NBC content is available on Paramount Plus, but not all of it, and the rules change depending on where you live

NBC is owned by Comcast, not by Paramount Global. However, Paramount Plus does carry some NBC shows and movies through licensing agreements. The catch: what you can watch depends on your location, your subscription tier, and when the show aired. Some NBC programs stream on Paramount Plus; others stream only on Peacock (NBC's own streaming service); and some appear on both, with different release schedules.

If you are looking for a specific NBC show, searching Paramount Plus directly is faster than trying to understand the licensing rules. But knowing how these agreements work helps explain why you might not find what you are looking for—and where else to search.

Key Takeaways

  • NBC is owned by Comcast, not Paramount, so NBC shows are licensed to Paramount Plus rather than owned by it.
  • Some NBC programs appear on Paramount Plus while others stream exclusively on Peacock, NBC's own service.
  • The same show may have different streaming homes depending on whether it is a new episode, an older season, or a movie.
  • Your subscription tier (ad-supported or ad-free) and your location can affect which NBC content you see on Paramount Plus.

How NBC and Paramount Plus licensing works

Paramount Plus licenses content from NBC rather than owning it outright. This means Paramount Global negotiated the right to stream certain shows and movies, but those rights have limits: they cover specific seasons, specific regions, or specific time windows. Once a license expires, that content may move to Peacock, disappear from streaming altogether, or rotate back to Paramount Plus later.

NBC's parent company, Comcast, owns both NBC and a stake in Paramount Global, but they operate as separate businesses. Comcast prioritizes Peacock (its own streaming service) for new NBC content, which means older seasons and library shows are more likely to land on Paramount Plus. Think of it as NBC putting its newest material on its own shelf first, then licensing older inventory to other retailers.

Which NBC shows actually stream on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus carries a rotating selection of NBC shows, but the list is not fixed. Shows that have appeared on the service include older seasons of The Office, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Cheers. Movies from NBC's film library also appear periodically. However, new episodes of current NBC shows almost always premiere on Peacock first, if they stream anywhere other than broadcast.

The easiest way to find out whether a specific show is on Paramount Plus is to search for it in the app or on the website. If it is not there, it is likely on Peacock, on NBC.com (free with ads), or still airing only on broadcast television. Paramount Plus does not publish a master list of all NBC content, so the search function is your best tool.

Why new NBC shows go to Peacock instead

Peacock is NBC's streaming home, so Comcast directs new and current shows there to build Peacock's subscriber base. This is standard practice: every major broadcaster (Disney with Disney Plus, Warner Bros. with Max, CBS with Paramount Plus) prioritizes its own streaming service for new content. Paramount Plus gets the older library material because it has less value in driving new subscriptions.

If you are a Paramount Plus subscriber looking for current NBC programming, you will usually need Peacock as well. Peacock offers a free tier with ads, so you do not have to pay for both services, but you will need to use two apps.

Regional differences and subscription tiers

Paramount Plus content varies by country and region due to licensing restrictions. A show available in the United States may not stream in Canada, the UK, or Australia, even on Paramount Plus. Additionally, some content is restricted to the ad-free tier of Paramount Plus, while other shows appear on both the ad-supported and ad-free versions.

If you cannot find an NBC show on Paramount Plus, check whether you are on the ad-supported or ad-free tier, and confirm your region setting. If the show still does not appear, it is likely not licensed to Paramount Plus in your location.

How to find NBC content across streaming services

The fastest way to locate an NBC show is to use a search tool that checks multiple services at once. Services like JustWatch or Reelgood let you search a title and see which streaming platforms carry it in your region, along with whether it is free, requires a subscription, or is available to rent or buy.

If you know the show is NBC but cannot find it on Paramount Plus, try searching Peacock, NBC.com (which streams many shows free with ads), or your cable provider's on-demand service if you have one. Many NBC shows are still available through broadcast reruns or cable on-demand, even if they are not on a streaming service.

What happens when licensing agreements expire

When Paramount Plus loses the license to stream an NBC show, that content disappears from the service. It may move to Peacock, return to NBC.com, or vanish from streaming entirely until a new deal is made. These changes happen without warning and are not announced in advance by Paramount Plus.

If you find an NBC show on Paramount Plus that you want to watch, do not assume it will stay there. Streaming rights are temporary, and popular shows can move between services. If you are partway through a series, check periodically to make sure it is still available before you plan to finish it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paramount Plus owned by NBC?

No. Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global. NBC is owned by Comcast. Paramount Global and Comcast are separate companies, though Comcast owns a minority stake in Paramount Global. Paramount Plus licenses NBC content rather than owning it.

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

It depends on which NBC shows you want to watch. Older seasons and library shows often appear on Paramount Plus. New episodes and current series usually premiere on Peacock. Peacock has a free ad-supported tier, so you do not have to pay for both services, but you will need to use two apps to access all NBC content.

Why is my favorite NBC show no longer on Paramount Plus?

Licensing agreements between Paramount Plus and NBC expire and renew on different schedules. When an agreement expires, that show is removed from Paramount Plus. It may move to Peacock, NBC.com, or another platform. Check Peacock or NBC.com if a show suddenly disappears.

Can I watch new NBC shows on Paramount Plus?

Rarely. New NBC shows and new episodes of current series almost always premiere on Peacock first. Paramount Plus typically carries older seasons and completed series from NBC's library, not current programming.

Is NBC content free on Paramount Plus?

NBC content on Paramount Plus requires a Paramount Plus subscription, just like other content on the service. However, many NBC shows are available free with ads on NBC.com or Peacock's free tier.