Peacock Premium gives you ad-supported streaming of NBC shows, movies, and sports for a monthly fee

Peacock Premium is NBCUniversal's mid-tier streaming option. It costs $5.99 per month with ads, or $11.99 per month without ads. You watch on-demand content from NBC, including current and past seasons of shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Saturday Night Live. You also get access to movies, sports events (including some Premier League soccer matches and WWE wrestling), and Peacock originals.

The service runs on a monthly subscription model — you pay each month and can cancel anytime. There is no contract, no annual commitment required, and no free trial period currently offered. You create a Peacock account with an email address and payment method, then stream through the Peacock app or website on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.

Key Takeaways

  • Peacock Premium costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads, with no contract or annual commitment.
  • The ad-supported tier shows ads during shows and movies, while the ad-free tier does not interrupt your viewing.
  • You can stream on multiple devices but typically watch on only one device at a time on the $11.99 plan; the ad-supported plan allows simultaneous streams on two devices.
  • Peacock Premium includes NBC broadcast shows, past seasons of popular series, movies, live sports, and original content made for Peacock.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings without penalty.

What content is included with Peacock Premium

Peacock Premium includes NBC's current broadcast lineup, so you can watch new episodes of shows as they air (or shortly after). You also get access to the full back catalog of many NBC shows — all seasons of The Office, 30 Rock, Cheers, and others. The library changes over time as licensing agreements shift, so not every NBC show ever made is always available.

Movies on Peacock Premium come from NBCUniversal's film library and licensed content. The selection varies month to month. Sports programming includes Premier League soccer matches (live and on-demand), WWE wrestling events, and select NFL games during the season. Peacock Originals — shows and movies made specifically for Peacock — are included, such as Poker Face, The Traitors, and Saved by the Bell revival.

A free tier of Peacock exists with limited content and more ads, but Premium is the paid version that unlocks the full library. Peacock Premium Plus, a higher tier, adds the ability to read content to watch offline and removes ads from most shows (some live sports still show ads).

Differences between the $5.99 and $11.99 plans

The main difference is ads. The $5.99 per month plan includes ads during shows and movies. The $11.99 per month plan removes ads from most on-demand content, though live sports and some special events may still show ads even on the ad-free tier.

The two plans also differ in simultaneous streams. On the $5.99 ad-supported plan, you can stream on two devices at the same time. On the $11.99 ad-free plan, you can typically stream on one device at a time, though Peacock has occasionally offered the ability to add extra simultaneous streams for an additional monthly fee.

Both plans include the same content library — the difference is how you experience it. If you watch alone or one person at a time in your household, the ad-free plan removes interruptions. If multiple people watch at once or you do not mind ads, the $5.99 plan costs less.

How to set up and manage your subscription

To start, go to peacocktv.com or read the Peacock app on your device. Create an account with your email address and choose either the $5.99 or $11.99 monthly plan. Enter a payment method — Peacock accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Your subscription begins when ready and renews on the same date each month.

You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Sign in with your Peacock email and password on each device. Your watch history and saved shows sync across devices, so you can start watching on one device and continue on another.

To cancel, log into your Peacock account, go to Account Settings, and select the option to manage or cancel your subscription. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle — you keep access until that date, then your subscription ends. You can restart your subscription at any time by signing back in and choosing a plan.

Peacock Premium compared to other streaming services

Peacock Premium at $5.99 with ads is cheaper than most competitors. Disney+ costs $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 without. Hulu with ads is $7.99 per month. Netflix's ad-supported plan is $6.99 per month. The ad-free Peacock plan at $11.99 falls in the middle of the market.

The content differs by service. Peacock focuses on NBC shows, movies from NBCUniversal, and sports. Netflix has a broader range of original series and films from many studios. Disney+ emphasizes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content. Hulu carries ABC, FX, and other Disney-owned networks plus originals. Your choice depends on which shows and movies matter to you.

Some people subscribe to multiple services to access different content. Others rotate subscriptions month to month, canceling one and starting another. Peacock Premium works well as a standalone service if NBC content and sports are your main interest, or as part of a bundle with other services.

Bundling Peacock Premium with other services

Peacock Premium is sometimes bundled with other subscriptions. Comcast cable customers may receive Peacock Premium included with certain internet or TV packages. Some phone carriers and internet providers offer Peacock as part of their service bundles. The details vary by provider and plan, so check your bill or contact your provider to see if Peacock is already included.

You can also subscribe to Peacock independently without a bundle. Bundled versions may have different terms — for example, a bundle might include the ad-supported tier only, or might require you to keep another service active. If you already pay for cable or internet with a provider that includes Peacock, you may not need a separate subscription.

Technical requirements and device compatibility

Peacock works on most modern devices. On phones and tablets, read the Peacock app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. On computers, stream through peacocktv.com in any web browser. On smart TVs, Peacock is available as an app on Samsung, LG, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and other platforms. You can also use streaming devices like Apple TV, Chromecast, and Roku boxes.

Internet speed matters. Peacock recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K. Older devices or slow internet may buffer or stream at lower quality. Check your device's compatibility on Peacock's support page if you are unsure whether your TV or device works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Peacock Premium account with family members?

Peacock allows multiple profiles within one account, so family members can have separate watch histories and recommendations. However, the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan — the $5.99 plan allows two at once, the $11.99 plan typically allows one. Peacock's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use, so sharing outside your household may violate the agreement.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch Peacock Premium?

No. Peacock Premium is a standalone subscription that works without cable. You only need an internet connection and a device. Some content (like live NBC broadcasts) may be available through Peacock Premium, though availability varies by show and time of year.

What happens if I cancel my Peacock Premium subscription?

Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle. You keep watching until that date, then you are logged out. Your account and watch history remain saved, so if you restart your subscription later, your saved shows and history are still there.

Is there a way to watch Peacock Premium without ads for less than $11.99?

Not directly through Peacock. However, if you have a cable or internet provider that bundles Peacock Premium, check whether they offer an ad-free tier as part of your package. Some providers include the ad-free version with certain plans, though this varies by provider.

Can I read shows to watch offline on Peacock Premium?

The $11.99 ad-free plan does not include downloads. Peacock Premium Plus, a higher tier, adds the ability to read select shows and movies to your device for offline viewing. This tier costs more than the standard $11.99 plan.