Peacock will be ‘free as a bird’ — sort of

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

NBC’s upcoming streaming service has announced key features, content and pricing.

  • Peacock, which was unveiled to investors Jan. 16, 2020, will offer a free version — one that the network calls “free as a bird.”
  • The free version will include next day access to first year shows only as well as select other content — but include ads and also only give access to limited programming.
  • NBC also announced the service will launch July 15.
  • By paying $4.99 a month, subscribers will get access to more and original content plus returning broadcast series the day after they air on TV, but will still have to watch advertising.
  • For $5 more, or $9.99 total, ads will be removed under a Peacock Premium plan.
  • Peacock Premium will also include an interesting twist — same day access to “The Tonight Show” and “Late Night” a few hours before they air on traditional TV (these shows are typically taped in the afternoon).
  • Additional sports offerings are also planned for the premium version.
  • The middle offering will also be offered free to 24 million Comcast (Xfinity) and Cox cable subscribers, but they will have to watch ads.
  • These subscribers will be able to pay $4.99 a month to get the full Peacock Premium experience.
  • In addition to the current and original series, the paid versions of the service will total over 15,000 hours of content and include archives of many shows from across NBCUniversal as well as select content from other production companies and networks.
  • There will also be “hundreds” of movies available as well as Spanish language content and “extension” content from NBCU properties and productions.
  • Peacock will be available on smart TVs, tablets, smart phones and media streaming boxes, though complete compatibility details are yet to be announced.