YouTube TV does not include Peacock as part of its standard package
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that carries broadcast networks, cable channels, and sports. Peacock is a separate streaming service owned by NBCUniversal. The two services are not bundled together, and YouTube TV does not automatically give you access to Peacock content.
However, the relationship between these services is more complicated than a straightforward no. YouTube TV carries NBC, CNBC, USA Network, and other NBCUniversal channels as part of its regular lineup. Some Peacock content appears on those channels, but Peacock's exclusive shows and movies—the material only available on the Peacock app itself—require a separate subscription or a may have access to cable package.
If you want both services, you will need to pay for them separately, or you may be able to get Peacock through another route depending on what else you subscribe to.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV does not come with a Peacock subscription; they are two different services owned by different companies.
- YouTube TV includes NBC and other NBCUniversal channels, but not Peacock's exclusive streaming content.
- You can get Peacock free or discounted through a cable subscription, Comcast internet, or a Peacock Premium Plus subscription that includes ads.
- Some NBC shows air on both the NBC channel in YouTube TV and on Peacock, but Peacock originals and movies are only on Peacock.
What YouTube TV actually includes from NBCUniversal
YouTube TV's channel lineup includes NBC, CNBC, USA Network, Bravo, E!, and other NBCUniversal-owned channels. When NBC airs a show live, you can watch it through YouTube TV. You can also record these channels and watch them later using YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature.
This is different from Peacock's library. Peacock has thousands of hours of content that does not air on traditional TV—original series, movies, older shows from the NBC archive, and sports events that stream only on Peacock. If a show is a Peacock original or exclusive, it will not appear on the NBC channel in YouTube TV.
Some programs do appear in both places. For example, NBC might air a new episode of a show on Thursday night, and that same episode becomes available on Peacock the next day. But the Peacock app itself, and everything unique to it, remains separate from YouTube TV.
How to get Peacock if you have YouTube TV
If you want Peacock, you have several options. The most direct route is to subscribe to Peacock directly through the Peacock app or website. Peacock offers a free tier with ads and a paid tier called Peacock Premium that removes most ads. Peacock Premium Plus removes all ads and costs more per month.
You may also get Peacock through another subscription. If you have Comcast Xfinity internet or a Comcast cable package, you may receive Peacock Premium at no extra cost—this depends on which Comcast plan you have. Some employers and schools also offer Peacock as a benefit. Check your other subscriptions and accounts to see if Peacock is already included.
YouTube TV and Peacock are separate charges. There is no bundle that combines them, and YouTube TV will not reduce its price if you also subscribe to Peacock.
The difference between live TV and streaming exclusives
YouTube TV is built around live television. You get channels as they broadcast, plus the ability to record and watch later. This is similar to cable TV, except it streams over the internet instead of through a cable box.
Peacock is a streaming library. It has live sports and some live events, but most of its content is on-demand—you choose what to watch and when. Peacock also has exclusive shows and movies that NBC decided to put only on Peacock, not on the NBC channel. This is why you cannot find Peacock originals by tuning to NBC through YouTube TV.
If you want to watch a specific show, check which service it is on. If it airs live on NBC, you can watch it through YouTube TV. If it is a Peacock exclusive or only available on-demand through Peacock, you need Peacock itself.
Sports and special events on Peacock
Peacock streams some sports that do not air on traditional NBC channels. Premier League soccer matches, WWE wrestling, and some NFL games appear only on Peacock. If you follow any of these sports, you will need Peacock to watch those specific events.
YouTube TV carries NBC Sports and other sports channels, so you can watch many sporting events through YouTube TV. But if a particular game or match is exclusive to Peacock, YouTube TV will not have it. Check the schedule for the sport you want to watch to see which service carries each event.
Recording and rewatching shows across both services
YouTube TV's cloud DVR lets you record shows from NBC and other channels and watch them later. This is useful if you miss a live broadcast. However, this does not give you access to Peacock's on-demand library or exclusive content.
If a show airs on NBC and you record it through YouTube TV, you own that recording for a set time (usually nine months). If the same show is available on Peacock, those are separate copies—recording the NBC broadcast does not give you Peacock access, and vice versa.
For shows that appear on both services, you can choose which one to use. Some people prefer YouTube TV because they can record it, while others prefer Peacock because they can watch it whenever they want without managing recordings.
What happens if you cancel YouTube TV
Canceling YouTube TV does not affect Peacock. If you have a separate Peacock subscription, it will continue as long as you keep paying for it. If you were getting Peacock through Comcast or another provider, canceling YouTube TV will not change that either.
However, if you were relying on YouTube TV to watch NBC shows live, you will lose that access. You would then need to watch NBC content through Peacock (if it is available there) or through another service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Peacock originals through YouTube TV?
No. Peacock originals and exclusive content only appear on the Peacock app. YouTube TV carries the NBC channel, but not Peacock's streaming library. If you want to watch a Peacock original, you need a Peacock subscription.
Do I need YouTube TV to watch Peacock?
No. Peacock is completely separate and works on its own. You can subscribe to Peacock without having YouTube TV. Many people have one, the other, or both, depending on what they want to watch.
Is there a bundle that includes both YouTube TV and Peacock?
No. YouTube TV and Peacock are not sold as a bundle. You would need to pay for each subscription separately. However, you may get Peacock free or discounted through Comcast, an employer, or another provider.
Can I use my YouTube TV login to access Peacock?
No. YouTube TV and Peacock use separate logins. You cannot sign into Peacock with your YouTube TV account. If you want both services, you will manage two separate subscriptions and two separate logins.
If NBC airs a show, can I watch it on Peacock instead of YouTube TV?
Sometimes, but not always. Some NBC shows appear on Peacock the next day or later, but not all do. Check the Peacock app to see if the show you want is available there. If it is not, you will need YouTube TV or another way to watch the NBC broadcast.