NBCUniversal names streaming service 'Peacock,' to launch in 2020

In announcing its future, NBCUniversal gave a nod to its past.

The company on Tuesday (September 17) said the name of its new streaming service will be Peacock, an homage to the NBC network’s colorful logo, first introduced back in 1956.

Set to launch in April of 2020, Peacock will offer a mix of classic NBC fare, such as hit sitcoms “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” along with a broad slate of original content, including a show called “Dr. Death” with Alec Baldwin and an original talk show with Jimmy Fallon.

The service will compete in what is becoming a very crowded space.

Streaming giant Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu will soon be challenged by the upcoming Disney+, Apple’s TV service – dubbed Apple TV+ - and HBO Max.

And all are scrambling to secure marquee titles to attract online viewers.

HBO Max on Tuesday inked a deal securing exclusive 5-year streaming rights to “The Big Bang Theory,” a smash hit on CBS for 12 seasons and the top TV comedy for the past seven years.

And Netflix struck an exclusive five-year deal as the new home of “Seinfeld.”

Netflix has a big lead in the streaming wars with 150 million subscribers worldwide, but its subscriber growth in the U.S. dropped last quarter for the first time in the company’s history.

Details on distribution and pricing for Peacock will be announced by NBCUniveral closer to its launch.