Paramount Plus carries most NBC content, but not all NBC programming

Paramount Plus does show NBC programs, but the selection depends on what you want to watch. The service carries NBC's most popular shows, including many that air on the network during prime time. However, Paramount Plus does not carry every NBC program — some shows air only on NBC's own streaming service, Peacock, or on cable.

Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, which also owns CBS and other networks. Because of this ownership structure, Paramount Plus focuses on CBS content first. NBC content appears on Paramount Plus through licensing agreements, which means the availability can change and varies by show.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus carries NBC shows like The Voice, Saturday Night Live, and some NBC dramas, but not every NBC program airs on the service.
  • NBC's own streaming service, Peacock, is where NBC prioritizes its newest episodes and exclusive content.
  • Some NBC shows appear on Paramount Plus weeks or months after they air on NBC, while others go straight to Peacock.
  • Your best option for watching current NBC programming is to check both Paramount Plus and Peacock, or watch on NBC.com with a cable login.

Which NBC shows are on Paramount Plus right now

Paramount Plus carries NBC shows that have been on air for a while, rather than brand-new episodes. The service typically has older seasons of shows like The Voice, Saturday Night Live, and some NBC dramas. You can search the Paramount Plus app or website to see if a specific show is available — the easiest way is to type the show name into the search bar.

The lineup changes regularly because licensing agreements expire and renew. A show that was on Paramount Plus last month might not be there now, and vice versa. If you are looking for a specific NBC show, search for it first rather than assuming it is or is not available.

Why NBC shows are split between Paramount Plus and Peacock

NBC owns Peacock, its own streaming service, so NBC sends new episodes there first. Paramount Plus gets older episodes or shows that are less central to NBC's current strategy. Think of it this way: NBC wants people to watch Peacock for the newest content, so Paramount Plus gets the back catalog.

This split is common in streaming. Networks use their own services to attract subscribers, then license older content to other platforms to earn extra money. For you, it means checking two services if you want to watch NBC shows from start to finish.

How to find NBC content on Paramount Plus

Open the Paramount Plus app or go to paramountplus.com. Use the search bar at the top and type the name of the NBC show you want. The search results will tell you whether the show is available and how many seasons are on the service.

You can also browse by category. Paramount Plus has sections for different genres — drama, comedy, reality — and you can scroll through to see what NBC shows are currently listed. If a show does not appear in search, it is not on Paramount Plus at the moment.

What to do if an NBC show is not on Paramount Plus

Check Peacock first. Peacock is free with ads or available with a paid subscription, and it carries NBC's current shows and many older ones. You can search Peacock the same way you search Paramount Plus.

If the show is not on Peacock either, you can watch it on NBC.com if you have a cable or streaming TV login (like from Comcast, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live). Some NBC shows also air on cable on a schedule, so you can watch them live if you have access to the NBC channel. Streaming services rotate content, so a show that is not available now may return later.

Paramount Plus subscription tiers and NBC access

Paramount Plus offers two subscription levels: with ads and ad-free. Both tiers include the same NBC content — the difference is whether you see commercials while watching. NBC shows on Paramount Plus are the same whether you pay for ad-free or keep ads.

If you already have a Paramount Plus subscription, you do not need to pay extra to watch NBC shows. They are included in your current plan. The cost of Paramount Plus varies depending on promotions, so check the Paramount Plus website for current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NBC live on Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus does not carry live NBC broadcasts. To watch NBC live, you need a cable subscription, a streaming TV service like YouTube TV or Hulu Live, or NBC.com with a cable login. Paramount Plus only has on-demand episodes of NBC shows, not the live channel.

Why is a new NBC show not on Paramount Plus yet?

New NBC shows go to Peacock first because NBC owns Peacock. Paramount Plus typically gets older seasons or shows after they have finished airing on NBC. The delay can be weeks or months depending on the show and the licensing deal.

If I have Paramount Plus, do I need Peacock to watch NBC shows?

Not necessarily, but you might want both. Paramount Plus has some NBC content, but Peacock has more current NBC shows and episodes. If you only want to watch older seasons of NBC shows, Paramount Plus alone may be enough. For current NBC programming, Peacock is the better choice.

Does Paramount Plus have The Office or Parks and Recreation?

The Office and Parks and Recreation are NBC shows, but they are not on Paramount Plus. Both shows are on Peacock because NBC prioritizes them on its own service. Check Peacock to watch these shows.