NBCUniversal launched its streaming service, Peacock TV, in July 2020, quickly reclaiming exclusive rights to massive hits like The Office and Parks & Recreation from rivals like Netflix and Hulu. While the service initially gained fame for its free entry point, it has since shifted toward a paid-only model for new subscribers to support its heavy investment in live sports and original content.

As of early 2026, the subscription tiers have evolved. The original “Free” tier is no longer available to new users. Instead, the service offers:

• Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99/month): An ad-free experience (with limited exclusions) that includes the ability to download titles for offline viewing and a 24/7 live stream of your local NBC station.
• Peacock Select ($7.99/month): A budget-friendly tier focused on NBC and Bravo shows with ads (excludes most movies and live sports).
• Peacock Premium ($10.99/month): The standard tier including the full library of movies, Peacock Originals, and live sports with ads.

Peacock has become a powerhouse for sports fans, offering exclusive access to Sunday Night Football, the Premier League, WWE, and—in a massive 2026 highlight—full coverage of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Movie fans also get early “Pay-1” window access to Universal Pictures films like Nosferatu, Twisters, and The Wild Robot.

While Peacock content is available in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Italy via Sky and NOW TV subscriptions, the “standalone” Peacock app has largely been integrated into those platforms. This means international viewers often see a reduced library compared to the US version. Because the service remains officially unavailable as a standalone app in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, using a service like US Unlocked alongside a reliable VPN remains the best way for international fans to access the full US library and live sports events.