Comcast today launches an early preview of the premium tier of the NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock.
The debut for Xfinity X1 and Flex customers comes ahead of a full launch on July 15.
A free tier featuring 7,500 hours of movies and shows will be freely available across mobile, web and popular connected-TV platforms. Peacock Premium will also be available for $4.99 per month on all popular connected devices, as well as an ad-free tier for an additional $5.00 per month.
“Now more than ever there is a need for a free quality streaming service that can provide viewers with both the information they need to stay informed and entertainment they seek to escape the moment,” said Matt Strauss, Chairman of Peacock and NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. “With Peacock, we will deliver many of the best movies and TV shows of our time – as well as timely news and topical programming – and do our part to bring people together through the power of entertainment.”
However, in a press call Strauss admitted that much of the original programming slate would be delayed into 2021.
Peacock will have exclusive streaming rights for the 2020 Universal film slate and beyond in the network window. Films will include some of the biggest live action feature films of all time, including Fast & Furious 9 and Jurassic World 3.
There will also be access to Universal’s back catalogue and Dick Wolf’s library of Law & Order and Chicago franchises.
In an experience that will surprise and delight US audiences, advertising will be restricted to five minutes or less per hour. A host of new ad innovations are also promised.
