NBCUniversal has given a somewhat questionable name to its upcoming streaming video service: Peacock.
It will face tough competition from Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV+, but will be able to offer classics like The Office and Parks and Recreation, as well as a second reboot of Battlestar Galactica.
“The name Peacock pays homage to the quality content that audiences have come to expect from NBCUniversal,” said Bonnie Hammer, Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Enterprises. NBC has used this colorful bird as its logo for many decades. It’s unfortunate that the name lends itself to jokes involving the male anatomy.
New series from Peacock
Sam Esmail, best known for Mr. Robot, will head up a second reboot of the classic military sci-fi show Battlestar Galactica. That’s surprising, as the last version just finished up in 2010.
Photo: NBCUniversal
Speaking of reboots, there’s a new version of Saved By the Bell. And Soleil Moon Frye will star as a grown-up Punky Brewster.
Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater are starring in a show for Peacock based on the true-crime podcast Dr. Death. And there’s one based on the dystopian novel Brave New World.
Of course, there’ll be classic programs like Cheers, King Of Queens, Will & Grace, Everyone Loves Raymond and many more. In addition, Peacock will have movies from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation.
“Peacock will be the go-to place for both the timely and timeless,” promised Hammer.
Peacock debuts in 2020
NBCUniversal has been slowly releasing the details of its streaming service for months. It will debut in April of next year, in time to play a big part of covering the 2020 Olympics next summer.
Peacock will be both advertising and subscription supported. Details on pricing will be announced some time closer to launch.
Source: NBC
