There’s no time better than the present to get into the streaming media game. At least, that may be part of the thinking behind NBC’s decision to launch its new video-streaming service, Peacock, even though many shows will not be ready at that time.
The company recently announced plans to launch its streaming service nationally in July, offering a mix of new and “classic” NBC shows including Law & Order: SVU, as well as popular late night programming. The original plan was also for the company to include coverage of the Olympic Games to help push the new service, but the Games have been postponed to 2021 due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
However, people are looking for new programming to watch and new ways to consume it. While cable still remains a popular option, there’s no doubt that streaming services are surging. Many consumers are opting to “cut the cord” entirely, going only with streaming content, while others are waiting for more of their favorite networks to open their own streaming service.
The hook, though, has always been new programming. Netflix was doing well as a mail-order movie service, but the company really exploded with its popular original streaming content. Amazon Prime and Hulu have both banked on their original content to supplement their re-run streams. Even Disney+, which kicked open the proverbial vault when it launched its service, grabbed hold of many subscribers thanks to The Mandalorian.
So, what kind of new streaming content will NBC’s Peacock have to offer when it debuts this summer? Tough to say. Apparently, many of the shows are not yet ready to air, and current production schedules are uncertain at best given the circumstances with the pandemic. At this time, Peacock’s spokespeople are saying they expect to have “dozens” of shows ready for 2021… but will that be enough for people to make the jump this year?
Maybe, if they consider moving up the date. Right now, millions upon millions of TV streamers are at home, literally asking friends on social media for a “new series” to stream. They’re out of content, and they’re actively searching for something new. So, if the company could take advantage of that timing, they may have a better chance, and there are some murmurs that they might be considering exactly that.
But that’s not the only onboarding strategy the network has. Unlike the competition, Peacock is offering a free, ad-supported starting tier. According to reports, consumers would need to step up to the next tier, $5 per month, to get the original series, and to the $10 per month tier for an ad-free experience.
