Peacock

On July 15, 2020, NBCUniversal launched Peacock, a streaming service built around a hybrid model that combined free ad-supported content with premium subscriptions. The name itself nods to the NBC peacock logo, a symbol the network has used since 1956. The service was designed to leverage NBCUniversal's vast library, including NBC, Telemundo, Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, while also offering live sports and original programming. At launch, Peacock stood out with a free tier, but by early 2023 that option was closed to new subscribers, steering users toward paid plans.

Peacock's strategy hinges on live sports exclusivity. It holds the US English-language rights to the Premier League, carries WWE Raw, SmackDown, and premium live events through 2027, and covers the Olympics through 2032. The Paris 2024 Olympics alone drove 5 million new sign-ups. The service also offers next-day access to current NBC shows, a deep catalog of classics like The Office and Law & Order, and originals such as Poker Face, Ted, and Bel-Air. By early 2026, Peacock reported 44 million paid subscribers, up from 30 million in early 2025.

Peacock operates solely in the United States and its territories, a deliberate limitation tied to content licensing deals. Its headquarters are at NBCUniversal's New York City offices, with major operations in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. The service is owned by Comcast through NBCUniversal, and under President Kelly Campbell, it has focused on sports and reality TV over scripted originals. Peacock's revenue hit $4 billion in 2025, though it still operates at a loss, with profitability expected by 2026 or 2027.[edit]