Peacock Streaming Service 2026: Plans, Free Trials & How to Watch

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s flagship streaming service, delivering a mix of hit TV shows, blockbuster movies, live sports, and exclusive originals to millions worldwide. Launched in 2020, Peacock stands out for its affordable plans, vast NBC library like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” and major events such as NFL Sunday Night Football and Premier League soccer, making it a go-to for sports fans and binge-watchers alike.

What Makes Peacock Unique

Core Features

Peacock blends on-demand content with live programming, setting it apart from pure VOD rivals. Users access over 80,000 hours of shows, movies, and channels, including next-day episodes from NBC and Bravo. Its strength lies in live sports coverage, which drives spikes in viewership, alongside family-friendly classics and reality TV hits.

Key features include:

Multiple user profiles for households.
Download options on Premium Plus.
Always-on channels for niche viewing.
Integration with devices like Roku, Fire TV, and smart TVs.

Peacock Pricing and Plans

Tier Breakdown

Peacock offers flexible tiers to suit budgets. The ad-supported Premium plan starts at $7.99 monthly or $79.99 yearly, unlocking full content including live sports. Premium Plus at $11.99 to $17 monthly removes most ads and adds local NBC streams plus offline downloads.

A limited free tier exists for select users, but new sign-ups typically start with paid options or trials. Recent 2025 hikes positioned it competitively, with a new Select tier at $7.99 testing lighter content bundles.

Content Library Breakdown

Shows and Movies

Peacock shines with NBCUniversal staples. Binge “The Office,” “Saturday Night Live,” or Bravo franchises like “Real Housewives.” Originals such as “Poker Face” and “Bupkis” add fresh appeal.

Movies range from blockbusters to indies, with live sports anchoring events:

NFL games.
Premier League matches.
WWE Premium Live Events.
Olympics highlights (select years).

Comparison Table: Peacock vs. Competitors

Feature	Description	Benefit	Example
Pricing (Monthly)	$7.99–$17 (ads or ad-free)	Affordable entry vs. $15+ rivals	Cheaper than Netflix Standard
Live Sports	NFL, Premier League, WWE	Real-time action without cable	Sunday Night Football exclusivity
Content Volume	80,000+ hours, NBC/Bravo focus	Deep library dives	Full “The Office” seasons
Offline Downloads	Premium Plus only	Watch anywhere, no Wi-Fi	Travel-friendly for long flights
Free Tier	Limited for existing users	Low-risk trial	Basic shows for casual viewers
International Access	US-only, VPN workaround	Expands reach for global fans	UK users via proxy

This table highlights Peacock’s value in sports and pricing over Netflix or Hulu.

Key Statistics and Trends

Subscriber Growth

Peacock reached 41 million paid subscribers by early 2025, holding steady through Q4 with 1.6% of total US TV viewing share—rising to 2.0% on NFL Sundays. Ad-supported tiers dominate at 79% of users, around 32 million viewers, fueling revenue growth.

Market trends show streaming sports boosting retention: Peacock added millions during 2024 Olympics coverage. Globally, paid subscribers grew 20% year-over-year to mid-2025, per industry reports, as bundles like Hulu+Peacock gain traction. Viewing hours spiked 25% during live events, outpacing general VOD.

51 million Hulu subs vs. Peacock’s 41 million (Q4 2025).
80,000+ hours of content across 600+ titles.
Churn at 5-8% monthly, offset by sports peaks.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Peacock delivers strong value but has limits.

Pros:

Budget-friendly plans with full sports access.
Exclusive NBC content and next-day streaming.
Live events create must-watch moments.
Multi-profile support for families.

Drawbacks

Cons:

US-only official availability restricts global users.
Premium Plus still includes some ads (e.g., sports).
Originals library lags behind Netflix volume.
Free tier phased out for new customers.

Neutral take: Ideal for sports enthusiasts; supplement for broader movies.

How to Get Started with Peacock

Signup Steps

Signing up takes minutes. Download the app or visit peacocktv.com, choose a plan, and link payment.

Steps:

Create account with email.
Select Premium or Plus.
Activate on devices (Roku, Apple TV, etc.).
Explore profiles and downloads.

Internal linking ideas: “Best NFL streaming options,” “Bravo shows guide.” External: NBC Sports site, Premier League official page.

Can I watch Peacock for free?

Peacock ended its broad free tier for new users, but existing accounts retain limited access to select shows. Promo deals occasionally offer short trials; check Instacart+ for two-week perks.

Is Peacock on Netflix or Prime?

No, Peacock content isn’t on Netflix or Prime Video due to exclusive licensing. “The Office” migrated from Netflix to Peacock.

What countries is Peacock available in?

Peacock operates officially in the US only, with no native apps elsewhere due to rights deals. VPNs enable access from Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Is Peacock available in the UK?

Peacock lacks official UK availability; attempts from UK IPs trigger geo-blocks. Sky UK bundles some content, but full access requires VPN to a US server.

Is Peacock on YouTube TV free?

Peacock isn’t bundled free with YouTube TV. YouTube TV carries NBC channels but not Peacock’s full VOD/sports library.

Is Peacock free with Hulu?

Yes, select Hulu bundles include Peacock at no extra cost, like Hulu + Live TV combos. Standalone Hulu doesn’t; check Disney Bundle options.

Which company gives Peacock free?

Instacart+ offers two-week trials; Xfinity and Spectrum provide free Premium to eligible customers. Black Friday promos hit 75% off yearly plans.

What is the cheapest way to get Peacock?

Opt for annual Premium at $79.99 (effectively $6.67/month) or promo codes like 75% off first year ($20 total). Select tier tests at $7.99/month.

How do I watch Peacock?

Download the app on Roku, Fire TV, or mobile; sign up online; use VPN outside US. Stream via browser or cast to TV.

Is Peacock free with Roku?

Roku devices support Peacock apps, but no free subscription comes with Roku hardware. Private channels occasionally offer trials.

How to get Peacock free for 3 months?

No standard 3-month free offer exists in 2026; past promos via Instacart or carriers lasted weeks. Watch for seasonal deals like Black Friday.

Is Peacock worth the money?

For sports fans, yes—live NFL/Premier League justifies $8/month. Casual viewers may prefer broader libraries elsewhere, but NBC fans save vs. cable.

Conclusion

Peacock excels as an affordable hub for live sports, NBC classics, and Bravo drama, with 41 million users proving its draw. Pair it with bundles for max value, and use VPNs for international access—stream smarter today.