NBC content is available on Paramount Plus, but not all NBC shows are there

Paramount Plus carries a selection of NBC programs, but the library is not complete. NBC is owned by Comcast, while Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global—two separate companies with different streaming rights. This means some NBC shows stream on Paramount Plus, some stream elsewhere, and some are not available on any streaming service yet.

The NBC shows on Paramount Plus tend to fall into a few categories: older series that have completed their runs, some current shows under licensing deals, and select reality and sports programming. The exact titles change as licensing agreements expire and new ones begin, so what is available this month may not be next month.

Key Takeaways

  • NBC shows on Paramount Plus include some completed series and select current programs, but the full NBC catalog is not there.
  • Peacock, NBC's own streaming service, holds the exclusive streaming rights to most current NBC shows and many older ones.
  • Some NBC shows air on cable or broadcast and do not stream anywhere, while others are split between multiple services.
  • The shows available on Paramount Plus change as licensing deals renew, so checking the app directly is the only way to know what is currently there.

Where most NBC shows actually stream

Peacock, NBC's own streaming service, is where the majority of NBC programming lives. Current NBC shows typically premiere on Peacock the day after they air on broadcast NBC, and older NBC series are added to Peacock's library over time. If you are looking for a specific NBC show and cannot find it on Paramount Plus, Peacock is the first place to check.

Peacock is free with ads or available as a paid subscription without ads. Some NBC shows and movies require the paid tier, while others are available on the free version. NBC's reasoning is straightforward: they own Peacock, so they direct their own content there first.

What types of NBC shows appear on Paramount Plus

The NBC programs on Paramount Plus are usually older series that have finished airing, or shows that Paramount licensed before Peacock existed or before NBC consolidated its streaming strategy. You might find completed seasons of dramas or comedies that ran for several years but are no longer in production. These are typically shows where the licensing deal was made years ago and has been renewed.

Paramount Plus also carries some reality competition shows and sports-adjacent programming from NBC, though these deals vary by region and change frequently. Game shows and talk shows sometimes appear on Paramount Plus as well, depending on the specific licensing agreement between the networks.

How to find NBC shows on Paramount Plus right now

The most direct way is to open the Paramount Plus app or website and search for the show by name. If it appears in the search results, it is currently available on that service. You can also browse by network—Paramount Plus allows you to filter by source, so you can see all available NBC content in one view.

Keep in mind that availability is not permanent. A show might be on Paramount Plus this month and removed next month when a licensing deal expires. If you find a show you want to watch, start it soon rather than saving it for later.

Why NBC content is split across multiple services

Streaming rights are sold separately from broadcast rights, and they are often sold years in advance. When a show was created, the producers or network may have sold streaming rights to one service, broadcast rights to NBC, and international rights to another company entirely. Those deals do not change just because Peacock launched.

Additionally, some older shows were licensed to other streaming services before Peacock existed. Paramount Plus may have bought the rights to stream a show in 2015, and those rights may not expire until 2025. NBC cannot straightforward move that show to Peacock without breaking the deal with Paramount.

This is why a single NBC show might be split across Peacock, Paramount Plus, Netflix, and cable reruns all at the same time. It is not a mistake—it is the result of overlapping licensing agreements.

Checking if a show is on Peacock instead

If you cannot find an NBC show on Paramount Plus, open Peacock and search for it there. Peacock's search is straightforward: type the show name and see if it appears. If it does, you will see whether it requires the free tier or the paid subscription.

You can also visit NBC.com and search for the show. NBC's website often tells you where a show is streaming, and it will direct you to Peacock if that is the only place it is available. This saves you from checking multiple apps.

What to do if a show is not on any streaming service

Some NBC shows are not on any streaming service, either because the licensing deals have not been made or because the rights holders have not chosen to stream them. In those cases, you may be able to buy individual episodes or full seasons through digital retailers like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play. These are typically $2 to $4 per episode or $15 to $25 per season.

Cable on-demand sometimes carries NBC shows as well if you have a cable subscription. Check your cable provider's app or on-demand menu. Some libraries also carry DVDs of older NBC shows, which is another option if you do not want to buy digitally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all of NBC on Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus has a selection of NBC shows, mostly older completed series and some reality programming. Current NBC shows are primarily on Peacock. The exact titles on Paramount Plus change as licensing agreements renew.

Why is my favorite NBC show not on Paramount Plus?

It is likely on Peacock instead, since NBC directs most of its current programming there. Some older shows may be on other services or available for purchase. Search Peacock first, then check NBC.com to see where the show streams.

Do I need both Peacock and Paramount Plus to watch NBC shows?

Not necessarily. Most NBC shows are on Peacock, so that is usually enough. Paramount Plus has some NBC content, but if you are specifically looking for NBC programming, Peacock is the primary service. You can use the free version of Peacock for many shows.

Can I watch NBC live on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus does not carry live NBC broadcasts. For live NBC, you need a cable subscription, an antenna, or Peacock Premium (which includes some live sports and events). Most NBC shows air live on broadcast and then appear on Peacock the next day.

Will NBC shows stay on Paramount Plus?

Not always. Shows remain on Paramount Plus only as long as the licensing deal is active. When a deal expires, the show is removed unless a new deal is made. If you find a show you want to watch, start it soon rather than waiting.