Amazon.com and PBS Distribution have reached an expanded deal that brings more past seasons of PBS shows to Amazon Prime Instant Video, the streaming service available as part of the company’s Amazon Prime program.
Shows involved in this latest agreement include NOVA, Masterpiece and Ken Burns documentaries, in addition to kids’ programs such as Caillou, Arthur, Daniels Tiger’s Neighborhood, Dinosaur Train and Wild Kratts.
The deal follows the news earlier this year that Amazon had purchased rights to become the exclusive home of Downton Abbey. That agreement kicks in later this year, promising to boost Amazon’s cred among PBS fans.
Amazon is trying to catch up to Netflix in the streaming media business. Prime Instant Video, available as part of the $79/year Amazon Prime membership program, is a subset of the company’s larger Instant Video streaming catalog, which offers streaming movies and shows for individual purchase and rental.