How to Watch Gospel Online from Anywhere

Gospel music has a deep connection with the Black community. From the era of slavery to the present day, it has been a beacon of strength, wisdom, and courage throughout history. PBS’s new documentary Gospel dives deep into the rich history of Black gospel music through sermons and songs. It will premiere on Nine PBS in the US on Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 9 pm ET. US viewers can stream the show via the PBS app and Nine PBS Passport. You can also catch the series via DirecTV Stream and YouTube TV. Viewers in Canada watch it through PBS Passport on the same day.

PBS is geo-restricted. If you travel or live in a region where it’s restricted, you won’t be able to watch the show.

A VPN changes your IP address to an unrestricted location and lifts the geo-restrictions on PBS, allowing you to access Gospel online from anywhere.

Keep reading for more details about the new documentary, including the official trailer, what it’s about, and a breakdown of the episodes. You'll also discover a VPN's crucial role in enjoying it from any location and more essential insights.

How to Watch Gospel Online With a VPN

You can watch Gospel online on PBS with a VPN connected to a US server. Follow our step-by-step guide below:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock PBS (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your device(s).
3. Launch the VPN app and connect to a US server.
4. Access PBS and start streaming Gospel. 

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Gospel?

You need a VPN to watch Gospel because PBS is restricted outside the US and Canada, requiring a workaround to access it abroad.

Geo-restriction prevents viewers outside these countries from accessing the content, leading to an error message, "We’re sorry, but this video is not available."

A VPN set to a US server changes your IP address to one from the US so you can stream Gospel regardless of location.

We recommend NordVPN, which is recognized as one of the top VPNs for reliably unblocking PBS from any location.

Where to Watch Gospel

The four-part documentary will premiere on Nine PBS on Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 9 pm ET in the US, with streaming available on the PBS App, Nine PBS Passport, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream. Canadian viewers can also enjoy the season on PBS Passport on the same day.

As of now, a release date for the UK and Australia hasn't been announced.

Let’s explore the streaming services to catch Gospel live stream:

Streaming Services	Pricing Starts At	Available Locations
PBS App	Free (log in using TV provider credentials)	US
YouTube TV	$62.99 per month	US
DirecTV stream	$69.99 per month	US
Nine PBS Passport	An annual $60 donation/ $5 monthly donation recommended	US
PBS Passport	An annual $60 donation recommended	Canada

How to Watch Gospel in the US

US viewers can watch Gospel on Nine PBS on Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 9 pm ET. To access the series for free on PBS, log in with your TV provider credentials on the PBS App or website.

You can also stream the series through Nine PBS Passport. According to details provided on PBS's official website, a station donation of at least $60 per year or $5 for sustainer/ongoing monthly gifts is necessary for PBS Passport. However, the donation requirement may vary from station to station.

Alternatively, you can watch the documentary on streaming platforms that offer PBS:

• YouTube TV: PBS is available on YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for the first three months and $72.99 thereafter. New subscribers enjoy a 21-day free trial.
• DirecTV Stream: This streaming service offers 75+ channels, including PBS, for a starting fee of $69.99 per month. New users get a 5-day free trial on the platform. 

When traveling outside the US, you can use a powerful VPN set to a US server to bypass geo-blocks and stream Gospel from anywhere.

How to Watch Gospel in Canada

Viewers in Canada can access Gospel through PBS Passport on Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 9 pm ET, the same as its US release. To qualify for this service, most stations require members to make an annual payment of at least a specified sum.

If you encounter geo-restrictions while accessing the show outside Canada, a reliable VPN set to a Canadian server can bypass them and allow you to stream the documentary from anywhere.

Can You Watch Gospel Online Free?

Yes, you can watch Gospel for free in a couple of ways. In the US, you can access the show for free on Nine PBS by logging in with your existing credentials or creating a free account on the PBS website.

Alternatively, you can use YouTube TV’s 21-day free trial or DirecTV Stream’s 5-day free trial for new subscribers to stream the show at no cost. 

Gospel Preview

From the creative mind of Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Gospel provides a firsthand exploration of the evolution of gospel music. Through the narratives of luminaries like Rev. Shirley Caesar and Kirk Franklin, gospel music emerges as a potent vehicle for religious expression, fostering healing, unity, and upliftment.

Venturing into the heart of the Black Church, Gospel pays homage to its enduring societal significance while illuminating the thriving industry surrounding the music. Across four engaging episodes—"The Gospel Train," "The Golden Age of Gospel," "Take the Message Everywhere," and "Gospel’s Second Century"—viewers embark on a journey from gospel's modest origins to its fusion with jazz and R&B, encountering trailblazers such as Rev. C.L. Franklin, The Five Blind Boys, Clara Ward, and Rev. James Cleveland.

The show also delves into the narratives of gospel's early influencers, including Thomas Dorsey and Mahalia Jackson. Their extraordinary transitions from blues to spirituals exemplify the resilience and dedication inherent in gospel music.

Gospel Episodes

• Season 1 Episode: The Gospel Train (February 12, 2024) -  This episode explores the fusion of blues and jazz with gospel music, pioneered by southern migrants such as Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Through their music, they conveyed messages of God's goodness, laying the foundation for the gospel's expansion as a commodity. Black-owned publishing companies like Martin and Morris played a crucial role in sustaining gospel music, catering to Black audiences.
• Season 1 Episode 2: The Golden Age of Gospel (February 13, 2024) - In this episode, Gospel delves into the Golden Age of Gospel, starting in the 1940s. This period witnessed a dramatic surge in Black sacred music, paralleling the struggles of segregation in the American South. Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin emerge as influential figures, blurring the lines between sacred and secular music. Gospel becomes a potent soundtrack for the freedom struggle, resonating deeply with audiences.
• Season 1 Episode 3: Take the Message Everywhere (February 13, 2024) - The third episode of Gospel reveals how gospel music began to transcend its traditional boundaries and reach mainstream audiences. Family dynasties, often rooted in the Church of God in Christ, rise to prominence, dominating the music charts. Meanwhile, gospel artists influence the soul music genre with their heavenly voices. Black pastors maintain their prophetic voice and distinct sound, using sermonettes to deliver powerful messages.
• Season 1 Episode 1 Hour 4: Gospel's Second Century (February 13, 2024) - Gospel’s final episode explores the evolution of gospel music in the 1990s and beyond. A new generation of music producers, record executives, and artists embraces secular rhythms from R&B and hip-hop to modernize the gospel sound. This era, known as the Platinum Age of Gospel, witnesses commercially successful songs about faith reaching millions through clubs, cable TV, and urban radio. However, it also draws criticism for pushing the boundaries of gospel music too far.

Gospel Trailer

Final Thoughts

Gospel is not just a documentary; it's a testament to the enduring power of faith and music to transcend barriers and inspire souls. US viewers can catch it on Nine PBS and Nine PBS Passport, while Canadians can tune in via PBS Passport. For international audiences, a VPN is indispensable to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy this captivating series.

We recommend NordVPN for its reliability and robust privacy features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-log policy. With a 30-day risk-free trial and a money-back guarantee, NordVPN ensures a secure and seamless experience as you delve into the history of gospel music and its profound impact.