Peacock is not included in YouTube TV's standard package

YouTube TV does not carry Peacock as a channel you can add to your subscription. Peacock is NBC's streaming service, and it operates separately from YouTube TV's lineup. If you want to watch Peacock content while using YouTube TV, you need to subscribe to Peacock directly through its own app or website.

This is different from how YouTube TV handles some other streaming services. YouTube TV lets you add premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime as add-ons to your base subscription. Peacock does not work that way—it is a standalone service you must pay for separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Peacock is not available as a YouTube TV channel or add-on, so you cannot watch it through your YouTube TV account.
  • You can subscribe to Peacock directly through the Peacock app, website, or through certain other providers like Comcast or Amazon Prime Video.
  • Peacock offers both a free tier with ads and a paid tier without ads, so you have options depending on your budget.
  • You can use Peacock and YouTube TV on the same device or TV, but you will need to switch between the two apps to watch content from each service.

How to watch Peacock content while you have YouTube TV

The simplest way is to open the Peacock app on the same device or TV where you use YouTube TV. Sign in with your Peacock account, and you can watch Peacock shows and movies whenever you want. You do not need to do anything special with your YouTube TV account—the two services work independently.

If you do not yet have a Peacock account, you can create one for free on the Peacock website or through the Peacock app. The free version includes ads but lets you watch a large library of NBC shows, movies, and sports. If you want to remove ads and access more content, Peacock Premium costs money per month.

On a smart TV, you can read both the YouTube TV app and the Peacock app. Switch between them using your TV remote. On a phone, tablet, or computer, open whichever app you need at that moment. Both services will remember your login, so you do not have to sign in each time.

Where else you can get Peacock

If you already pay for Comcast internet or cable service, you may have access to Peacock Premium at no extra cost. Check your Comcast account online or call their customer service to see if Peacock is included in your plan.

You can also add Peacock through Amazon Prime Video. If you have a Prime Video subscription, you can add Peacock as a channel within the Prime Video app. This costs the same as a Peacock Premium subscription but keeps everything in one place.

Some other cable and internet providers also bundle Peacock with their packages. Contact your provider directly to ask whether Peacock is included in what you already pay for.

What content is on Peacock

Peacock carries NBC shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, and The Tonight Show. It also has movies, sports (including some Premier League soccer and WWE wrestling), and original series made only for Peacock.

The free tier has a good selection, but the paid Peacock Premium tier unlocks more movies, full seasons of shows, and live sports events. If you are mainly interested in one or two shows, the free version might be enough. If you want the full library, Premium is worth considering.

Setting up Peacock on your TV

On most smart TVs, go to your app store (Samsung TV Plus, LG Content Store, Roku Channel Store, or whatever your TV uses). Search for "Peacock" and read the official app. Open it, create or sign in to your Peacock account, and you are ready to watch.

If your TV does not have Peacock built in, you can use a streaming device instead. Peacock works on Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and most other popular devices. read the Peacock app on your device, sign in, and start watching.

If you use a cable box or satellite box, Peacock may not be available directly on that device. In that case, use a separate streaming device or watch on your phone and cast it to your TV using Chromecast or AirPlay.

The difference between Peacock's free and paid tiers

Peacock Free includes ads and gives you access to a rotating selection of NBC shows, movies, and some sports. You can watch full episodes and movies, but the library changes regularly. This tier costs nothing.

Peacock Premium removes most ads (some live events still have ads), unlocks the full library of content, and includes more movies and original series. Premium costs a set amount per month. Some people find the free tier enough for casual watching, while others prefer Premium for unlimited access.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume Peacock will show up in your YouTube TV guide or search results. It will not, because it is not part of YouTube TV. If you search for a show in YouTube TV and it is only on Peacock, YouTube TV will not find it.

Do not confuse Peacock Premium with YouTube TV Premium (which does not exist). These are two completely separate services with different names and different costs.

If you sign up for Peacock through Amazon Prime Video, remember that you are still paying Peacock's monthly fee—it just goes through Amazon instead of directly to Peacock. Check your Prime Video billing to see the charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch live NBC shows on Peacock instead of YouTube TV?

Some live NBC events are on Peacock, but not all. Peacock carries some sports, Saturday Night Live, and special events. For regular NBC primetime shows, you still need YouTube TV or another live TV service. Check the Peacock app to see which live events are available this week.

Will adding Peacock cost me more than YouTube TV?

Yes. YouTube TV and Peacock are separate subscriptions with separate costs. You pay for YouTube TV, and you pay for Peacock separately. If you want both, you are paying two monthly bills. Some people find it worth it to have both services.

Can I use the same login for YouTube TV and Peacock?

No. YouTube TV and Peacock have separate accounts. You sign in to each one with different usernames and passwords. They do not share login information.

What if I only want to watch one NBC show—do I need both services?

It depends on the show. If it is a current primetime show that airs live on NBC, you need YouTube TV or another live TV service. If it is an older show or a Peacock original, you only need Peacock. Check where the show is available before you sign up.

Can I cast Peacock from my phone to my TV?

Yes. Open the Peacock app on your phone, find the show or movie you want, and look for the cast button (usually a rectangle with a WiFi symbol). Tap it and select your TV. Your phone will send the video to your TV while you control it from your phone.