CNN is not available as a live channel on Peacock
Peacock does not carry CNN as a live streaming channel. If you want to watch CNN programming through Peacock, you will not find it there. Peacock's news offerings focus on NBC News, MSNBC, and some content from other NBCUniversal properties, but CNN — which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery — is not part of that lineup.
This matters because Peacock and CNN are owned by different parent companies, and streaming rights are negotiated separately for each service. CNN has its own streaming platform called CNN+, though that service was discontinued in 2023. Now CNN content streams primarily through cable provider apps, CNN.com, and the CNN mobile app if you have a cable subscription.
Key Takeaways
- CNN does not stream live on Peacock; the service carries NBC News and MSNBC instead.
- CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, while Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, so their streaming rights are separate.
- To watch CNN, you can use the CNN app or CNN.com with a cable login, or subscribe to a cable or streaming TV service that includes CNN.
- Peacock offers breaking news and political coverage through NBC News and MSNBC, which may cover similar stories to CNN.
What news channels Peacock does include
Peacock carries live streams and on-demand content from NBC News, MSNBC, and NBC's local news affiliates in some markets. You can watch "NBC Nightly News," "Meet the Press," "Morning Joe," and other MSNBC shows through Peacock if you have a Premium or Premium Plus subscription. These channels cover national and international news, politics, and breaking events.
Peacock also includes content from Telemundo and some sports news through NBC Sports. The service does not charge extra for news content — it is included in the standard Premium subscription tier. However, the specific shows and live feeds available can vary depending on your subscription level and location.
How to watch CNN without a cable subscription
The most direct way to watch CNN is through the CNN app or CNN.com. You will need to sign in with a cable provider account — this is called "TV Everywhere" authentication. If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes CNN, you can use those login credentials to stream CNN live and on-demand through the app.
If you do not have a cable subscription, you can add CNN through a streaming TV service. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo all include CNN in their channel lineups. These services cost between $40 and $80 per month depending on the package, and they let you stream CNN live on any device. Some offer free trial periods, so you can test the service before committing.
Streaming TV services that include CNN
| Service | Monthly Cost | Includes CNN | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | Yes | No current trial |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | Yes | No current trial |
| Sling TV | $40 (Orange plan) | Yes | 3 days free |
| Fubo | $79.99 | Yes | 7 days free |
Prices and trial offers change frequently, so check each service's website for current details. Most of these services let you pause your subscription for a month or two if you want to step back temporarily rather than canceling outright.
Why Peacock does not have CNN
Streaming rights are sold separately by channel and by service. CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, negotiates its own deals with streaming platforms. Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, which means Peacock prioritizes NBC, MSNBC, and other NBCUniversal content. Adding CNN would require a separate licensing agreement between Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal, and the two companies have not made that deal.
This is common in streaming. You will not find ESPN on Peacock, or HBO Max content on Disney+, because each streaming service focuses on content from its parent company or exclusive partnerships. It is one of the reasons people often subscribe to multiple services rather than relying on a single platform for all their entertainment and news.
Alternatives if you already have Peacock
If you subscribe to Peacock for other content and want to add CNN, the most affordable route is usually Sling TV's Orange plan, which costs $40 per month and includes CNN along with other channels. You could also use the CNN app with a cable login if you have a cable subscription through another provider.
For breaking news and politics, MSNBC on Peacock covers many of the same stories CNN does. Shows like "Morning Joe" and "The Rachel Maddow Show" focus on national politics and current events. This is not a perfect substitute — CNN and MSNBC have different editorial approaches — but it can reduce the need for a second subscription if your main interest is news coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch CNN on Peacock with a cable login?
No. Even if you have a cable subscription that includes CNN, you cannot use that login to watch CNN through Peacock. You would need to use the CNN app or CNN.com instead, or watch through your cable provider's own streaming app.
Does Peacock have any CNN shows on demand?
Peacock does not carry CNN shows or clips. Some NBC News programs may cover stories that CNN also reports, but there is no CNN content library on Peacock.
Is CNN+ available on Peacock?
CNN+ was shut down in 2023, so it is not available anywhere, including Peacock. CNN content now streams through the CNN app, CNN.com, and cable provider apps.
What is the cheapest way to stream CNN?
If you do not have a cable subscription, Sling TV's Orange plan at $40 per month is usually the lowest-cost streaming service that includes CNN. Fubo offers a 7-day free trial, so you could test it before paying.
Does Peacock have other news channels besides NBC and MSNBC?
Peacock focuses on NBC News and MSNBC for national news. It also includes some local NBC news affiliates and Telemundo news content, but does not carry other major news networks like CNN, Fox News, or ABC News.