Peacock doesn’t have a channel lineup that mimics traditional cable. It’s unlike other streaming options, such as Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, which have a broad array of networks from different media companies. Instead, most Peacock channels hail from the NBC Universal universe.
Even though Peacock channels are from the world of NBC, there’s still diverse content to be found. You’ll find movies, true crime shows, news programs, comedy favorites and more. Right now, you'll also find Sunday Night Football coverage, as well as coverage for some other major sporting events.
For sports, movies, NBC shows and more, Peacock is an affordable choice with a lot to offer.
Peacock offers two plans: Premium and Plus. The platform used to offer a free version, but unfortunately, that plan was discontinued in 2023. Peacock Premium is $7.99 per month, while Peacock Plus is $13.99 per month.
Both Peacock tiers have the same 50+ channels. Peacock Plus customers also get most content without ads, the ability to download select titles to watch offline, and access to live streaming from their local affiliate NBC channel.
Peacock has curated channels that are themed around a type of content or a particular show. For instance, there are channels for comedy and channels for specific Bravo shows like “Real Housewives.”
Peacock can be good for sports fans. Not only will Plus customers be able to watch sports that air live on their local NBC channel, but the streaming platform will have an exclusive NFL Wild Card game in the 2024-2025 season as well as some other exclusive matchups. Plus, the platform was the streaming home of the Olympics.
Sports found on live channels and the sports library include Big Ten football, Big Ten Men’s and Women’s basketball, figure skating, French Open tennis tournament, rugby, Premier League soccer, Notre Dame hockey and NFL Sunday Night Football.
If you pay for Peacock Plus, you can get your local NBC channel 24/7. Otherwise, you will only have on-demand NBC content. Peacock does not carry any other local channels, such as ABC or CBS.
Monthly cost |
Number of channels |
Free trial? |
|
---|---|---|---|
Peacock |
$7.99 |
50+ |
Yes |
Paramount Plus |
$7.99 |
6 |
Yes |
Hulu + Live TV |
$82.99 |
95+ |
Yes |
YouTube TV |
$72.99 |
100+ |
Yes |
The closest comparison to Peacock is Paramount Plus, which is CBS’s streaming service. That platform only has a handful of channels, though you can add SHOWTIME for an additional $6 per month. Meanwhile, platforms like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV have more channels than Peacock, but you’ll end up paying a lot more money to access these networks.
It’s worth considering that Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV have all local channels and will allow you to watch far more live content than Peacock.
If you’re looking to replace cable, the Peacock channel list can’t compete with other platforms that have a more traditional channel lineup. However, if you aren’t seeking to replace cable but rather supplement on-demand content, then Peacock might be a good fit. You’ll get access to lots of content from NBCU networks and next-day access to all NBC and Bravo shows in the regular library.
If you have Peacock Plus you can watch your NBC affiliate network live. Other channels air content in syndication, including shows from NBC, Bravo and CNBC.
Peacock no longer has a free version for new customers. Customers who signed up for the free version before February 2023 can still access their free account.
In 2024, Peacock was the exclusive home of a Wild Card NFL game. It also airs Sunday Night Football games live.