YouTube TV does not carry Peacock as a built-in channel
YouTube TV does not bundle Peacock into its base subscription. YouTube TV offers live TV channels, on-demand content, and cloud DVR, but Peacock is a separate streaming service owned by NBCUniversal that you must pay for independently.
If you want to watch Peacock content while using YouTube TV, you have two paths: subscribe to Peacock directly through its own app or website, or add Peacock through a third-party service that does offer it as an add-on channel.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's base plan does not include Peacock, so you cannot access Peacock shows or movies through your YouTube TV subscription.
- You can subscribe to Peacock separately for its own monthly fee, which gives you access to its full library of NBC shows, movies, and exclusive content.
- Some cable and streaming bundles outside YouTube TV do offer Peacock as an add-on, though the cost and availability vary by provider.
- YouTube TV and Peacock serve different purposes: YouTube TV focuses on live television, while Peacock specializes in on-demand streaming.
How to watch Peacock if you have YouTube TV
The simplest way is to sign up for Peacock directly. Visit peacocktv.com or read the Peacock app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. Peacock offers a free tier with ads and a paid subscription tier without ads. You can use both YouTube TV and Peacock on the same device without any conflict.
Your YouTube TV login and your Peacock login are separate accounts. You will need to switch between the YouTube TV app and the Peacock app to watch content from each service. This is different from services like Hulu or ESPN+, which some streaming bundles integrate into a single interface.
Which streaming services do bundle Peacock
Comcast Xfinity includes Peacock with certain cable and internet packages. If you are an Xfinity customer, check your account to see whether Peacock is already included at no extra cost.
Hulu offers Peacock as an add-on to its base subscription. You can add Peacock to a Hulu plan for an additional monthly fee. This option works if you subscribe to Hulu but not YouTube TV.
Amazon Prime Video allows you to add Peacock as a channel through Prime Video Channels. This means you can watch Peacock content within the Prime Video app without switching apps, though you pay Peacock's subscription fee on top of your Prime membership.
None of these options involve YouTube TV directly. If you use YouTube TV and want Peacock, you are paying for two separate services.
The difference between YouTube TV and Peacock
YouTube TV is a live television service. It carries broadcast networks, cable channels, and sports in real time. You can record programs to a cloud DVR and watch them later. The focus is on live events and current programming.
Peacock is an on-demand streaming service. It hosts a library of movies, TV shows, and original series that you can watch whenever you want. Peacock also carries some live sports and news, but its strength is its catalog of on-demand content, especially NBC shows and movies.
Many people use both services because they serve different needs. YouTube TV replaces cable for live viewing, while Peacock replaces a movie rental service or provides access to a specific network's back catalog.
What Peacock content you cannot get through YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries NBC as a live channel, so you can watch NBC shows as they air. However, you cannot access Peacock's exclusive content through YouTube TV. This includes Peacock Originals like The Traitors, Poker Face, and Yellowstone: 1883, as well as the full back catalog of NBC shows available on Peacock.
If you want to rewatch an NBC show on demand or watch Peacock-exclusive content, you need a Peacock subscription. YouTube TV's NBC channel only gives you live broadcasts and what YouTube TV's cloud DVR has recorded.
Cost comparison: YouTube TV plus Peacock versus other options
YouTube TV costs around $73 per month for its base plan. Peacock's ad-supported tier is free, and its ad-free tier costs around $12 per month. Together, that is roughly $85 per month if you want both services without ads on Peacock.
If you already subscribe to Hulu, adding Peacock through Hulu costs less than a standalone Peacock subscription. If you use Comcast Xfinity, Peacock may already be included with your package, so check before paying separately.
The total cost depends on what you already have and what content matters to you. There is no single "best" option because it depends on whether you need live TV, on-demand content, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NBC shows on YouTube TV?
Yes. YouTube TV includes NBC as a live channel, so you can watch NBC broadcasts as they air. You can also record NBC programs to your cloud DVR and watch them later. However, you cannot access Peacock's exclusive shows or the full on-demand library through YouTube TV alone.
Is Peacock free?
Peacock offers a free tier with ads. The ad-free tier requires a paid subscription. Some content is available only to paid subscribers, even if you use the free tier. If you have Comcast Xfinity, Peacock may be included with your service at no extra cost.
Can I use Peacock and YouTube TV on the same device?
Yes. You can install both apps on a phone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device. You will need separate logins for each service, and you will switch between apps to watch content from each one.
Does YouTube TV offer any bundle with Peacock?
No. YouTube TV does not offer Peacock as an add-on or bundle. You must subscribe to Peacock separately if you want it. Other services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video do offer Peacock as an add-on, but YouTube TV does not.
What if I only want to watch NBC shows?
If you want live NBC broadcasts, YouTube TV's NBC channel covers that. If you want to watch NBC shows on demand or access Peacock originals, you need a Peacock subscription. Peacock's free tier includes some NBC content, so you could try that before paying.