NBCUniversal’s new streaming servicenow has a name, a specific launch time frame, and some of the network’s biggest shows on tap when it starts operations. It will simply be known as “Peacock” — a nod to the broadcaster’s iconic logo — and will begin streaming in April 2020, according to a press release. Among the headlining shows for the service will beParks and RecreationandThe Office, which will become Peacock exclusives, confirming earlier reports that NBCUniversal planned to pullThe Officefrom Netflix, where it has enjoyed huge success. It’s not clear how or when Parks and Recreation will become a Peacock exclusive, as previous reports suggested that NBCUniversal agreed to keep the show on Hulu until 2024following Disney’s majority takeover of that service.
Other NBC comedy favorites like30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Cheers, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Saturday Night Live, Will & Grace, The King of Queens, andMarried … With Childrenwill be part of the service’s offering, though NBC hasn’t indicated that they will be exclusives. Peacock is planning some new and original content as well. On the comedy side of the equation, new shows from Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, Mike Schur, Ed Helms, Jada Pinkett Smith, Rashida Jones, and Tracey Wigfield are being developed.
Meanwhile, Peacock hopes to attract an audience from across the broadcast and streaming worlds with new original dramas including aBattlestar Galacticareboot from Sam Esmail;Dr. Death,starring Alec Baldwin, Jamie Dornan, and Christian Slater;Brave New Worldwith Demi Moore; andArmas de Mujer, which is being produced by the same team as Telemundo’sLa Reina del Sur.NBCUniversal has also struck deals with Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, and Illumination to provide original movies for Peacock.
Peacock will apparently more closely resemble traditional broadcasting than many other streaming services, with plans to offer “news, sports, late-night and reality” on top of its library of shows.
Viewers will also be able to dig into a variety of movie comedies with titles such asAmerican Pie, Bridesmaids, Knocked Up, Meet theParents, andMeet the Fockers,plus big blockbusters likeBack to the Future, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Field of Dreams, Jaws, Shrek, and The Breakfast Club.
