Peacock, the streaming service from NBC Universal, has quickly become a go-to platform for binge-worthy television shows. With a vast library of content, Peacock offers a diverse range of genres and critically acclaimed series that are sure to captivate audiences. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling dramas, hilarious comedies, or gripping documentaries, Peacock has something for everyone. Today, we will explore some of the best Peacock shows, highlighting the must-watch gems that are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to dive into the world of Peacock’s top-notch programming.
Why stream on Peacock?
With such a vast number of streaming services to pick from nowadays, certain ones are bound to get lost in the bunch. Peacock might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think of streaming, but don’t underestimate its charm! Here are some reasons why Peacock could be your next great streaming service:
Endless Content:
- NBC and Beyond: Dive into a vast library of content from NBC, Bravo, USA Network, Syfy, Oxygen, E!, CNBC, MSNBC, and Universal Pictures. It’s like a reunion of your favorite channels!
- Movie Mania: Peacock boasts a treasure trove of movies, from classic hits to recent releases. Popcorn is not included, but it is highly recommended!
- Originals on the Rise: While still a fledgling in the originals department, Peacock has some gems like “Bel-Air,” a dramatic reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Girls5eva,” a hilarious musical comedy about a ’90s girl group getting back together.
A Sports Fanatic’s Haven:
- Premier League Passion: Peacock is the exclusive U.S. home for half of the Premier League season, meaning you can catch all the action, goals, and drama live or on-demand. Get ready to don your favorite team’s jersey and scream!
- Beyond the Pitch: Dive into other sports like WWE (including exclusive Peacock events), NFL Sunday Night Football, and golf tournaments. It’s a one-stop shop for live sports enthusiasts.
Free Tier Fun:
- Something for Nothing: Even without a subscription, Peacock offers a generous free tier with tons of content, including classic shows like “Cheers” and “Seinfeld,” current NBC hits like “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” and even some movies. It’s a great way to sample the Peacock buffet before committing.
4. Budget-Friendly Bingeing:
- Peacock’s Price is Right: Compared to other streaming services, Peacock’s premium tiers are quite affordable. Plus, with frequent promotions and deals, you might even snag it for a song!
Stream Anywhere, Anytime:
- Peacock on the Go: Take your favorite shows and movies with you wherever you go. Peacock’s app is available on most devices, so you can stream on your phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV.
So, whether you’re a comedy buff, a sports fanatic, or just looking for a new way to unwind, Peacock might be the perfect streaming service for you. Give it a try, and you might just be surprised by what you find! Remember, these are just a few reasons to consider Peacock. With its ever-growing library of content, affordable options, and focus on live entertainment, it might just become your new streaming go-to. If you need something more enticing, however, we at StudyFinds have researched multiple expert sources to find the top seven absolute best Peacock show that you can stream now that were most recommended across 11 expert reviews! Don’t agree with our list or feel we missed out on a good suggestion? No worries. We would love to get your recommendations in the comments below! Now, onto the list.
Looking for a new favorite? Check out the best Peacock shows!
1. “The Office” (2005 – 2013)
“The Office,” a beloved American television comedy, has captured the hearts of millions of viewers around the world with its unique blend of humor, relatable characters, and hilarious workplace antics. “The sitcom that launched the single-cam revolution features one of the greatest performances ever from Steve Carell as the horrible but somehow sweet boss Michael Scott, with a sprawling cast of comic geniuses that worked like comedy magic together,” says Uproxx.
RUNNING to watch the never-before-seen scenes from Niagara Part 1 and 2 😍 pic.twitter.com/mhSe68tSIp
— The Office on Peacock (@theofficetv) February 1, 2023
Created by Greg Daniels, this mockumentary-style show takes a satirical look at the everyday lives of office employees at the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. “The series sees white-collar workers mixing not-so-serious business and personal business while operating under an incompetent but endearing boss,” explains EW.
Since its debut in 2005, “The Office” has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning a dedicated fan base and earning critical acclaim for its witty writing and exceptional ensemble cast. “A remake of the razor-sharp British original created by Ricky Gervais, the American version softens some of the bite, and Steve Carell makes boss Michael Scott a bit more lovable, if still buffoonish. This is truly an ensemble show, though, with memorable turns from John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, and Mindy Kaling,” writes Tom’s Guide.
2. “Poker Face” (2023 – )
With a powerful, charismatic, and magnetic lead like Ms. Lyonne, it’s no wonder this Peacock is slated to take over the service. “The writer/director of ‘Knives Out’ brought his skill to TV in this smash-hit mystery-of-the-week series that recasts the ‘Columbo’ template with Natasha Lyonne. Every episode drops her into a different murder mystery with a great revolving door of guest stars that includes Adrien Brody, Judith Light, Tim Meadows, Nick Nolte, and many more,” notes Vulture.
Of course, you gotta have a good backstory, and Lyonne’s character is not without one. “Poker Face” slowly uncovers it while taking you on a journey with “Fugitive from the law, Charlie Cale, who travels to New Mexico, taking odd jobs on the down-low and solving murders with her acute talent for pinpointing liars. Charlie breezes from locale to locale, stumbling upon a new case in every episode,” reports Cable TV.
“Poker Face” withstands its own aesthetic while also keeping the charm of the old case of the week shows. Fastened in her Plymouth Barracuda, Lyonne holds her own as an iconic crime solver. “Both ‘Columbo’ and ‘Murder She Wrote’ are streaming on Peacock, and they remain as delightful as the day they were released. But why not also find time to hang out with this here heir-apparent to your grandparents’ favorite murder-mystery programs,” adds Mashable.
3. “Parks and Recreation” (2009 – 2015)
“Parks and Recreation” is a beloved American sitcom that first aired on NBC in 2009. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, this show quickly gained a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim for its witty humor, lovable characters, and heartfelt storytelling. “What started as a riff on ‘The Office’ but with a lady boss became, by its second season, one of the best network comedies of all time,” describes Uproxx.
With its unique blend of satire, mockumentary-style filming, and endearing characters, this show has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences even years after its final episode aired. “Following the story of employees in the Parks Department of a fictional town called Pawnee, Indiana, the show aired for seven seasons. At the center of the plot were the small-town politics and red tape that made accomplishing things so difficult, though fans were able to get emotionally invested in every character,” states Digital Trends.
You are sure to find yourself laughing out loud with this series. “Life is often about learning to laugh in mind-numbing situations, as seen in ‘Parks and Recreation.’ Amy Poehler brings the comedic chops she honed on ‘SNL,’ and she’s joined by an excellent ensemble that includes Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Pratt (before he was a Marvel megastar). The show hails from the creators of ‘The Office,’ but rather than recycling its predecessor’s jokes, this series trades Carrell’s incompetence for Poehler’s relentless optimism, dishing out humor and heart in equal measure,” adds EW.
4. “30 Rock” (2006 – 2013)
“30 Rock” is a critically-acclaimed sitcom that racked up quite an audience during its seven-season run. Created by the witty Tina Fey, the show takes us behind the scenes of a fictional sketch comedy series and provides a hilarious and satirical look into the chaotic world of television production. “It was nominated for the Emmy for Best Comedy for all seven seasons that it ran, winning three of them. Its legacy has been a little controversial recently, but it remains one of the sharpest shows on network TV of the modern era,” raves Vulture.
Heard we're talking about #30Rock 👀 pic.twitter.com/5KJo4fcZ9R
— Peacock (@peacock) December 23, 2023
With its sharp writing, brilliant performances, and clever meta-humor, “30 Rock” has become a cultural phenomenon, leaving an indelible mark on the comedy landscape. “One of the best not-so-inside jokes ever broadcast, ’30 Rock‘ is a perfectly executed satire of NBC by NBC, poking at ‘Saturday Night Live‘ specifically through various hijinks that go into making the in-universe sitcom ‘The Girlie Show.’ The result is one of the most universally beloved and awarded comedies of the 21st century,” adds EW.
The writing specifically of this show continues to be praised for its unique tone even today. “The seven seasons of comedy writer Liz Lemon are so rat-a-tat-tat with riffs and toss-off gags that you’ve got to watch every episode at least twice to catch even half of them. And the supporting cast is so stacked with talent — Jane Krakowski’s Jenna Maroney continues to live rent-free in every gay man’s brain — that every re-watch is like catching up with good friends. Sure, it’s admittedly a little weird to watch Alec Baldwin now. But there’s so much late period Elaine Stritch to cherish that it ultimately ends in the positive column,” reports Mashable.
5. “Based on a True Story” (2023 – )
“Based on a True Story” is a thought-provoking television series that has captivated audiences. With its unique blend of comedy and suspense, the show has become a must-watch for fans of historical narratives. “Much like ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ this satire pokes fun at our great national addiction to true crime,” notes Tom’s Guide.
Led by the talented actress Kaley Cuoco, who also serves as the executive producer, the show follows “a married couple who gets entangled in the grasp of a supposed serial killer; they decide the best course of action is to start a true crime podcast and exploit their close proximity to the criminal,” explains The Manual.
“Based On A True Story” has quickly become a must-watch for fans of mystery and suspense. With its unique blend of true crime and dark comedy, it truly offers a fresh look at the genre. “The show is an interesting take on the American obsession with capitalizing on tragedy and death that pokes fun at DYI sleuths that often get in over their heads while treading on the victims of violence,” comments Collider.
6. “Bupkis” (2023 – )
“Bupkis” is another original Peacock series that has taken the world by storm and is led by yet another “SNL” alum, Pete Davidson. “In the same vein as Larry David’s ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm,’ ‘Bupkis’ is a fictional account of Davidson’s life, and it chronicles the young comedian moving back to his Staten Island home while building his comedy career and dealing with family tragedy,” says ScreenRant.
Starring Davidson as himself and Evie Falco as his mother, Amy, the show premiered in 2023 with its first season, and though a compelling and interesting story, the concept is nothing new. “If you saw Pete Davidson’s semi-autobiographical film ‘The King of Staten Island,’ then his semi-autobiographical series ‘Bupkis’ will feel very familiar. Once again, Davison plays a heightened, barely fictionalized version of himself. All the usual jokes and zingers about his life are there, from living with his mom to using drugs to his notoriety,” describes Tom’s Guide.
If the superb acting of Falco isn’t enough to entice you to check out “Bupkis,” there is an entire list of celebrities that got a guest starring credit. “Davidson brings in a whole host of famous friends that have a ball splashing around in the absurd world he’s created for himself, including Charlie Day, Machine Gun Kelly, and Al Gore. But one of the most impactful characters in the show is Joe Pesci as Davidson’s grandfather, who doles out grounded advice and harsh truths to the wayward main character,” reports Collider.
7. “Yellowstone” (2018 – )
“Yellowstone” is a gripping television series that takes viewers on a wild and exhilarating journey into the heart of Montana. “‘Yellowstone’ follows a wealthy and powerful family led by patriarch John Dutton. The Duttons own the largest ranch in the US and must fight to protect their land from multiple threats. Starring Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Danny Huston, Gil Birmingham,” notes Xfinity.
The show explores the power struggles, family dynamics, and relentless pursuit of control that define the lives of the Duttons. “The plotting takes the shape of a fairly conventional soap opera, but that’s not meant as an insult. Some of the greatest TV shows of all time play out like soaps, and ‘Yellowstone’ uses them as a playbook. There’s plenty of intrigue and family drama, but ‘Yellowstone’ is always good enough to keep you coming back for more,” raves The Manual.
With its stunning cinematography, compelling storyline, and exceptional performances by a star-studded cast, “Yellowstone” has captivated audiences around the world since its debut. “The premiere episode was the most-watched debut for any series on the Paramount Network, including under its former Spike name, and in 2018 ‘Yellowstone’ was the most-watched scripted show on basic cable,” concludes ScreenRant.
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Sources:
- EW
- Uproxx
- Cable TV
- Tom’s Guide
- Mashable
- Vulture
- Digital Trends
- The Manual
- Collider
- Xfinity
- ScreenRant
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.