It was obvious to subscribers that all was not well with streaming service Peacock on Sky and NOW. But Sky denied the service was being run down. It’s now closing.
- Peacock closes on 9th January 2024
- Its content scattered across various services in the UK and Ireland.
Peacock was launched in the UK and Ireland to a blaze of publicity two years ago, promising to become a major destination of popular entertainment content. A year later, the number of shows on Peacock were dramatically cut, with just a handful surviving into 2023.
Importantly, Peacock never developed into a fully fledged standalone app, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer or ITVX.
Back in January, we reported on the demise of Peacock’s programme library, not just in the UK and Ireland, but also across Germany and Italy. Sky were quick to react.
RXTV and other websites in Europe who had covered the development received similar feedback from their local Sky media teams. We were told Peacock’s content would “continue to evolve with titles coming on and off as we curate what we know our customers love.” Germany’s DWDL was told “Sky is constantly focusing on the wishes of its customers and is continually adapting its content portfolio”.
Constant confusion
The mere talk of Peacock being available on Sky and NOW has been a source of constant confusion.
Numerous users have asked where a programme or live sport event publicised as being available on Peacock is on Sky and NOW, not appreciating that the version available here was always only a slimmed down version of the US service.
Many shows originally promised to come to Peacock are now available in other places. Reality shows including Below Deck have found a home on NBCUniversal’s Hayu. Comedy series like NBC’s Superstore currently have a home on ITVX, which has a content deal with NBCU. And Sky’s own linear and on-demand services contain many shows that are on Peacock in the US. And of course, Premier League coverage which is shown on Peacock USA is found on Sky Sports in the UK.
Peacock’s demise was originally communicated on Sky’s customer service pages. Sky’s press office was approached for comment.
Marc Thornham