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NBCUniversal Launching Streaming Service Called Peacock in April 2020
NBCUniversal is launching a streaming service, which will be known as Peacock. The announcement, anticipated for some time, comes as the streaming wars continue to take shape. Apple has recently announced the launch date and monthly price for its Apple TV+, its streaming platform, while Netflix has made headlines for its acquisition of the streaming rights to Seinfeld.
Peacock will be joining a field that will soon be quite crowded. In addition to Netflix and Apple TV+, Disney’s streaming platform will make its official launch in November, with Disney+ having an enviably large catalog of recognizable pop culture brands to choose from. HBO Max will be available in 2020, boosted by long-running hits like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. While there are drawbacks to the increasing amount of options available to audiences, streaming services have allowed for a proliferation of shows that might not have found an audience in a traditional television environment. It’s also been something of a boon for fans that will readily rewatch a familiar favorite if it’s available and easily accessible. In revealing its lineup of shows, new and old, Peacock looks to be leaning into that strategy.
According to THR, Peacock’s library will be the exclusive streaming home for popular comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation. Other acclaimed hits, such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Cheers, Downton Abbey, and Friday Night Lights, are among the other choices. Here's the full list of TV shows: 30 Rock, Bates Motel, Battlestar Galactica, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Cheers, Chrisley Knows Best, Covert Affairs, Downton Abbey, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Friday Night Lights, House, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, King of Queens, Married…with Children, Monk, Parenthood, Psych, Royal Pains, Saturday Night Live, Superstore, The Real Housewives, Top Chef and Will & Grace.
Peacock’s film catalog is set to include titles from Universal, DreamWorks Animation and Focus Features although not on an exclusive basis. Titles available at launch are varied, running from Erin Brockovich to the American Pie series. Here's the full list of movies: Bridesmaids, Knocked Up, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers, American Pie, A Beautiful Mind, Back to the Future, Brokeback Mountain, Casino, Dallas Buyers Club, Do the Right Thing, Erin Brockovich, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Field of Dreams, Jaws, Mamma Mia!, Shrek, The Breakfast Club, the Bourne franchise, the Despicable Me franchise and the Fast & Furious franchise.
Peacock will also be heavily invested in creating its own content. The streaming services hopes to build television shows from existing film franchises and to revive pop culture juggernauts. Reboots of Battlestar Galactica, Saved By The Bell, and Punky Brewster were all announced. Bonnie Hammer, a long-time NBCUniversal executive, has also referred to the much-discussed revival of The Office as a priority.
Peacock is launching in April 2020, though a specific date and a pricing plan is not yet known. It will have the benefit of strong non-scripted programming to attract potential subscribers, featuring coverage of the Summer Olympics as well as political coverage of the 2020 election. Speaking of the streaming platform’s name, Hammer said that it was an homage to the diverse quality content that viewers had come to expect from NBCUniversal. Would-be subscribers will have a chance to see for themselves, and make the choice to join Peacock, when it arrives next year.
