
The launch of the PBS Documentaries Prime Video channel in Canada represents a significant expansion of PBS’s digital footprint. It not only provides Canadian viewers with access to some of the best documentaries available but also reinforces the importance of making educational content readily available in the digital age. With its rich lineup of films and series, the channel is set to become a favorite destination for documentary enthusiasts across Canada.
For those who appreciate well-crafted, insightful documentaries, the PBS Documentaries Prime Video channel offers a valuable resource. Whether it’s exploring the intricacies of American history through Ken Burns’ eyes or delving into contemporary issues with Frontline, there is something for everyone. This launch marks an important milestone in bringing top-tier documentary content to Canadian audiences, ensuring that they can enjoy and learn from some of the best documentary filmmaking available today.