Where to Watch NBC Shows and Live TV Right Now

The main places to watch NBC content

You can watch NBC through Peacock (NBC's own streaming service), cable or satellite TV if you have an NBC affiliate in your area, the NBC.com website, and a handful of other streaming bundles that include NBC as a channel. Peacock offers the widest range of NBC shows — both current and older seasons — but the other routes work if you already pay for them or prefer live TV.

The method that makes sense depends on what you want to watch. If you're after a specific show that aired last week, Peacock usually has it within a day. If you want to watch NBC live as it broadcasts, you'll need either cable, Peacock with a paid tier, or one of the live TV streaming services. If you have neither and want to avoid paying, NBC.com lets you watch some current episodes free, though with ads and usually only the most recent ones.

Key Takeaways

Peacock's free tier shows some NBC content with ads; the paid tiers ($5.99 or $11.99 per month) unlock the full library and live NBC feeds.
NBC.com streams recent episodes of many shows free with ads, but usually only the last few episodes and not live broadcasts.
Cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream) all carry NBC if your area has an NBC affiliate.
Peacock is the only service that carries the full NBC back catalog, including older seasons of shows that still air on the network.

Peacock: NBC's streaming home

Peacock is owned by NBC's parent company and carries the most NBC content of any streaming service. The free tier includes some shows and movies, but most current NBC programming and live NBC feeds require a paid subscription. Peacock Premium costs $5.99 per month with ads, or $11.99 per month without ads. Peacock Premium Plus, at $19.99 per month, adds the ability to read episodes to watch offline.

On Peacock, you can usually find new episodes of NBC shows within 24 hours of broadcast. The service also holds back seasons of shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, and Saturday Night Live — content you won't find on other platforms. If you want to watch NBC live as it airs, you need Peacock Premium or Premium Plus; the free tier does not include live feeds.

Peacock is available on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and Chromecast. You can sign up directly on the Peacock website or through your TV provider if they offer Peacock as part of a bundle.

NBC.com and the NBC app

NBC.com and the NBC mobile app let you stream some shows free with ads. The catch is that availability is limited — you usually get only the most recent episodes (often just the last three or four), and you cannot watch live broadcasts. The selection varies by show; some NBC programs appear on NBC.com within a day of airing, while others take longer or don't appear at all.

NBC.com does not require a login or subscription, but some shows ask you to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account to unlock additional episodes. If you have cable or a live TV streaming service, signing in with those credentials can give you access to more of the NBC.com library. Without a provider login, you're limited to what the free tier offers.

Cable and satellite TV

If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes NBC, you can watch it live on your TV and often stream it through your provider's app or website. Most major cable and satellite providers — Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Dish, Verizon Fios — carry NBC in their standard packages, though the exact channel number varies by region and provider.

Cable and satellite also usually include on-demand access to recent episodes through the provider's app or website. You log in with your account credentials, and you can stream shows you've already paid for through your subscription. This is often the simplest route if you already have cable, since you don't need another subscription.

Live TV streaming services

Several streaming services bundle live TV channels, including NBC, without requiring a cable subscription. The main options are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream. All of them carry NBC in most U.S. markets, though availability depends on your location and the specific service.

YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month and includes NBC plus dozens of other channels. Hulu + Live TV is $76.99 per month and bundles live TV with access to Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV is cheaper at $40 per month for the base package but may not include NBC in all areas — you have to check your zip code on their website. DirecTV Stream starts at $79.99 per month. All of them let you stream on multiple devices and usually include cloud DVR to record shows.

These services work best if you want live TV but don't have cable. They're more expensive than Peacock alone, but they give you access to many channels beyond NBC. Most offer a free trial period, so you can test whether NBC comes through in your area before committing.

What to check before you choose

Before you pick a streaming method, decide what you actually need: live NBC broadcasts, on-demand episodes, or both. If you only want to catch up on a show you missed, Peacock or NBC.com will work. If you want to watch NBC news or primetime shows as they air, you need either cable, a live TV streaming service, or Peacock Premium or Premium Plus.

Check whether you already have access through something you pay for. If you have cable or a live TV streaming service, you may already be able to stream NBC through that provider's app at no extra cost. If you have a Peacock subscription through your employer, school, or another benefit, you don't need to pay separately. Many internet providers also bundle Peacock Premium for free or at a discount with their service — it's worth asking your provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NBC live for free?

NBC.com does not stream live broadcasts for free. You can watch some recent on-demand episodes free with ads, but live NBC requires either cable, a live TV streaming service, or a paid Peacock subscription (Premium or Premium Plus).

Does Peacock have all NBC shows?

Peacock has most current NBC shows and a deep back catalog, but not every NBC program ever made. Some shows are licensed to other platforms or held by production companies. If you're looking for a specific older show, search Peacock first, then check NBC.com or other services.

Can I watch NBC on Peacock without paying?

Peacock's free tier includes some NBC content, but not live broadcasts or the full library. To watch NBC live or access the complete catalog, you need Peacock Premium ($5.99/month with ads) or Premium Plus ($11.99/month ad-free).

What's the difference between Peacock Premium and Premium Plus?

Peacock Premium ($5.99/month) includes all content and live NBC feeds but shows ads. Premium Plus ($11.99/month) removes most ads and lets you read episodes to watch offline. Both unlock the same shows and channels.

Does my cable provider let me stream NBC online?

Most cable and satellite providers include streaming access to NBC through their app or website if you have an NBC channel in your package. Log in with your account credentials. If you're not sure whether your provider offers this, check their website or call customer service.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.