Peacock Review 2023: Is it Worth It? (Price, Plans, Shows & More)

peacock logo

Features:

  • Exclusive Original Content
  • Coverage of Live Events
  • Multi-Device Streaming

Navigating the digital entertainment world can be challenging with so many streaming services to choose from.

With a plethora of options available, how do you decide which one is worth your time and money?

In this review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Peacock. We’ll discuss its pricing structure, content variety, device compatibility, and overall user experience to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your streaming needs.

Is Peacock Worth It? (Our Upfront Recommendation)

Peacock offers an extensive library of NBCUniversal content, including shows like The Office, Saturday Night Live, and the Real Housewives franchise.

The free tier provides access to about two-thirds of Peacock’s catalog with ads.

For $4.99 per month, Peacock Premium removes ads (except on live content and a few shows). And for $9.99 per month, Peacock Premium Plus offers all content ad-free.

So is a Peacock subscription worth it? That depends on how much you value NBCU content.

The service is especially appealing for fans of NBC shows and Universal movies. Even the free version offers a decent selection of popular titles.

Upgrading to Premium removes ads, which improves the viewing experience. Premium Plus removes all ads, but the $5 price hike may not be worthwhile for casual viewers.

The main drawbacks of Peacock are its lack of big-name original shows so far, and some gaps in its catalog due to licensing deals. But Peacock has been aggressively adding content, including exclusive Premier League soccer matches. It also integrates programming from other NBCU properties like Bravo, Syfy, and E!.

Overall, Peacock is worth considering for NBCUniversal fans seeking a streaming home for their favorite shows and characters.

Paying for Premium makes sense for those who watch regularly and want an ad-free experience. But Peacock has yet to match Netflix or Disney+ in terms of compelling originals.

Peacock Review: Everything You Need to Know

What is Peacock?

Peacock is a streaming video service from NBCUniversal that launched in 2020. It offers a mix of live and on-demand content from networks like NBC, Bravo, Syfy, Oxygen, E!, and more.

History of Peacock

Peacock has its origins in NBCUniversal’s efforts to enter the streaming wars. NBCU is owned by cable giant Comcast, which acquired the media company in 2011.

In 2019, NBCUniversal announced plans to debut its own streaming service in April 2020 centered around its content assets. It would compete directly with services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and Apple TV+.

Peacock was named after the iconic NBC peacock logo. NBC first adopted the colorful peacock icon in 1956 to promote its color programming. Peacock draws on NBC’s rich legacy of TV shows, news, sports, and films.

After the announcement, NBCUniversal continued acquiring and producing new content to bolster Peacock’s catalog. This included getting the streaming rights to The Office and title rights to the Harry Potter film franchise.

The service launched as planned in July 2020 with three pricing tiers. However, Peacock’s original programming slate was limited due to pandemic-related production delays. The Tokyo Summer Olympics—which NBC has the rights to broadcast in the U.S. until 2032—were also postponed.

Over its first two years, Peacock has steadily expanded its content library with NBCU shows old and new. It reached 28 million sign-ups by the end of 2021. Peacock is now available on major platforms like Roku and Fire TV.

While still chasing Netflix-level subscriber numbers, Peacock offers NBCUniversal a direct-to-consumer streaming platform. Leveraging decades of NBC programming, it aims to carve out a successful niche in the crowded video streaming space.

Peacock vs Other Streaming Services

How does NBCUniversal’s Peacock stack up against the top players?

This section provides a detailed comparison of Peacock to other major streaming services. The table below breaks down key factors like price, video quality, number of simultaneous streams allowed, and overall editorial rating.

ServicePriceVideoStreamsEditorial RatingDetails
Peacock$4.99–$9.99/mo1080p, 4K34.6/5View Plans
Disney+$7.99–$10.99/mo1080p, 4K44.4/5View Plans
Paramount+$5.99–$11.99/mo1080p34.3/5View Plans
Netflix$6.99–$19.99/mo1080p, 4K1–44.3/5View Plans
Hulu$7.99–$14.99/mo1080p, 4K24.5/5View Plans
Prime Video$8.99–$14.99/mo1080p, 4K34.1/5View Plans
Discovery+$4.99–$6.99/mo1080p, 4K44.0/5View Plans
Max$9.99–$19.99/mo1080p, 4K34.5/5View Plans
Apple TV+$6.99/mo1080p, 4K64.4/5View Plans

How to Get Peacock on ANY Smart TV or Streaming Device

Peacock is a top choice for people all over the world who want a great online video streaming experience. It has both on-demand content and live TV channels. Users can watch their favorite shows, movies, and live TV shows whenever and wherever they want.

If you have a Smart TV or Streaming Device continue reading to learn how to install Peacock with just a few easy-to-perform steps.

Once the setup is complete, you will be ready to stream any series, movie, or live TV channel available on Peacock.

Read and follow these installation guides to get Peacock on any of your smart home devices:

How Much Does Peacock Cost?

The cost of a streaming service often plays a significant role in the decision-making process.

Peacock stands out with its competitive pricing strategy. It offers a lower cost compared to many popular streaming services, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a diverse content selection without a hefty price tag.

Peacock provides two subscription plans to accommodate different user needs and preferences:

Peacock Premium Plan

At $4.99 per month, this plan offers an economical choice for those who can tolerate occasional ads.

Subscribers gain access to Peacock’s entire content library, which includes thousands of episodes from popular networks and exclusive Peacock Originals.

Including ads helps maintain a low cost, making this plan a cost-effective option for those seeking a rich content experience without straining their budget.

Peacock Premium Plus Plan

For those who favor an ad-free viewing experience, the Peacock Premium Plus plan, priced at $9.99 per month, removes commercials completely.

This plan is perfect for those who enjoy binge-watching and appreciate uninterrupted streaming.

The slightly higher cost accounts for the ad-free convenience, offering a premium viewing experience.

Does Peacock Have a Free Tier?

Yes, Peacock does offer a free tier. This tier allows potential users to explore the service and its offerings without even signing up for a trial period.

However, it’s important to note that the free tier comes with limited content and includes advertisements.

Which Countries Is Peacock Available In?

Peacock is primarily available in the United States.

However, it’s important to note that the content may vary depending on the region due to licensing agreements. As of now, Peacock has not announced any specific plans for international expansion.

Please note that the availability of Peacock in countries other than the United States may change in the future as the service expands.

Always check the official Peacock website for the most current information.

Peacock Channel Lineup

Peacock boasts a diverse lineup of channels, ensuring a wide range of options for every viewer.

Here’s a comprehensive list of channels available on Peacock:

  • NBC
  • Bravo
  • USA Network
  • Oxygen
  • CNBC
  • MSNBC
  • NBCSN
  • E!
  • SYFY
  • Telemundo
  • Universal Kids

From lifestyle and home improvement to true crime and history, these channels span a wide range of genres, catering to a variety of viewer interest

Whether you’re in the mood for culinary shows, home renovation ideas, or captivating mysteries, Peacock has you covered.

Shows on Peacock

Peacock offers an extensive library of shows across various genres. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

GenreShows
Drama“Downton Abbey”, “Friday Night Lights”, “House”
Comedy“Parks and Recreation”, “30 Rock”, “The Office”
Reality“Below Deck”, “Top Chef”, “The Real Housewives”
Sci-Fi“Battlestar Galactica”, “Heroes”, “Quantum Leap”

This selection represents just a small portion of the content available on Peacock.

The platform also offers content in other genres like sports, history, nature, and more.

Plus, Peacock regularly updates its content library with new shows and episodes, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.

What Devices Are Compatible with Peacock?

One of Peacock’s strengths is its wide compatibility with various devices. This allows Peacock subscribers to enjoy their favorite shows, movies, and live events on various platforms.

So, if you’re wondering what devices are compatible with Peacock, you’ve come to the right place!

The following devices are fully compatible with the latest version of Peacock:

  • iPads
  • iPhones
  • Android devices
  • Chromecast
  • Amazon Kindle Fire tablets
  • Xbox One
  • All Roku devices
  • Most newer streaming sticks and tablets

This broad device compatibility makes Peacock a top choice for those seeking a versatile and flexible streaming solution.

What Smart TV Brands are Compatible with Peacock?

For those who prefer to watch on larger screens, compatible Peacock devices also include popular Smart TVs.

This means that all significant smart TV brands like Vizio, LG, Samsung, Hisense and TCL are fully compatible with the Peacock app.

Peacock is compatible with smart TVs running on Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, and the Tizen system, so you have a variety of options from which to choose.

Furthermore, any smart TV with built-in Chromecast functionality will automatically run Peacock.

How Many Devices Can Stream Peacock at Once?

A Peacock subscription allows you to stream content on up to three devices simultaneously.

This feature makes it an excellent choice for families or shared households, as multiple users can watch different shows at the same time without interruptions.

If you attempt to exceed this limit, you may receive an error code.

How to Cancel Peacock

Canceling your Peacock subscription is a straightforward process. Users can easily cancel their subscription by following these detailed instructions on how to cancel a Peacock subscription.

Please note that subscriptions must be canceled at least 24 hours before the next billing date to avoid charges for the next cycle.

Read More About Peacock…

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