Is The Criterion Channel available on Apple TV?

(Image credit: Apple)

So you have just signed up for The Criterion Channel (or are looking to do so) and want to know on what platforms you can stream the service? There are a number of platforms that are compatible with the streaming service, but more specifically, is The Criterion Channel available on Apple TV?

Is The Criterion Channel available on Apple TV?

Yes, Apple TV is one of the devices that The Criterion Channel subscribers can use to watch all of the movies and features offered by the streaming service. The Criterion Channel is available for download on Apple TV fourth generation models and higher, running tvOS 11 or higher.

Be sure not to confuse this with Apple TV Plus. Apple TV are the physical consoles that allow users to access multiple streaming services and apps on their TVs, while Apple TV Plus is a specific streaming service offered by Apple and features its own portfolio of original content.

To access The Criterion Channel on your Apple TV, you must first download the app from the App Store. Here are the steps to start watching once the app has been installed on the device:

Open The Criterion Channel app and click on the "Sign in" button
Apple TV will provide an activation code
On a computer or mobile device, enter the activation code on the activate page (you will need to sign in if you are not already)
The Criterion Channel app on Apple TV will automatically refresh and you can start watching right away

You can also subscriber to The Criterion Channel through Apple TV. Once again, you start the process by downloading The Criterion Channel app from the App Store. Here are the steps to sign up through Apple TV:

Open The Criterion Channel app and select "Subscribe"
Select "Monthly" or "Annual" subscription plan
Enter your payment information and confirm the subscription with Apple

Once that's all done you are then signed up and can start watching The Criterion Channel via your Apple TV device.

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Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca, Moulin Rouge!, Silence of the Lambs, Children of Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars. On the TV side he enjoys Peaky Blinders, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Saturday Night Live, Only Murders in the Building and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun. Follow on Letterboxd.