
What Channel Is Peacock? How to Stream on Roku & Smart TV
If you’ve ever searched your TV guide for a channel called “Peacock,” you’re not alone — the name sounds like a cable channel number, but Peacock is actually a streaming service from NBCUniversal that lives inside your smart TV, not on a specific channel. Launched in April 2020, Peacock now offers over 50 live channels, from news to sports to reality TV; here’s how to find it on any device, whether you’re in the US or trying to access it from Ireland.
Peacock active subscribers: 30 million+ (2024) ·
Live channels available: 50+ ·
Free tier ad-supported: Yes ·
Premium Plus ad-free cost: $11.99/month
Quick snapshot
- Peacock is a streaming service from NBCUniversal (Peacock Official Site)
- Offers free and premium tiers (see Peacock Official Site) (Peacock Official Site)
- Available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and most Smart TVs (see Peacock Official Site) (Peacock Official Site)
- Live channels include NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, and sports (Peacock Channels Page)
- Exact local NBC channel availability varies by zip code (YouTube: Peacock-Roku Deal)
- Future regional expansion beyond Ireland is unconfirmed (YouTube: Peacock-Roku Deal)
- Specific channel lineup may change frequently (YouTube: Peacock-Roku Deal)
- Peacock Premium Plus pricing differs between direct ($11.99) and Roku ($16.99) — per Roku official site (YouTube: Peacock-Roku Deal)
- Launched April 2020 (Peacock Official Site)
- Added live Premier League and WWE in 2022 (Roku Official Site)
- Reached 30 million subscribers in 2024 (Peacock Official Site)
- Check Peacock’s official site for latest channel lineup (see Peacock Channels Page)
- Sky Ireland availability as of 2024 (see Peacock Official Site)
Seven key facts about Peacock, one pattern: it’s a streaming platform, not a cable channel.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service type | Streaming service (not a TV channel) |
| Launched | April 2020 |
| Parent company | NBCUniversal |
| Free tier available | Yes |
| Live channels count | 50+ |
| Supported devices | Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, mobile, web |
| Ireland availability | Via Sky Ireland subscription |
What Channel Is Peacock on?
Peacock is not a single channel
- Peacock is a streaming service, not a broadcast channel number (see Peacock Official Site)
- No specific cable channel number exists for Peacock
- Peacock offers multiple live and on-demand channels within the app
When people ask “what channel is Peacock,” they’re usually expecting a number like 203 or 504. But Peacock doesn’t work that way. It’s an app you download on your smart TV, streaming device, or phone. Once you open it, you get access to a full lineup of live and on-demand content — but you have to find the app first, not a channel number.
Peacock is not a channel you flip to — it’s an app you open. If you’re looking for a number on your remote, you won’t find one. Instead, you’ll need to download the Peacock app on your device.
The implication: Peacock’s “channel” is the app itself. Once you open it, you get access to dozens of live and on-demand channels — but you have to know where to look.
How Do I Get Peacock on My TV?
On a Smart TV
- Download the Peacock app from your TV’s app store (see Peacock Official Site)
- Search for “Peacock” in the app store
- Install and sign up or log in
Most modern Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Hisense have the Peacock app available in their respective app stores. Simply search for “Peacock,” download it, and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account or sign in.
On a streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV)
- On Roku, go to the Channel Store and search for “Peacock” (see Roku Official Site)
- On Fire TV, search for Peacock in the Amazon Appstore
- On Apple TV, search for Peacock in the App Store
Streaming devices are the most popular way to watch Peacock. Roku alone has millions of Peacock users. The app is free to download, and you can choose your subscription tier within the app.
The easiest way to get Peacock on your TV is through a streaming device like Roku. Over 30 million subscribers use Peacock, and Roku is one of the most popular platforms (see Roku Official Site).
On a cable box or satellite
- Xfinity X1 and Flex boxes have Peacock built-in (see Peacock Official Site)
- Some cable providers may offer Peacock as an app
If you have Xfinity, Peacock is integrated directly into your cable box. Other providers like Cox also support the app. For satellite users, Peacock is not available on traditional satellite boxes — you’ll need a streaming device.
The trade-off: Smart TVs have the app built-in, but older models may not support it. A streaming stick is the most reliable route.
Is Peacock a Free Channel on TV?
Peacock Free tier
- Free tier includes limited movies, shows, and select live channels (see Peacock Official Site)
- Ad-supported
- No credit card required
Peacock’s free tier gives you access to a rotating selection of movies, TV shows, and a handful of live channels. It’s a good way to test the service, but the content library is significantly smaller than the paid tiers.
Peacock Premium vs Premium Plus
- Premium: $7.99/month (or $79.99/year) with ads (see Peacock Official Site)
- Premium Plus: $11.99/month (or $119.99/year) ad-free (except live and select shows)
- Roku Channel offers Premium Plus at $16.99/month (see Roku Official Site)
The paid tiers unlock the full Peacock experience: all live channels, sports, originals, and next-day TV. Premium Plus removes most ads, though live content and a few shows still have commercials.
Free content availability
- Free tier includes Peacock Select with next-day TV from NBC & Bravo (Roku Channel Store)
- Some 24/7 channels are free
The catch: The free tier is limited. To get the full live channel lineup and sports, you need at least Premium.
What Channels Are on Peacock Free and Premium?
Live channel lineup
- 50+ live channels including NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo (see Peacock Channels Page)
- 24/7 channels for news, sports, comedy, reality, true crime
Peacock’s live channel lineup is constantly updated. You get major news networks, sports channels, and genre-specific 24/7 streams. The exact list depends on your subscription tier and region.
NBC local channel availability
- Premium subscribers get live simulcast of their local NBC station (see YouTube: Peacock-Roku Deal)
- Availability varies by market
If you’re a Premium subscriber, you can watch your local NBC station live through Peacock. This is a major perk for cord-cutters who want to keep access to local news and primetime programming.
Sports and news channels
- Live sports: Premier League, WWE, NFL, NBA, MLB, Golf, Cycling (see Roku Official Site)
- News: NBC News Now, MSNBC, CNBC
What this means: Peacock’s channel lineup is more like a cable bundle than a single channel. You get a mix of live and on-demand, but the exact channels depend on your subscription tier.
How to Watch Peacock in Ireland?
Peacock on Sky Ireland
- Peacock is available through Sky Ireland as a subscription add-on (see Peacock Official Site)
- Sky Ireland customers can access Peacock content
For viewers in Ireland, the official way to watch Peacock is through Sky. Sky Ireland added Peacock to its service in 2024, giving subscribers access to the full library of shows, movies, and live sports.
Availability and geo-restrictions
- Peacock is geo-restricted to the United States
- Outside the US, you need a subscription through a partner like Sky
Peacock is primarily a US service. If you try to access it from Ireland without a Sky subscription, you’ll be blocked. The Sky partnership is the only legitimate way to watch Peacock in Ireland.
Using a VPN
- A VPN can bypass geo-restrictions, but it may violate Peacock’s terms of service
- Not recommended for reliable access
The pattern: For viewers in Ireland, the official route is through Sky. Using a VPN is possible but comes with risks.
What Is the Peacock Live Sports Schedule Today?
Checking the schedule
- Visit Peacock’s website or app for the live schedule (see Peacock Official Site)
- Schedule updates daily
Peacock’s live sports schedule is available on the “Live” tab in the app and on the website. You can see what’s airing now and upcoming events.
Sports available on Peacock
- Premier League, WWE, NFL, NBA, MLB, Golf, Cycling (see Roku Official Site)
- Some events require Premium subscription
Peacock has become a major player in live sports streaming. The Premier League and WWE are exclusive draws, but you also get NFL games, NBA, MLB, and more.
How to find live events
- Use the “Live” tab in the Peacock app
- Filter by sport or channel
Why this matters: Peacock has become a major player in live sports streaming. If you’re a sports fan, the live schedule is a key reason to subscribe.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Peacock on Your TV
Follow these steps to start watching Peacock on your TV.
On Roku
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
- Go to Streaming Channels and search for “Peacock”.
- Select the Peacock channel and click Add Channel.
- Open the channel and sign up or log in.
On a Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Vizio)
- Open the app store on your TV.
- Search for “Peacock”.
- Download and install the app.
- Launch the app and create an account or sign in.
For more details, visit Peacock’s official support page.
What We Know and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Peacock is a streaming service from NBCUniversal
- Peacock offers free and premium tiers
- Peacock is available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and most Smart TVs
- Peacock has live channels including NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, and sports
What’s unclear
- Exact local NBC channel availability by zip code may vary
- Future regional expansion beyond Ireland is unconfirmed
- Specific channel lineup may change frequently without notice
“Peacock is a streaming service from NBCUniversal with movies, TV shows, Originals, and live sports.”
— Peacock Help Center (see Peacock Official Site)
“Sky adds Peacock to its Irish service, 2024.”
— Sky Ireland Press Release
Peacock is not a channel you find on your cable lineup — it’s a streaming app that lives on your smart TV, streaming stick, or mobile device. With over 50 live channels, a free tier, and premium options starting at $7.99/month, it’s a flexible service for cord-cutters and sports fans alike. For US viewers, the choice is clear: download the Peacock app and pick a tier that fits your needs. For viewers in Ireland, the path goes through Sky — but the content is the same.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch Peacock without internet?
No, Peacock requires an internet connection to stream content. There is no offline viewing on the free tier, but Premium Plus allows downloads for offline viewing on mobile devices.
Does Peacock work on all Smart TVs?
Peacock is available on most Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense, and others. Check your TV’s app store to see if Peacock is supported.
Is Peacock free with Amazon Prime?
No, Peacock is not included with Amazon Prime. You need a separate Peacock subscription, though you can access Peacock through Prime Video Channels for an additional fee.
How do I cancel my Peacock subscription?
You can cancel your Peacock subscription through your account settings on the Peacock website or app. If you subscribed through a third party (like Roku or Apple), you must cancel through that platform.
Can I share my Peacock account with family?
Peacock allows multiple profiles on one account, but simultaneous streaming is limited. Check Peacock’s terms for the exact number of concurrent streams.
What devices support Peacock?
Peacock supports Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Samsung TV, LG TV, Vizio Smart TV, Xfinity, Cox, and more. Also available on mobile and web.
Does Peacock have a free trial?
Peacock occasionally offers free trials for Premium plans. Check the official website for current offers.
Related reading