NBCUniversal revealed that their streaming site will be called Peacock and dropped a list of the extensive programming, including a BSG reboot.
Before today, the biggest announcement about NBC’s new streaming site was about how it would be taking back the streaming rights from Netflix for The Office. Other than that, we knew very little about NBC’s bid to join the streaming wars.
However, NBCUniversal has more than made up for their overall dearth of information by dropping a major announcement about their streaming ambitions, including revealing the name of their streaming service.
NBCUniversal’s Peacock — yes, that’s the official name — unveiled the list of its programming today and it’s quite a doozy.
Fans of sci-fi and great television everywhere were shocked to see that front and center on Peacock’s docket will be a reboot of Battlestar Galactica, the beloved 2003 show from SyFy (back when it was the Sci Fi channel) — which was already a reboot of the 1978 version from ABC.
Battlestar Galactica ran from 2003 to 2009, with 4 seasons, 2 movies and incomparable performances from Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell. It’s frequently listed on many critics’ lists of best television series and has a dedicated fanbase, so a third reboot to the series is a strange choice for the streaming service — even if this reboot will have Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail executive producing.
In addition to a Battlestar Galactica reboot, Peacock will also play host to a Saved by the Bell revival — with original cast members Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley reprising their roles and serving as producers — as well as a Punky Brewster sequel series starring Soleil Moon Frye.
In addition to its revivals and reboots, Peacock will also be the streaming home to the series adaptation of the Aldous Huxley novel Brave New World, which was originally slated to premiere on NBCUniversal cable channel USA Network. The film Psych 2: Lassie Come Home, likewise which was initially slated to premiere on the USA Network, will also debut on Peacock instead.
The previously announced Dr. Death — based on the podcast of the same name and starring Jamie Dornan, Alec Baldwin, and Christian Slater — will also be housed at Peacock, along with the Emmy Rossum starring series Angelyne
Other originals coming to Peacock will be Rutherford Falls, co-created by comedy mastermind Mike Schur and starring Ed Helms; Straight Talk, starring Jada Pinkett Smith; and the late-night series The Amber Ruffin Show.
Finally, in addition to being the previously announced streaming home of The Office, Peacock will also be the streaming home for many fan favorites, including 30 Rock, Cheers, Friday Night Lights, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Superstore and Downton Abbey, among others.
Peacock is also uniquely positioned to offer the U.S. Hispanic audience premium programming from the #1 Spanish-language network, Telemundo. The platform will feature more than 3,000 hours of Telemundo’s content, including an original dramedy Armas de Mujer, a new hit series from the makers of La Reina del Sur, and popular library titles 100 Dias Para Volver, Betty in NY, El Barón and Preso No. 1.
Check out the official announcement for more details.
Peacock will launch April 2020 and be both advertising and subscription supported.