Paramount+ and NBC are separate streaming services owned by different companies

Paramount+ is owned by Paramount Global and streams content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures. NBC content lives on Peacock, which is owned by NBCUniversal (a division of Comcast). They are not the same service, and a subscription to one does not give you access to the other.

The confusion happens because both services carry some overlapping content — sports, news, and older shows that have been licensed to multiple platforms. But the original NBC shows, live NBC broadcasts, and exclusive Peacock originals are only on Peacock. The original CBS shows and Paramount films are only on Paramount+.

If you want to watch both NBC and CBS content, you need subscriptions to both Peacock and Paramount+, or you need to check which service carries the specific show you are looking for before you subscribe.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ carries CBS shows, movies, and originals; Peacock carries NBC shows, movies, and originals — they are owned by different companies.
  • Some content appears on both services because it was licensed to multiple platforms, but exclusive shows and live broadcasts are only on one or the other.
  • You can search for a specific show on both services' websites to see which one has it before you pay for a subscription.
  • Live sports and news may appear on both services depending on the broadcast rights for that particular event or network.

What content is exclusive to Paramount+

Paramount+ owns the rights to CBS shows like The Good Fight, Star Trek: Discovery, and Yellowstone. It also streams Paramount Pictures films, which are the theatrical movies released under the Paramount brand. Original series made for Paramount+ — like Halo, 1883, and The Offer — are only available there.

Live CBS broadcasts (the evening news, some sports events, and daytime programming) stream on Paramount+ with a paid subscription, though some content requires the higher tier. Movies from Paramount's back catalog go to Paramount+ first before they appear elsewhere.

What content is exclusive to Peacock

Peacock owns NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Live NBC broadcasts — including Today, NBC Nightly News, and some sports events — stream on Peacock with a paid subscription.

Peacock originals like The Traitors, Poker Face, and Bel-Air are exclusive to that platform. Universal Pictures films (which is part of the same parent company) also premiere on Peacock before going to other services.

Shows that appear on both services

Some older shows and licensed content appear on both Paramount+ and Peacock because the rights were sold to multiple platforms before either streaming service existed. For example, you might find certain syndicated shows, reality competition series, or older dramas on both services.

Sports events can also appear on both if the broadcast rights are shared — a football game might air on both NBC and CBS, and therefore stream on both Peacock and Paramount+. Check the specific event's broadcast schedule to see which service will carry it.

The easiest way to know for certain is to search for the show or movie on both services' websites. Most services let you search without logging in, so you can see which one has what you want before you commit to a subscription.

How to find out which service has what you want to watch

Go to Paramount.com and use the search bar at the top. Type in the show or movie title. If it appears in the results, you know Paramount+ has it. Then go to Peacock.com and do the same search. If it appears there, Peacock has it.

Both services show you a preview of the content and let you see how many seasons are available, whether it is a movie or series, and sometimes which episodes are included. This takes two minutes and tells you exactly what you need to subscribe to.

If you are looking for live broadcasts — like the Today show or the evening news — check the service's live TV guide. Paramount+ shows the CBS live schedule, and Peacock shows the NBC live schedule. Some live content requires the paid tier rather than the free tier.

Free tiers on both services

Both Paramount+ and Peacock offer free versions with ads. Paramount+ free tier has a smaller library than the paid tier, and some shows are only available with a paid subscription. Peacock free tier also limits which content you can watch — newer shows and movies often require the paid tier.

If you want to test whether a service has the show you want, the free tier is worth trying first. You may find that the content you are looking for is only on the paid tier, in which case you know what the subscription costs before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NBC shows on Paramount+?

No. NBC shows stream on Peacock, not Paramount+. Paramount+ carries CBS content. If you want to watch The Office or Saturday Night Live, you need Peacock.

Can I watch CBS shows on Peacock?

No. CBS shows stream on Paramount+, not Peacock. Peacock carries NBC content. If you want to watch The Good Fight or Yellowstone, you need Paramount+.

Do I need both subscriptions to watch everything?

Only if you want to watch shows from both NBC and CBS. If you only care about one network's content, one subscription is enough. Search for the specific shows you want on both services first to see which subscription you actually need.

Why do some shows appear on both services?

Older shows and licensed content were sold to multiple platforms before Paramount+ and Peacock existed. The rights to stream those shows belong to both companies, so they appear on both services.

Is Paramount+ cheaper than Peacock?

Pricing changes frequently and varies by region. Both services offer free tiers with ads and paid tiers without ads. Check each service's pricing page to see current costs in your area.