10 PBS Masterpiece shows that are worth subscribing for

PBS walked so that other streaming services could run.

The Public Broadcasting Service, which is a non-profit, free-to-watch network, has long been a source of fantastic shows, including its faithful adaptations of classic literature from "Masterpiece Theatre." After all, it's where we watched Downton Abbey for a decade.

PBS recently suffered a major hit when in 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order barring the PBS and NPR (the National Public Radio) from taxpayer funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The executive order immediately cut millions of dollars in funding from the Education Department to PBS for its children's programming, forcing the system to lay off one-third of the PBS Kids staff. Congress also voted to eliminate federal funding for CPB, which forced its closure.

Thankfully in March this year, a judge blocked Trump's executive order, but the damage has been done. PBS now exists only because of member donations, philanthropic grants and corporate sponsorships. That's why it's important that we continue to support the service. Luckily, its content is supreme!

While you can watch PBS for free without cable or by downloading the app, you can get on-demand shows with PBS Passport—an added benefit for those who make a donation to their local PBS station. It comes with episodes from popular programs, including American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece.

With Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV and all the other streaming platforms constantly releasing new content, PBS is often left out of the conversation. But don't sleep on it! 

Below, we share the 10 best PBS Masterpiece shows—five newer shows and five older shows—that are worth subscribing for.

The Forsytes

Premiered in 2025
One season, six episodes
Renewed for season 2 (late 2026)

“The Forsytes chronicles the trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family, whose generations find themselves torn between tradition and the personal pursuit of happiness. Inspired by John Galsworthy’s celebrated Forsyte Saga novels, The Forsytes portrays events that take place before those covered in Galsworthy’s books.”

The stacked cast includes Francesca Annis (Flesh and Blood) as the matriarch Ann, Stephen Moyer (Sexy Beast, True Blood) as Jolyon Forsyte Sr., Danny Griffin (Fate: The Winx Saga) as Jo Forsyte Jr., Tuppence Middleton (Downton Abbey: A New Era) as Frances Forsyte, and Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day, Poldark) as Louisa Byrne. Jack Davenport (The Morning Show, Ten Percent) stars as James Forsyte, Joshua Orpin (Titans) as Soames Forsyte, Millie Gibson (Doctor Who) as Irene Heron, and Tom Durant-Pritchard (This Is Going To Hurt, Miss Scarlet) as Monty Dartie.

Josette Simon OBE (Anatomy of a Scandal) is Mrs. Ellen Parker Barrington, a wealthy heiress and friend of the Forsyte family, with Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way Of Water) as architect Philip Bosinney and Owen Igiehon (Disclaimer) as lawyer Isaac Cole. Susan Hampshire OBE (star of the 1967 BBC Forsyte Saga for which she received the first of her three lead actress Emmys), plays Lady Carteret.

The Count of Monte Cristo

Premiered in 2026
Eight episodes, one season
Airs on Sundays at 10pm EST through May 10

“Sam Claflin (Daisy Jones and the Six) stars as Edmond Dantes, a 19-year-old sailor who, when falsely accused of treason, is imprisoned without trial in a grim island fortress off Marseille, France. After many years of captivity, Dantes finally escapes and discovers treasure, making him one of the richest men in the world. Under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans to take revenge on those who wrongly accused him.”

Ana Girardot (The Returned) is Mercedes, Jeremy Irons (The Borgias) is Abbé Faria, and Blake Ritson (The Gilded Age, The Crown, Indian Summers, Emma) is Danglars. The series is directed by two-time Palme d’Or and Oscar-winner Bille August.

Miss Austen

Premiered in 2025
Four episodes, renewed for a second season

“Based on Gill Hornby’s best-selling novel, this period drama brings a fresh and intimate perspective to the Austen sisters’ live—their joys, heartaches, and the passions that would shape Jane’s iconic novels.”

Keeley Hawes is Cassandra while Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey) is family friend Isabella Fowle, Patsy Ferran (Living) is young Jane Austen, and Synnøve Karlsen (Bodies) is young Cassy.

All Creatures Great and Small

Premiered in 2020
Six seasons, seven episodes each; it will return for Seasons 7 and 8

“James Herriot’s adventures as a veterinarian in the 1930’s Yorkshire Dales get a glorious new adaptation in a TV series based on his internationally celebrated books. Nicholas Ralph stars as the iconic vet who became renowned for his inspiring humor, compassion for his animal patients, and love of life. With plenty of heart, a picturesque setting, and a cast that utterly charms, the show delivers drama both comforting and entertaining.”

The cast also includes Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon (Mr. Selfridge, Howards End), Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon (The Durrells in Corfu), Anna Madeley as Mrs. Hall (Mr. Selfridge, Patrick Melrose), Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson (White Gold), Patricia Hodge as Mrs. Pumphrey, (Roadkill, Downton Abbey).

Around the World in 80 Days

Premiered 2021
Eight episodes, one season

“Set sail in Jules Verne’s iconic hot air balloon with Phileas Fogg, Passepartout, and Fix in a thrilling, modern adaptation of the classic adventure novel. David Tennant (Good Omens, Doctor Who) stars as wealthy Victorian eccentric Fogg, literature’s greatest explorer.”

Tennant is joined by Ibrahim Koma (The Head, As Far as I can Walk) as Jean Passepartout, Fogg’s valet, and Leonie Benesch (The Crown, Babylon Berlin) as Abigail “Fix” Fortescue, a determined and headstrong journalist.

Older shows:

The Durrells in Corfu

Premiered in 2016
Four seasons, six seasons each

“Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line of Duty, Mrs. Wilson) stars as an intrepid widow decamping from dreary England to a sun-drenched Greek island with her four recalcitrant children, ages 11 to 21, in this charming and witty adaptation of Gerald Durrell’s memoir, My Family and Other Animals and its two sequels.”

Alongside Hawes’ matriarch Louisa Durrell, are eldest son, Larry (Emmy Award winning-Josh O’Connor from The Crown, Emma, Les Misérables), son number two, Leslie (Callum Woodhouse, All Creatures Great and Small), daughter Margo (Daisy Waterstone, The Capture), and eleven-year-old Gerry (Milo Parker, Mile Marker).

Call the Midwife

Premiered
15 seasons, about eight episodes each

“Call the Midwife, based on the best-selling memoirs of the late Jennifer Worth, tells colorful stories of midwifery and families in London’s East End between the 1950s and 1970s. Inspired by the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, Call the Midwife follows the nurses, midwives and nuns from Nonnatus House, who visit the expectant mothers of Poplar, providing the poorest women with the best possible care.”

The original cast consisted of Jessica Raine, Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris, Miranda Hart, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Bryony Hannah, Laura Main, Cliff Parisi and Stephen McGann. Agutter, George, Main, Parisi and McGann are the remaining cast members from the first episode.

Grantchester

Premiered 2015
10 seasons, 8 episodes each (11th and last seasons debuts on June 14)

“There’s no shortage of murder, mystery, and mayhem in the seemingly quiet 1950s Cambridgeshire village of Grantchester—and police detective Geordie Keating (Robson Green) and the resident vicar (played by James Norton, Tom Brittney, and Rishi Nair, respectively) are always on the case. There’s a real warmth to this period crime drama, set in a picturesque location with central characters who’ve formed their own version of a family."

Al Weaver (Colette) is the former curate Leonard Finch, Tessa Peake-Jones (Pride and Prejudice, Doctors) is the mother-figure Mrs. Sylvia Chapman, Kacey Ainsworth (EastEnders, Holby Blue) is Geordie’s wife Cathy Keating, Oliver Dimsdale (Downton Abbey, Mr. Selfridge) is Daniel Marlowe; Nick Brimble (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, A Knight’s Tale) is Mrs. C’s husband, Jack Chapman.

Victoria

Premiered 2017
Three seasons, seven episodes each

“Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) stars as her fearless Majesty Queen Victoria. We’re treated to the queen’s remarkable and emotional story, from her giddy ascension to the British throne at age 18, infatuation with dashing mentor Lord Melbourne (Rufus Sewall), passionate romance with and early marriage to Germany’s Prince Albert (Tom Hughes), and growth into her royal role.”

The cast also includes David Oakes (The Borgias) as Albert’s brother Prince Ernest; Nell Hudson (Outlander) is the queen’s chief dresser, Nancy Skerrett; Ferdinand Kingsley (Borgia) is Charles Francatelli, the royal chef.

Downton Abbey

Premiered in 2010
Six seasons, about eight episodes each

"Created and written by Oscar winner Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park), Downton Abbey begins in 1912 against the backdrop of the sinking of the Titanic. It follows the lives, loves, and scandals of the Crawley family and the loyal staff who serve them. As the world changes around them, the inhabitants of Downton must navigate a shifting social landscape where tradition clashes with modern age."

It's garnered 59 Emmy nominations, won 12 Emmys, three Golden Globes, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Producers Guild Award and three BAFTAs, plus a 2015 BAFTA Special Award in recognition of the series’ outstanding global success.

The cast includes Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Joanne Froggatt, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan, Laura Carmichael, Brendan Coyle, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Kevin Doyle, Samantha Bond and many others.

Best yet, you don't even need PBS Passport to watch it. As of March 1, you can watch it for free on the PBS app.