Peacock Subscription Review: Will a Subscription Satisfy Your Streaming Needs?

By

INTRODUCTION

Love to unwind after work? You’re in good company—streaming is a go-to relaxation habit for most millennials, with platforms like Netflix, HBO, and Amazon Prime leading the charge. But some great options, like Peacock from NBCUniversal, often fly under the radar. In this article, I’ll share why a Peacock Subscription deserves a spot in your lineup, covering its standout features and how it stacks up against competitors. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of whether this platform is the perfect addition to your streaming routine.

HAVING PEACOCK IN 2024 IS A FLEX

Peacock offers a wide range of options for your streaming needs. Subscribers get exclusive access to popular movies, Peacock TV, and Peacock original series. You even gain access to news and theatrical releases unavailable to the general public. Here are some factors to consider before overlooking Peacock:

1. Peacock has launched a Hallmark Channel for the upcoming holidays.

  • With the holiday season in full swing, Peacock’s latest addition—the Hallmark Channel—is a must-see. Subscribers can cozy up with loved ones, enjoy festive specials like *My Southern Family Christmas*, and sip hot cocoa—all from the comfort of home. 
  • The best part? Peacock offers the same Hallmark content you’d get with cable, making it a fantastic deal for holiday movie lovers.

2. Coming soon is a live feed of your local NBC station. 

  • You also gain access to NBC shows on Peacock. Selections include Happy’s Place, Anatomy of Lies, This is Us, and more.
  • On November 30th, Peacock will also be offering a live feed of your local NBC station. This will be available with Peacock’s Premium Plus plan. This premium plan is comparable to what Paramount has done with CBS, which adds value to the streaming platform. Check out details on the Local NBC Channel here. 

3. Peacock has an excellent catalog of movies that most people sleep on.

  • Recent releases like Jordan Peele’s Nope, Us, and Get Out are available on Peacock. Available also includes Despicable Me, and even Shrek if you’re feeling nostalgic. I am always going back to watch Shrek every few years. Speaking of nostalgia, Peacock also offers The Harry Potter Series. 
  • With Halloween around the corner, Peacock gives its viewers a wide selection of scary movies to choose from. In the mood for a classic? Check out Peacock’s 1970s Dracula. Want something funny and scary? There’s always Shaun of the Dead, or Jennifer’s Body. You can also watch Halloween on Peacock this Halloween. 
  • Peacock has old and new movies, ranging from Hitchcock with Will Smith to Fall Guy starring Ryan Gosling. Fun fact: Fall Guy is only available with a Peacock subscription. Check out Peacock’s full movie list here. 

4. Peacock offers live sports across the United States

  • To sports lovers, imagine this: it’s Saturday night, pizza and wings are on the way, and the game starts in 15 minutes. With Peacock, you can enjoy Premier League, Big Ten Football, WWE, and even Golf if that’s more your speed. If you’re into figure skating, you would also have access to competitions on Peacock. 

5. Peacock exclusively streams Yellowstone

  • With a massive fan base, Yellowstone captivates audiences with its sharp writing, stunning cinematography, and gritty portrayal of the modern American West. The show delves into themes of freedom, justice, and the myth of the West, weaving a narrative that’s both timeless and fresh.
  • Although produced by Paramount, Yellowstone is exclusively available for streaming on Peacock, giving viewers a unique way to experience this modern classic.

6. Yellowstone leads me to the next pro: Peacock has a wide array of classic TV shows to choose from.

  • From The Vampire Diaries, to Suits, anyone with a Peacock streaming service gains access to movies that’ll take you right back to childhood. Other noteworthy shows include Saturday Night Live, and The Middle.  

While Peacock brings plenty to the table—boasting a diverse library that includes exclusive shows, live sports, and NBC classics—it also faces tough competition from established giants like Hulu and Netflix. However, for all its unique offerings, there are some notable drawbacks to a Peacock membership that may leave potential subscribers weighing their options. 

1. Peacock doesn’t offer an ad-free experience. 

  • One of the major drawbacks of the Peacock platform is that premium doesn’t offer an ad-free experience without paying additional fees. Subscribers have tiered pricing with ads with limited availability of certain TV shows and movies with lower-cost plans. 
  • With Peacock Premium, which costs 7.99 per month, viewers gain access to 80,000 hours of entertainment and over 50 channels that are always available. Whether these perks are worth experiencing ads will vary from user to user.
  • An ad-free experience does exist with Peacock Premium Plus. With Premium Plus, you can download movie titles to watch later. There also won’t be any ads. These benefits cost 13.99 per month. 

2. Peacock is not available outside The United States. 

  • If you’re traveling or on an international vacation, you will not have access to Peacock TV shows and movies. Traveling viewers reliant on Peacock for entertainment might be frustrated with the lack of abroad access. 

3. Last, but not least… 

  • Peacock provides 4K Ultra HD content for Premium and Premium Plus subscribers, but only on select streaming devices and with limited titles available in 4K. 
  • In contrast, competitors like Netflix and HBO Max offer a broader selection of programs in 4K quality, giving them an edge in the visual department. However, if stunning visuals aren’t a top priority for you, this limitation on Peacock likely won’t impact your viewing experience.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a Peacock subscription offers a unique lineup of content, including exclusive shows, NBC classics, live sports, and the Hallmark Channel, making it an attractive choice for many viewers. However, the platform’s limitations, such as tiered pricing, ad-supported plans, and limited 4K options, might be drawbacks depending on your viewing preferences. Ultimately, Peacock is a solid choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly service with specific shows and live content, but for those seeking extensive 4K content or a wider selection of originals, exploring other streaming options may be worthwhile. Check out Peacock’s different plans here if you’re still interested. 

College of the holy cross

Award Winning Agency

Read about my career journey post Holy Cross.