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

Paramount Plus carries some NBC programming, but the selection is limited and depends on licensing deals that change. You will find some NBC shows on the service, particularly those produced by NBCUniversal or tied to Paramount's parent company. However, many current NBC broadcasts and popular series are not included, and you may need to watch them through NBC's own streaming service, Peacock, or cable instead.

The shows that do appear on Paramount Plus tend to be older series, reality programs, or content that fits Paramount's broader catalog. NBC's newer primetime dramas and comedies typically premiere on Peacock first, which is NBCUniversal's own streaming platform. If you are looking for a specific NBC show, checking both services is the fastest way to find where it streams.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus includes some NBC shows, but not current network broadcasts or most popular series.
  • NBC's primary streaming home is Peacock, where new episodes and exclusive content air first.
  • The NBC content on Paramount Plus changes based on licensing agreements and may vary by region.
  • Reality shows, older series, and NBCUniversal-produced content are more likely to appear on Paramount Plus than current network dramas.

Which NBC shows actually appear on Paramount Plus

The NBC shows available on Paramount Plus include some reality and competition programs, along with older series. You may find shows like The Real Housewives franchises (which air on Bravo, an NBCUniversal network), some Below Deck seasons, and select older comedies or dramas. The exact titles shift as licensing agreements renew or expire, so the catalog is not fixed.

Paramount Plus does not carry current-season NBC primetime shows like The Voice, Saturday Night Live, or Law & Order series. Those air on Peacock instead, often the same night they broadcast on NBC. If you are searching for a specific show and cannot find it on Paramount Plus, Peacock is the next place to check.

Why NBC shows are split between Paramount Plus and Peacock

NBCUniversal owns both Peacock and a stake in Paramount Global, which creates overlapping rights. Peacock is the official home for NBC broadcasts and exclusive content, while Paramount Plus gets secondary rights to certain shows. This arrangement means Paramount Plus functions as a secondary option rather than a primary source for NBC programming.

The split also reflects how streaming rights are bought and sold. A show produced by an independent studio might have different streaming rights than a show produced by NBCUniversal itself. Older shows may have been licensed to Paramount Plus years ago, before Peacock existed, and those deals remain in place. New shows almost always go to Peacock first.

How to find NBC shows across both services

If you subscribe to both Paramount Plus and Peacock, search for the show title in each app to see where it streams. Paramount Plus has a search function at the top of the home screen; type the show name and the app will tell you if it is available. Peacock's search works the same way. Neither service will redirect you to the other, so you need to check both.

If you do not subscribe to Peacock, you can watch some NBC content through the free tier of Peacock, which includes older episodes and clips. The free tier has ads and limited access, but it may be enough to sample a show before deciding whether to pay for a full subscription. Some NBC shows also air on cable or through NBC.com if you have a cable login.

What to do if an NBC show is not on either streaming service

Some NBC shows are not on Peacock or Paramount Plus because the streaming rights belong to another company. For example, older seasons of certain shows may be on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV Plus. The easiest way to find where a show streams is to search the title plus "where to watch" in a search engine, which will show you all available options.

Cable on-demand is another option if you have a cable subscription. Many cable providers let you watch NBC shows through their on-demand menu or through the NBC app if you log in with your cable account. This is often free if you already pay for cable, though it may require you to watch ads.

Regional differences in NBC content on Paramount Plus

The NBC shows available on Paramount Plus can vary by country and region. Licensing deals are negotiated separately for different markets, so a show available in the United States may not appear in Canada or the United Kingdom. If you are outside the United States, check your local Paramount Plus app to see what NBC content is actually available to you.

Paramount Plus also offers different subscription tiers in some regions, and content availability may differ between ad-supported and ad-free plans. Check the app directly rather than relying on a list from another region, since what you see depends on where you are and what plan you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NBC live on Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus does not offer live NBC broadcasts. Peacock carries some live NBC content, including Saturday Night Live and sports events, but you need a Peacock subscription. Cable or an antenna are the main ways to watch NBC live.

Do I need Peacock if I have Paramount Plus?

Not necessarily. If you only want to watch older NBC shows or reality content, Paramount Plus may have what you need. But if you want current NBC dramas, comedies, or live events, Peacock is where those air first. The two services have different content, so it depends on what you want to watch.

Will NBC shows move from Paramount Plus to Peacock?

Possibly. As licensing agreements expire, NBC may move shows to Peacock or remove them from Paramount Plus entirely. The catalog changes over time, so a show available today may not be there in six months. Check the app regularly if you are watching a series.

Is there a bundle that includes both Paramount Plus and Peacock?

No official bundle exists that combines both services at a discount. You would need to pay for each subscription separately. Some cable packages include Paramount Plus or Peacock, so check with your provider if you have cable.