NBCUniversal Sets Landmark Pact With YouTube, Bundling Peacock With Its Premium Tier

In a significant boost to NBCUniversal‘s streaming fortunes, the media giant has set an agreement with YouTube to bundle Peacock at no extra charge for subscribers of YouTube Premium.

Along with the YouTube arrangement, the companies agreed to extend NBCU’s distribution deal with YouTube TV, which was renewed in 2025.

Peacock remains U.S.-only but the portion of YouTube Premium’s 125 million-plus subscriber base outside of the U.S. will be able to access NBCU streamers Universal+ and Hayu in select markets. SkyShowtime, a joint venture between NBCU and Paramount covering central and eastern Europe, is not affected by the YouTube deal.

The agreement, which takes effect in early 2027, comes on the heels of NBCU parent Comcast confirming that Peacock has finally turned a profit six years into its existence. After reporting that feat and Peacock’s growth to 48 million subscribers in their second-quarter earnings release, Comcast Co-CEOs Brian Roberts and Mike Cavanagh both said they are exploring a range of potential partnerships for NBCU. The media company is going to be spun off from Comcast’s cable and broadband operations next year.

YouTube Premium, which raised its prices earlier this year, now costs $15.99 a month in the U.S. for its most popular plan. Subscribers can watch videos ad-free videos, play them in the background play and download them.

Peacock programming will be accessed through YouTube Premium, the companies said.

In an interview with Deadline, NBCU Media Group Chairman Matt Strauss said Roberts reached out to YouTube CEO more than nine months ago to initiate talks.

“Audiences in 2026 don’t think in terms of platform,” Strauss said. “They think in terms of moments.”

Peacock is coming off a number of big moments, including big news seasons of reality hits Love Island USA and The Traitors, as well as the NBA and Telemundo Spanish-language coverage of the World Cup. While it was viewed as a laggard since its launch as a service focused on ads and live events at a time when streaming was about ad-free binge viewing, the wind has shifted more in its direction of late.

“This partnership brings NBCUniversal’s world-class content and iconic franchises to YouTube’s unmatched scale and global platforms,” Cavanagh said in a statement. “We’re excited to deepen our relationship with YouTube through a collaboration that reflects our strategy of partnering with industry leaders to drive sustained growth for NBCUniversal.”

Mohan said the expanded partnership will “redefine what a modern entertainment subscription can be for consumers.” The partnership “makes it easier than ever for our members to find and watch all the premium content they love, all in one place.”