Comcast’s highly anticipated streaming service, Peacock, might make its debut earlier than initially planned. This potential acceleration is being considered due to the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, according to the company.
With millions across the United States adhering to “shelter-in-place” directives, the media giant is exploring the possibility of advancing Peacock’s nationwide launch date. This strategic reassessment comes as homebound consumers are increasingly turning to streaming entertainment options.
“Some have inquired about the potential to launch Peacock nationally even sooner, and we are currently evaluating that possibility,” stated Matt Strauss, Chairman of Peacock and NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, during a recent conference call.
While Comcast subscribers currently enjoy early access to the platform starting Wednesday, the official national launch of Peacock remains scheduled for July 15th. However, Strauss suggested this date is subject to change given the evolving situation.
The widespread halt in original content production has presented challenges for Peacock, Strauss acknowledged. Conversely, this disruption has also opened doors for novel collaborations with talent who might have been previously committed to projects now on hold.
“The market and global landscape have undergone significant shifts, and this has undeniably had an impact,” Strauss commented.
The Olympic Games, initially slated to be a cornerstone feature of Peacock’s launch lineup, have been postponed to the following year. This delay ironically presents Peacock with the opportunity to leverage two Olympic Games in its content offerings instead of one.
Peacock boasts a rich library of content from NBCUniversal, encompassing popular titles such as “Jurassic Park,” the beloved sitcom “The Office,” and early access to episodes of Jimmy Fallon’s “The Tonight Show.”
Upon its broader release, the Nbc Streaming Service will be accessible across various platforms, including mobile devices, through a dedicated Peacock website, and via an app on connected televisions by July.
Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal and NBC News, enters a competitive streaming market already populated by established players like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. These industry giants are now facing increased competition from newer entrants such as Disney+, launched last year, and the forthcoming HBO Max, set to launch next month.
Strauss projects that Peacock will attract between 30 to 50 million subscribers by 2024. He confirmed that key long-term sponsors, including Capital One, Subaru, and Verizon, remain committed to their partnerships with the nbc streaming service.
