Peacock TV is a relatively new streaming service from NBCUniversal that features thousands of hours of on-demand movies, TV shows, original programming, and more. As more consumers cut the cord on traditional cable and satellite TV services, many are wondering if they can access Peacock on their DIRECTV setup. So what channel is Peacock on DIRECTV?
Is Peacock Available as a DIRECTV Channel?
Unfortunately, Peacock is currently not available as a dedicated channel on DIRECTV as of November 2023. DIRECTV has not yet added Peacock to their channel lineup the way other streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video are offered.
This means there is no Peacock app access or Peacock channel number you can tune to on DIRECTV satellite boxes or DIRECTV Stream devices. DIRECTV subscribers cannot watch Peacock content integrated into the DIRECTV channel guide.
Why Isn’t Peacock on DIRECTV Currently?
There are a few likely reasons why Peacock is not yet included in the DIRECTV channel lineup:
Peacock is Still a New Service
Peacock first launched in 2020, making it a relatively new video streaming application compared to more established options. Given how recently Peacock debuted, DIRECTV may still be evaluating demand for the service before deciding whether to offer it.
They may want to ensure Peacock sees strong growth and subscriptions before going through the work of adding it as a channel. Until Peacock’s app and content catalog become more mainstream, DIRECTV appears to be taking a “wait and see” approach.
Contract Negotiations With NBCUniversal
In order to provide access to Peacock, DIRECTV would need to establish a contract with Peacock’s parent company NBCUniversal and agree to certain business terms. These types of negotiations can often be complex and take substantial time, especially when newer streaming platforms are still proving their worth.
The two companies may still be in discussions working out potential deals to bring Peacock into the DIRECTV ecosystem. But until agreements are finalized, subscribers are left without access.
Technical/Platform Limitations
Enabling customers to access and subscribe to Peacock directly through their DIRECTV service likely requires certain technical integrations on the backend.
DIRECTV may need to update systems, create dedicated Peacock apps for DIRECTV devices, and ensure the infrastructure is in place to handle Peacock accounts and billing through DIRECTV plans. Building these platforms and connections can be an intensive process.
Offering Other NBCUniversal Content Instead
Currently, DIRECTV subscribers can access certain NBC TV shows, news programming, sports, and films through DIRECTV channels and on demand catalog. Given that much NBC content is already available, DIRECTV may see limited urgency to also add Peacock specifically at this time.
Providing universal NBCUniversal access across channels + Peacock may also prove to be oversaturation for consumers. DIRECTV seems focused on emphasizing other content partnerships for now.
Could Peacock Come to DIRECTV in the Future?
While Peacock is not yet included in DIRECTV channel packages and services, there is certainly potential for NBCUniversal and DIRECTV to reach an agreement to add the streaming platform in the months or years ahead.
Growing Market Share for Peacock
If Peacock keeps expanding its content offerings, available platforms, and number of subscribers, it may become a more appealing streaming service for DIRECTV to provide access to. Once Peacock becomes large enough that DIRECTV sees sufficient customer demand, they may revisit negotiations with NBCUniversal or directly enable easier access to Peacock subscriptions for satellite customers. Continued growth for Peacock could impact discussions.
Evolution of DIRECTV Streaming Options
As DIRECTV enhances and expands their DIRECTV Stream streaming platform and partnerships with other popular streaming services, folding Peacock into the mix can help them better compete with the streaming TV landscape long-term.
Adding Peacock access could attract customers interested in cutting the cord that want both DIRECTV content and Peacock Originals or shows in a unified experience. Prioritizing Peacock integration can fuel more streaming subscriptions.
Flexibility for Customers
A key brand pillar for most subscription television providers today is giving customers flexibility and choice. DIRECTV advertises the ability to stream, access video on demand, use apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and more based on your preferences.
To continue appealing to a wider range of households, DIRECTV will likely need to incorporate Peacock as an option sooner or later as its popularity grows. Supporting customer control over channel/app subscriptions helps boost satisfaction and retention.
How to Stream Peacock Without DIRECTV Currently
Although Peacock is not currently integrated with DIRECTV channel lineups or DIRECTV Stream, subscribers can still separately sign up for and watch Peacock until it potentially launches direct on the platform. Here are the easiest ways to stream Peacock on various devices without DIRECTV:
Via Web Browser
Peacock can be accessed by simply navigating to peacocktv.com from any web browser. DIRECTV customers can visit the site to create a Peacock account using an email, then stream all Peacock content directly online.
Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. Video plays smoothly in up to 1080p quality depending on internet speeds.
Download Peacock App
In addition to web access, Peacock offers dedicated apps for mobile devices and popular media players.
- Android & iOS phones/tablets
- Apple TV (4th gen or later)
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google Chromecast
- LG Smart TV
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
The apps allow downloading select titles for offline playback too. Simply login using Peacock account details or create a new account if first time user.
Via Streaming Players/Smart TVs
Many newer smart TVs or streaming media players have the Peacock app built-in or available for quick install via app stores on the TV’s interface.
For DIRECTV customers with smart devices including Roku, Android TV, Apple TV 4K, Amazon Fire stick, and more, they can install Peacock in just a few steps without needing a separate streaming player.
Peacock Subscription Options & Pricing
Peacock offers their streaming library on three main tiered plans:
1. Peacock Free
- Over 7,500 hours of movies, classic shows, news, sports
- Ads included at 5 minutes per hour
- Limited originals / new releases
- Free sign-up, no credit card needed
2. Peacock Premium
- All titles in the free plan
- 15,000+ hours of content
- Early access to new NBC episodes
- Live sports like Sunday Night Football
- Ad-supported at 5 minutes/hour – $4.99/month
3. Peacock Premium Plus
- All Peacock Premium benefits
- Ad-free – $9.99/month
The free tier still unlocks a wealth of NBCUniversal TV series, news programming, kids content, and more to enjoy. Premium plans let you tap into the full content library, latest episodes/films, and exclusives.
| Plan | Price | Ads? | Hours of Content | New Releases? | Exclusives? | Sports | Offline Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Yes | 7,500+ | No | Very limited | Clips | No |
| Premium | $4.99/month | Yes | 15,000+ | Early Access | Yes | Live Games | Select Titles |
| Premium Plus | $9.99/month | No | 15,000+ | Early Access | Yes | Live Games | Select Titles |
The Best TV Shows & Movies on Peacock
Until DIRECTV adds Peacock support, what shows, movies, and originals are worth watching for new subscribers? Here are some highlights across genres that showcase the diverse Peacock catalog:
TV Dramas & Series
- Yellowstone
- Law & Order franchise
- Friday Night Lights
- Downton Abbey
- New Amsterdam
- Saved by the Bell
- The Best Man: The Final Chapters (Peacock Exclusive)
Comedies & Sitcoms
- The Office
- 30 Rock
- Parks and Recreation
- Girls5Eva (Peacock Original)
- Killing It (Peacock Original)
Classic Films & Blockbusters
- E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
- The Matrix trilogy
- Shrek
- Jurassic Park franchise
- Fast & Furious franchise
Streaming Peacock unlocks exclusive access to legacy shows like Yellowstone, The Office, Jurassic World, Kardashians, Real Housewives, WWE, Sunday Night Football, Super Bowl LVI, Premier League matches and more.
Originals & Exclusives
- Bel-Air
- The Resort (Peacock Original)
- The Best Man: The Final Chapters (Peacock Exclusive)
- Murder in Big Horn (Peacock Original)
- McGruder (Peacock Original series)
- Wolf Like Me (Peacock Exclusive)
Check the full Peacock library for availability of other top films, news programming like The Today Show or Tonight Show, live sports, and NBC series new and old.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peacock on DIRECTV
Do you have additional questions about the potential for streaming Peacock directly through DIRECTV? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Is Peacock already included with DIRECTV?
No, as of November 2023, Peacock does not currently have a DIRECTV channel and is not bundled into DIRECTV packages. DIRECTV customers need to signup separately for Peacock to stream.
What channels have Peacock?
While not on DIRECTV yet, Peacock can be streamed via Comcast/Xfinity X1, Cox Contour, as well as directly online, and through various streaming device apps.
Can DIRECTV customers get Peacock for free?
DIRECTV subscribers can sign up for the free, ad-supported version of Peacock by creating an account at peacocktv.com or via the Peacock mobile/TV apps. Premium paid plans are also available with additional content.
Will DIRECTV offer Peacock in 2023?
It remains unconfirmed if DIRECTV will add Peacock access this year. No announcements regarding Peacock integration have been made yet. DIRECTV may still be negotiating with NBCU or finishing technical work before formally launching Peacock packages for satellite/streaming customers.
How can I watch Yellowstone on DIRECTV without Peacock?
For DIRECTV users wanting to watch popular series Yellowstone, DIRECTV offers on-demand episodes from the current season to stream. Previous seasons may be unavailable without Peacock, where all episodes can be streamed on-demand. Check the DIRECTV platform for latest Yellowstone availability.
Conclusion
While Peacock integration for DIRECTV subscribers unfortunately remains pending, streaming TV fans still have options to access NBCUniversal’s robust Peacock catalog on other devices today. DIRECTV appears to be taking a “wait and see” approach as Peacock continues proving itself in the market, suggesting potential for dedicated Peacock support down the road.
DIRECTV customers can still create free or paid Peacock accounts to unlock NBCUniversal films, series like The Office and Yellowstone, sports, news programming, and Peacock Originals unavailable elsewhere. Integrating dedicated Peacock channel access within DIRECTV channel lineups would further simplify streaming for cord-cutters.
