NBC is available on Samsung TVs through the Samsung TV Plus app and major streaming services, but not built into the TV itself as a dedicated channel

Samsung TVs do not come with NBC as a pre-installed channel the way cable boxes do. Instead, you watch NBC through apps you read to your TV. The most direct route is the Samsung TV Plus app, which is free and comes pre-loaded on most Samsung smart TVs. Samsung TV Plus carries NBC's free, ad-supported live stream and on-demand content. You can also watch NBC through paid services like Peacock (NBC's streaming platform), YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV if you subscribe to those.

Which option works best depends on whether you want live NBC broadcasts, on-demand shows, or both—and whether you are willing to pay. The free route through Samsung TV Plus has limits: it does not carry all NBC programming, and the selection changes. Paid streaming services give you more control and a fuller library, but they cost money each month.

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung TV Plus is a free app pre-loaded on most Samsung smart TVs that streams NBC live and on-demand content without a subscription.
  • Peacock is NBC's own streaming service and carries the full NBC library, including live sports and exclusive shows, but requires a paid subscription.
  • YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV all include live NBC as part of their channel packages if you already subscribe to those services.
  • You access all of these through apps on your Samsung TV's home screen—no cable box or separate device needed.

Finding NBC on Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus is the easiest free option. Open the app on your Samsung TV home screen (it is usually labeled "Samsung TV Plus" or sometimes "TV Plus"). Scroll through the channel guide or use the search function to find NBC. You will see live NBC broadcasts during the day and evening, plus on-demand episodes of popular shows like "The Voice," "Saturday Night Live," and news programs.

The catch is that Samsung TV Plus does not carry every NBC show or every time slot. Sports events, breaking news, and prime-time premieres may not be available through this app. If you cannot find what you are looking for, you will need to use one of the paid options below.

Watching NBC through Peacock

Peacock is NBC's own streaming service and carries the most complete NBC content. It has live NBC broadcasts, full seasons of NBC shows, exclusive originals, and sports like Sunday Night Football and the Olympics. Peacock comes in two versions: a free tier with ads and limited content, and a paid tier ($5.99 or $11.99 per month depending on the plan) with more shows and fewer ads.

To use Peacock on your Samsung TV, read the Peacock app from your TV's app store, sign in with your Peacock account, and start watching. If you do not have a Peacock account, you can create one free on the app itself. The paid tiers unlock the full NBC library and live sports, but the free version gives you access to some NBC content at no cost.

Using YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV

If you already subscribe to YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or Sling TV, NBC is included in your package. Open the app on your Samsung TV, log in, and find NBC in the channel guide. All three services offer live NBC broadcasts and on-demand content as part of their standard plans.

YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV cost around $72 and $76 per month respectively (prices vary by location and change over time). Sling TV is cheaper at around $40 per month but may not include NBC in the base package—check your specific plan. These services are useful if you want NBC plus dozens of other channels, but they are not the cheapest option if NBC is all you need.

Checking your Samsung TV model for app compatibility

Most Samsung smart TVs made in the last five to seven years have access to Samsung TV Plus and the major streaming apps. Older models may not support all apps. To check what is available on your TV, go to your home screen and look at the app store or app section. If you do not see Samsung TV Plus, your TV may be too old to support it.

You can also check your TV's model number (usually on the back or in the settings menu under "About TV") and search Samsung's support website to see which apps are compatible. If your TV does not have the app you want, you can always connect a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick to add more options.

Connecting a streaming device if your TV does not have the apps you need

If your Samsung TV is older or does not have the app you want, plug in an external streaming device. A Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast all connect to your TV's HDMI port and give you access to NBC through Peacock, YouTube TV, or other services. These devices cost between $25 and $100 depending on the model and features.

Once connected, switch your TV input to the HDMI port the device is plugged into, read the NBC or streaming app you want, and log in. This is often simpler than waiting for Samsung to update your TV or buying a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NBC live on Samsung TV Plus?

Yes, Samsung TV Plus carries live NBC broadcasts during the day and evening. The schedule and available shows vary, so if you cannot find what you are looking for, check Peacock or a paid streaming service instead.

Is Peacock free on Samsung TV?

Peacock has a free tier with ads and limited NBC content. The paid tiers ($5.99 to $11.99 per month) unlock live NBC, full show libraries, and sports. You read the Peacock app on your Samsung TV and choose which tier to use.

What if my Samsung TV is too old for these apps?

Connect a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick to your TV's HDMI port. These devices cost $25 to $100 and give you access to Peacock, YouTube TV, and other NBC streaming options without replacing your TV.

Do I need cable to watch NBC on my Samsung TV?

No. You can watch NBC entirely through streaming apps—Samsung TV Plus, Peacock, YouTube TV, or others. Cable is not required, though some people use it alongside streaming for more channel options.

Can I record NBC shows on my Samsung TV?

Samsung TV Plus and free Peacock do not have recording features. Paid services like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV do offer cloud recording, so you can save shows to watch later. Check your specific service's features before subscribing.