I’ve never considered subscribing to YouTube Premium. Even though I use YouTube every day, I’m satisfied with the ads and prefer Spotify for music streaming. As a result, YouTube Music feels unnecessary right now.
However, my perspective on YouTube Premium is shifting, especially with the upcoming addition of Peacock. Though I currently have a subscription to Peacock, the bundled offer with YouTube Premium is making me rethink my options.
Peacock is Coming to YouTube Premium Next Year
A Major Move by YouTube
Credit: NBCUniversal
Last month, YouTube and NBCUniversal announced a new partnership. From early 2027, Peacock Premium will be offered as part of a bundle for eligible YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S.
Most notably, the ad-supported Peacock Premium will come at no additional cost for eligible YouTube Premium subscribers. If you already have YouTube Premium when this agreement takes effect, you’ll gain immediate access to Peacock.
“This partnership allows NBCUniversal’s top-tier content and iconic franchises to reach YouTube’s expansive platform,” said Mike Cavanagh, Co-CEO of Comcast. “We’re eager to enhance our collaboration with YouTube, aligning with our strategy to partner with industry leaders for sustained growth at NBCUniversal.”
YouTube Premium is priced at $15.99 per month for individuals and $26.99 for families.
Previously, Peacock Premium Plus, which costs $16.99/month, could be accessed through YouTube Primetime Channels since June. By late 2026, Peacock Premium, normally $10.99/month, will also be available separately via YouTube Primetime Channels.
Peacock’s Underappreciated Library of Live Events, Movies, and Shows
Sports, Entertainment, and Christopher Nolan
As an American streaming service, Peacock does not boast the same global presence as Netflix or Prime Video, yet it has many valuable offerings that will soon become available to YouTube Premium subscribers.
Peacock has become a crucial platform for live sporting events, and that’s one of the key reasons I subscribe. NFL games, for instance, are among the most coveted assets. Sunday Night Football on NBC has held the number one spot in primetime for 15 consecutive years. This means that if you have YouTube Premium in 2027, you’ll be able to stream select NFL games on Peacock.
Additionally, Peacock has secured exclusive NBA games under a media rights agreement with NBCUniversal, lasting through the 2035-2036 season. Fans of basketball, like myself, will find this valuable.
Credit: Dan Girolamo/How-To Geek/Peacock
Other live sports available include Notre Dame football, Big Ten football, college basketball, the Premier League, the Kentucky Derby, and more. In 2028, with the Summer Olympics taking place in Los Angeles, expect NBC and Peacock to significantly ramp up their Olympic coverage.
While I do not watch all these sports, I do enjoy some and would appreciate the option of watching through Peacock. Moreover, NBCUniversal will also be adding select live sporting events to NBC Sports’ YouTube channel.
In terms of television shows, viewers can anticipate NBC’s timeless hits like The Office, Law & Order: SVU, and Saturday Night Live. Recently, Peacock has broadened its roster with acclaimed dramas such as All Her Fault and The Traitors.
Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal
For those eagerly awaiting The Odyssey, Peacock will enjoy an exclusive four-month streaming window for Universal movies. Other notable films available on Peacock include Obsession and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
As my love for The Odyssey grows, keeping my Peacock subscription seems necessary, especially when Nolan’s version eventually streams exclusively on Peacock.
I Have Peacock, But Do I Need YouTube Premium?
The Rapidly Evolving Streaming Landscape
Credit: Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek | DenPhotos / Shutterstock
Though I have yet to subscribe to YouTube Premium, my current consideration reflects how the streaming market is changing. As a sports enthusiast, I value my Peacock subscription for premium NBA and NFL games.
Being a proponent of streaming bundles, I believe purchasing individual subscriptions is outdated. Why pay full price for one service when I can opt for a discount bundle? I currently enjoy a Netflix-HBO Max bundle and a Hulu-Disney+ combo, and I have no desire to revert to buying services separately.
Now, I see YouTube Premium as a beneficial addition to my existing Peacock bundle. Even though I prioritize Peacock, it could be worthwhile to include YouTube Premium. While Spotify has been my main music streaming app, the ad-free experience on YouTube Music is enticing. Additionally, the ability to download videos for offline viewing would be advantageous, particularly when I’m on the go.
The Decision to Transition to YouTube Premium is Worth Considering
Fortunately, I have until 2027 before Peacock is integrated with YouTube Premium. Spending $15.99/month on YouTube Premium along with Peacock might be a reasonable investment. I also anticipate that this won’t be YouTube’s final significant move; the competition between YouTube and Netflix is just beginning.
