Peacock, a streaming service from NBCUniversal, burst onto the scene in 2020, promising a rich mix of movies, TV shows, sports, news, and original content all in one convenient place.

With competitors like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video already dominating the streaming landscape, many wondered if Peacock could carve out a space for itself.

After all, it came with a lot of hype, especially considering it was backed by one of the most powerful media companies in the world.

But with changing pricing structures, some growing pains, and a rapidly evolving content library, it’s worth asking: Is Peacock really worth the hype?

In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into everything Peacock has to offer. From its content variety to its pricing plans, user interface, and more, we’ll break down whether it’s worth subscribing to in 2025.

Overview of Peacock

Peacock was created by NBCUniversal and launched in July 2020. The service is named after NBC’s iconic logo, which is a peacock, and it was designed to offer a combination of free and paid content to cater to a wide range of viewers.

The service includes movies, TV shows, sports events, live news, and even classic content from the NBC library, all housed in one convenient platform.

Initially, Peacock was unique for offering a free tier, giving users access to a limited catalog of content without the need for a subscription.

However, as the service matured, it shifted to offer more premium options for paying customers, and the free tier is no longer the main attraction.

The service now focuses on offering a mix of ad-supported and ad-free plans. It’s available in the U.S. and a few other countries, though its availability is still somewhat limited internationally compared to giants like Netflix and Disney+.

Features of Peacock

Peacock offers a wide range of features that set it apart from other streaming services. While some are standard in the industry, others are unique to the service. Let’s explore the main features that come with a Peacock subscription.

1. Content Variety

One of the major selling points of Peacock is its variety of content. Whether you’re in the mood for classic sitcoms, blockbuster movies, or live sports, Peacock has something for everyone.

• TV Shows: From the classic NBC sitcoms like Friends and The Office (now a Peacock exclusive) to newer hits like This Is Us and Law & Order: SVU, the service offers a great selection of both past and present TV hits. In addition to NBC’s library, there are also shows from channels like Bravo, Syfy, and USA Network.

• Movies: Peacock has a solid library of movies, including titles from Universal Pictures, which owns the platform. You’ll find a variety of blockbuster films, older classics, and newer releases. Notably, it offers a range of Universal movies that arrive on the platform after their theatrical run.

• Kids’ Content: If you have young children at home, Peacock also offers a solid lineup of kid-friendly content, including shows from DreamWorks Animation. Shows like Puss in Boots and Shrek are available for family viewing.

• News and Reality TV: If you enjoy reality TV or want access to live news, Peacock has you covered. With channels like NBC News Now, Sky News, and more, you can stay up to date with the latest headlines. Plus, there are plenty of reality TV shows from Bravo and NBC to keep you entertained.

2. Live TV and Sports Streaming

Peacock goes beyond just on-demand content by offering a robust lineup of live sports and TV events. This is a major selling point for many subscribers, particularly sports fans.

• Sports: Peacock has exclusive streaming rights to certain live sports events, which sets it apart from other streaming services. It offers coverage of the Premier League (the most-watched soccer league in the world) with full match coverage, including some exclusive games. The service also features major events in motorsports, such as NASCAR, and even live coverage of the Olympics when NBC is hosting them.

• News and Events: In addition to sports, Peacock also offers live news channels like NBC News Now, providing up-to-date coverage of global and domestic events. This live feature is particularly appealing to those who enjoy watching news coverage as it happens.

3. Multiple Streaming Options

Peacock is available on a wide range of devices, so you can access it almost anywhere. Whether you’re watching on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer, there are many ways to enjoy content on the platform.

• Device Support: You can stream Peacock on popular devices like Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, and smart TVs. There’s also an app for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy to watch on the go.

• Simultaneous Streams: Depending on your plan, Peacock allows for multiple streams simultaneously. This makes it a great option for families or households with multiple users.

4. Offline Viewing

Peacock offers offline viewing for certain content, but this feature is only available on the Premium Plus plan. If you’re someone who likes to download content for trips or areas with spotty Wi-Fi, this could be a major advantage.

However, unlike other streaming services, this feature is not available on the lower-tier plan, so if you want to watch without being connected to the internet, you’ll need to go for the more expensive plan.

5. Affordable Pricing Structure

Peacock offers a competitive pricing structure that appeals to a wide range of viewers. As of 2025, the service offers a few different pricing tiers to cater to various needs.

• Free Tier: The free plan gives you access to a small selection of content, with ads. It’s a good option if you’re just casually browsing or want to test out the service before committing to a paid plan.

• Premium with Ads: This plan costs around $10.99 per month and provides access to most content, including live sports and news, with ads included. It’s an affordable option for those who don’t mind occasional interruptions.

• Premium Plus (Ad-Free): This plan costs around $16.99 per month and offers an ad-free experience on almost all content. It’s a better choice for those who want to avoid interruptions and watch everything without commercial breaks.

Pricing and Plans

While Peacock’s pricing is one of its strongest selling points, it’s important to consider the specific plans and what you get with each.

• Free Plan: Access a limited library of shows and movies with ads.

• Premium Plan ($10.99/month): Includes full access to most content, including live sports, but with ads.

• Premium Plus Plan ($16.99/month): Full access to content with no ads (except for some live events), and the ability to download content for offline viewing.

Overall, Peacock’s pricing is fairly competitive, especially considering the variety of content it offers. However, the fact that even the higher-tier plans come with ads may be a dealbreaker for some.

Pros of Peacock

There’s a lot to love about Peacock. Here are some of the major advantages:

1. Variety of Content

Peacock has a strong lineup of content across multiple genres. Whether you’re into sitcoms, dramas, sports, or reality TV, there’s something for everyone. The combination of on-demand shows and live events makes it stand out in the crowded streaming market.

2. Live Sports and Events

Peacock’s live sports offerings are a major plus. The service gives you access to live Premier League soccer games, NFL games, and more, which is a rarity for a streaming service. If you’re a sports fan, this could be the feature that convinces you to subscribe.

3. Affordable Pricing

With its low-cost plans and variety of content, Peacock remains one of the most affordable options on the market. You can enjoy a lot of content at a fraction of the price of its competitors.

4. Excellent for Families

Peacock is a great choice for families. The platform offers a solid selection of children’s programming, family-friendly films, and shows that appeal to all age groups. With multiple profiles and parental controls, it’s easy for everyone to have a personalized experience.

5. Flexible Device Support

With support for a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, Peacock makes it easy to watch your favorite shows anywhere, at any time.

Cons of Peacock

While Peacock has a lot of positive features, there are some downsides that potential subscribers should be aware of:

1. Ads on Premium Plans

One of the biggest drawbacks of Peacock is that even the Premium plan comes with ads. The higher-tier plan, Premium Plus, offers an ad-free experience, but it’s more expensive. If you want to watch without interruptions, you’ll have to pay more.

2. Limited Original Content

Peacock’s original content library is still growing but remains smaller compared to competitors like Netflix and Disney+. While there are some standout originals, the platform doesn’t yet offer as many unique shows as its rivals.

3. Content Gaps

Peacock’s library, while extensive, can sometimes feel incomplete. Certain movies and shows don’t stay on the service for long, and some key titles are missing altogether. This can be frustrating if you’re looking for specific content.

4. User Interface and Discovery Issues

The user interface on Peacock isn’t as polished as other services. Navigation can be clunky, and content discovery can be a challenge. Finding new shows and movies isn’t always as intuitive, and there have been reports of glitches and freezes during playback.

5. Not Available Everywhere

Peacock is primarily available in the United States and a few other regions. If you’re outside of these countries, you might have to use a VPN or other methods to access the service.

Conclusion: Is Peacock Worth It?

Peacock has a lot going for it, from its extensive content variety to its live sports offerings and affordable pricing.

It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys NBC’s classic shows or wants a budget-friendly alternative to pricier streaming services.

However, there are some areas where it falls short, including ads on the Premium plan, a lack of original content, and occasional user experience issues.

Ultimately, if you want an all-in-one service with something for the whole family, Peacock is worth considering.

If you’re specifically looking for a massive collection of original content or a completely ad-free experience, you may want to look elsewhere.

FAQs

Does Peacock offer a free trial?

Peacock no longer offers a free trial for new users. However, there is a free tier with limited content available.

Can I watch live sports on Peacock?

Yes, Peacock offers a solid lineup of live sports, including Premier League soccer, NFL games, and more.

Is Peacock available globally?

Peacock is mainly available in the United States and a few select regions. Its international availability is still limited.

Can I download content to watch offline?

Yes, offline viewing is available on the Premium Plus plan.

How many devices can I stream on Peacock?

Peacock allows multiple simultaneous streams, making it ideal for households with multiple users.