The Best Shows on Peacock Right Now (October 2020)
NBCUniversal's Peacock is a streaming platform that rivals Netflix, Hulu, and the growing list of prominent services keen to capitalize on the booming streaming industry. The service includes classic TV series and films, originals and live content of all genres, including sporting events, talk shows, reality TV and more.
What are the best shows on Peacock right now? Here's a selection of what to watch right now, including some of the latest originals as you wait for the onslaught of reboots and revivals NBCUniversal has planned for the coming year.
Can't find anything you like on Peacock? Fortunately, we've also put together guides on the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, and the best shows on Amazon Prime.
Mr. Mercedes
This highly rated crime drama is based on the Stephen King novel trilogy and the character of Bill Hodges. (The character of Holly Gibney from the same books inspired the HBO miniseries The Outsider.) Hodges, a retired detective, remains haunted by the one case he has never been able to solve: a serial killer named Mr. Mercedes murdered 16 people after he Had driven a stolen car (a Mercedes, of course) through a line at a local job fair. While Hodges is tormented by this unsolved case, he is also further tortured by a young and extremely clever psychopath named Brady Hartsfield. Then the game of cat and mouse begins. A fourth season has not yet been confirmed since the Audience network that aired the show was discontinued. But the series wasn't officially canceled either.
Created by: David E. Kelley (based on Stephen King's novel trilogy)
Occupation: Brendan Gleeson, Harry Treadway, Kelly Lynch, Jharrel Jerome, Scott Lawrence, Robert Stanton, Breeda Wool, Justine Lupe, Mary-Louise Parker, Holland Taylor, Jack Huston, Maximiliano Hernandez, Tessa Ferrer, Rarmian Newton, Gabriel Ebert
Number of seasons: 3
Streaming October 15th
Beautiful new world
This dystopian science fiction drama is a Peacock original and the latest in a series of television and film interpretations of the 1932 Aldous Huxley novel. In the future, a supposedly utopian society will have everything from monogamy to privacy, money, family and history. But a violent uprising has begun and threatens the apparently harmonious lifestyle. The show stars Alden Ehrenreich as John the Savage and Jessica Brown Findlay as Lenina Crowne, and Demi Moore also appears in a recurring role. Early reviews are polarizing, and while some early critics aren't exactly in love with the plot, the aesthetics and production value have been hailed as "beautiful" and "expensive".
Created by: David Wiener
Occupation: Jessica Brown Findlay, Harry Lloyd, Alden Ehrenreich, Hannah John-Kamen and Joseph Morgan
Number of seasons: 1
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The recording
This British crime drama, originally broadcast on BBC One in 2019, is set in what is now London, where Detective Inspector Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) has arrested a British Special Forces corporal named Shaun (Callum Turner) on charges of kidnapping and murder. Although CCTV footage mysteriously makes it impossible to deny the charges against him, he is mysteriously firmly convinced that it is all a conspiracy and he did not. Somewhere in the middle of the drama lies the truth. There are only six episodes in the first season of this series that are credited with "reviving … a tired genre".
Created by: Ben Chanan
Occupation: Holliday Grainger, Callum Turner, Ben Miles, Laura Haddock, Barry Ward and Ralph Ineson
Number of seasons: 1
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Universal 1440 Entertainment / Peacock
Curious George
The nosy and mischievous little monkey has been a child since 1941, and now the character will reappear on screen for more antics. The newer season, which debuted at Family Jr. in Canada in 2018, is aimed at preschoolers with an increased emphasis on education. While George is still his playful, fun, and problematic primate self, the series integrates concepts of STEM learning to teach valuable skills and knowledge to children at a young age. As one would expect from this cheeky monkey, it will make children giggle from the heart, too.
Created by: Margret Rey, H.A. Rey, Alan J. Shalleck (Books), Joe Fallon (Series)
Occupation: Frank Welker, Jeff Bennett (told by William H. Macy, Rina Romano)
Number of seasons: 13
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DreamWorks Animation / Peacock
Cleopatra in space
This first animated series will be the first DreamWorks animated series to be streamed in a location other than Netflix or Amazon Video upon launch. It is based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Mike Maihack. Aimed at children ages 7-11, it tells the story of Cleopatra through her teenage years as she grapples with the difficulties and problems of high school. Cleopatra travels back in time visiting an Egyptian-themed planet ruled by talking cats. Then she enrolls in a special school to train on how to beat bad guys and eventually finds her way back home.
Created by: Mike Maihack (Graphic Novels)
Occupation: Lilimar Hernandez, Katie Crown, Jorge Diaz and Sendhil Ramamurthy
Number of seasons: 1
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Lost speedways
Immerse yourself in the world of racing as legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Matthew Dilner guide you through the great racing cathedrals of the past. The two talk about speedways that have been abandoned and overtaken by nature and greet different racing legends as guests in each episode. Earnhardt Jr. is also the creator of the series that will undoubtedly be a hit among NASCAR fans.
Created by: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
occupation: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matthew Dillner
Number of seasons: 1
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30 skirt
Experience all seven fun seasons of this sitcom, created by Tina Fey, in which the funny woman stars together with Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski and Tracy Morgan. The series is loosely based on Fey's real-world experience as a headwriter on Saturday Night Live. It pulls the curtain back on a behind-the-scenes fictional live sketch comedy show called 30 Rock while making fun of the insides and unique personalities associated with such a fast-paced, whimsical show. The series has garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout its run and is frequently featured on top sitcom lists.
Created by: Tina Fey
Occupation: Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedländer, Alec Baldwin, Katrina Bowden, Keith Powell, Lonny Ross, Kevin Brown, Grizz Chapman, Maulik Pancholy, John Lutz
Number of seasons: 7
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Parenting
Loosely based on the 1989 Ron Howard film and the concept's second TV adaptation of the concept, this comedy-drama aired for six seasons from 2010 to 2015. It followed the lives of three generations of the Braverman family, including the Patriarch, the Matriarch and their four children and their respective families. This was essentially the early 10's version of This Is Us.
Created by: Jason Katims (based on the Ron Howard movie)
Occupation: Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen, Sam Jaeger, Savanne Paige Rae, Sarah Ramos, Max Burkholder, Joy Bryant, Miles Heizer, Mae Whitman, Bonnie Bedelia, Craig T. Nelson, Tyree Brown, Xolo Mariduena
Number of seasons: 6th
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Friday night lights
Aired for five seasons from 2006 to 2011, and inspired by the 1990 HG Bissinger nonfiction book and 2004 film adaptation, this Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton sports drama has won praise for its realistic portrayal of football culture and small-town Central America . It was popular with critics and viewers alike, who called it everything from the heart and raw to fresh and exciting.
Created by: Peter Berg
occupation: Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Zach Gilford, Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki, Taylor Kitsch, Jesse Plemons, Scott Porter, Aimee Teegarden, Michael B. Jordan, Jurnee Smollett, Matt Lauria, Madison Burge, Gray Damon
Number of seasons: 5
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Saturday night live
If you've been looking for your favorite sketches and sketches from previous episodes of this long-running sketch comedy series, be it from the time of Gilda Radner, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, or Adam Sandler, you can see through every single one of The Service. Peacock offers episodes from all 45 seasons of the show so you can easily find and watch your favorite segments again and again. More cowbell?
Created by: Lorne Michaels
Occupation: Various
Number of seasons: 45
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cheers
Cheers is widely considered to be one of the best sitcoms ever to be shown on television. With the new streaming service, you can relive this classic from the 80s and 90s and every eleven seasons. Each episode took place in the bar, where everyone knows your name and kept track of the interactions of those who worked at the bar and those who patronized them. This series went down in the history books, and while some references are seriously out of date, the stories and relationships between characters are timeless.
Created by: Glen Charles, Les Charles and James Burrows
Occupation: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Bebe Neuwirth
Number of seasons: 11
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John P. Fleenor / NBC
Brooklyn nine-nine
Just a day after Fox suddenly decided to cancel this sitcom after five seasons, NBC turned the single-camera comedy on for a sixth season. At the end of 2019, the show was extended for the eighth season. The show features former Saturday Night Live cast member Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta, an immature NYPD detective in the fictional 99th District who comes across the head with his new and very serious captain. But it's the entire talented cast and clever writing that make this series a valuable addition to your watchlist.
Created by: Dan Goor, Michael Schur
Occupation: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti, Andre Braugher, Dirk Blocker and Joel McKinnon Miller
Number of seasons: 7
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Battlestar Galactica
This 2002 military science fiction series was a reinterpretation of the 1978 series of the same name, about people living in a distant star system who are at war with an android race called Cylons – who ironically created them. After a massive attack, thanks to civilian ships, only 50,000 billion humans survive and must now try to flee to a colony called Earth. It aired for four seasons back in 2004, and Peacock is also poised to offer a reboot of that series, directed by Mr. Robot's Sam Esmail, which explores the modern climate.
Created by: Ronald D. Moore (based on the 1978 series by Glen A. Larson)
Occupation: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, Michael Hogan, Aaron Douglas, Tahmoh Penikett, Paul Campbell, Nicki Clyne, Michael Trucco, Alessandro Juliani, Kandyse McClure
Number of seasons: 4th
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Downton Abbey
Experience this British historical drama in its entirety, including all six seasons (not a word in the film). Set on the fictional Yorkshire estate at the beginning of the 20th century and first broadcast in the US on PBS, the series followed the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The series, while fictional, deals with real-life events and their impact on the British social hierarchy, from the sinking of the Titanic to the Spanish influenza pandemic. The series was well received and acclaimed, and earned tons of Emmy nominations and wins.
Created by: Julian Fellowes
occupation: Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Maggie Smith, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Siobhan Finneran, Joanne Froggatt, Phyllis Logan, Thomas Howes, Rob James-Collier, Rose Leslie, Elizabeth McGovern and others
Number of seasons: 6th
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Parks and recreation
Park and Recreation is one of those fun series that if you haven't seen it before you should – and those who've seen it could be a game to watch again. According to the story of staff at the parks department of a fictional town called Pawnee, Indiana, the show aired for seven seasons. At the heart of the plot was the small town politics and bureaucracy that made it so difficult to get things done, even though fans were able to get emotionally invested in each character.
Created by: Greg Daniels, Michael Schur
Occupation: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Paul Schneider, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O & # 39; Heir, Retta, Billy Eichner
Number of seasons: 7th
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Frasier
The melody Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs sung by Kelsey Grammer is instantly recognizable as the subject of this series, one of the most successful spin-offs ever shown on the small screen. Born of Cheers, Frasier delved into the story of one of the bar's regulars: Frasier Crane (Grammer), a successful psychiatrist and host of a radio advisory show. In addition to Frasier, the series introduced a number of memorable characters, including his older father Martin (John Mahoney); Martin's supervisor Daphne (Jane Leeves); Frasier's conservative and firm brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce); and Frasier's producer Roz (Peri Gilpin). It runs for eleven seasons and is not just one of the most successful spin-offs in television history. It is also widely considered to be one of the best sitcoms of all time.
Created by: David Angell, Peter Casey and David Lee
Occupation: Kely Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin and John Mahoney
Number of seasons: 11
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Photo by ABC Photo Archives / ABC via Getty Images
The Carol Burnett Show
Burnett is a pioneer in the world of variety and sketch comedy and one of the greatest comedic talents of recent generations. Relive their original CBS series, which aired for eleven seasons in the 1970s and won 25 Primetime Emmy Awards. It's often found on aggregated lists of the best television series of all time. The show, which featured other big names in comedy, paved the way for others to create memorable parodies and skits that can make viewers laugh. The best included As the Stomach Turns (a parody of the soap opera As The World Turns) and Kitchen Commercials.
Created by: Carol Burnett
Occupation: Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Wagoner, Tim Conway and Dick Van Dyke
Number of seasons: 11
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Today's show with Johnny Carson
While The Tonight Show continues its success as the most popular late night talk show, there's nothing like Johnny Carson's version of the series, which he hosted for 30 years from 1962 to 1992. Rake back in time by watching his interviews with celebrities of all kinds, marveling at his always-quick wit and impeccable comedic timing. Recall how some of the biggest names in comedy played sets on the show when they were still up and coming. And enjoy Carson's casual conversation and entertainment segments that talk show hosts try to recreate late into the night.
Created by: Steve Allen, William O. Harbach, Dwight Hemion, Sylvester L. Weaver, Jr.
occupation: Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon
Number of seasons: 30th
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Suits
The series revolves around a group of wealthy, arrogant, and successful corporate lawyers in New York who run a law firm and win cases by doing whatever it takes to keep their clients happy. When you come across a brilliant young aspiring attorney named Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), the firm's top attorney, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), hires him immediately. Aside from the fact that there is one small but significant problem, Mike never graduated from Harvard and has neither a degree nor a license to practice law. While the series initially focuses on Mike and Harvey becoming the perfect team while trying to hide the truth, it evolves into a lot more over the nine seasons. Keep an eye out for Duchess Meghan Markle, who starred for the first eight seasons.
Created by: Aaron Korsh
Occupation: Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Rick Hoffman, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, Amanda Schull, Dule Hill, Katherine Heigl
Number of seasons: 9
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House
One of the first, if not the first, medical drama to revolve around an eccentric doctor, the concept has been implemented in many ways since House graced our television screens in 2004. Still, no one has quite made it, Dr. Gregory surpasses House (Hugh Laurie), a sullen but brilliant doctor who cannot stand the typical conventions of his job. Not to mention he's addicted to pain medication, which gives him a slight edge. Despite his quirks, Dr. House always figuring out what's going on with the most mysterious and puzzling diseases, often at just the right time. While the episodes get weird, and can be repetitive and formulaic over the eight seasons, the wonderful appearances by Laurie and other supporting cast members make the entire journey totally entertaining.
Created by: David Shore
Occupation: Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Morrison, Jesse Spencer, Peter Jacobson, Kal Penn, Olivia Wilde, Amber Tamblyn, Odette Annable, Charlyne Yi
Number of seasons: 8th
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monk
Before Tony Shalhoub starred as Midge Maisel's quirky father in the Amazon Prime video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, he played another quirky character in this comedy-drama. While technically a police investigation, the series also takes on a comedic tone at times. Adrian Monk (Shalhoub) is a private investigator who suffers a nervous breakdown following the suspicious death of his wife, which also causes his symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to worsen. But he manages to work as a private detective again, solving every case that comes across his desk. The series won eight Emmy Awards and broke viewer records.
Created by: Andy Breckman
Occupation: Tony Shalhoub, Bitty Schram, Jason Gray-Stanford, Ted Levine, and Traylor Howard
Number of seasons: 8th
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Two and a half men
When Charlie Sheen left this popular hit comedy show, fans thought all was lost. However, Ashton Kutcher took on Sheen's role to continue the long-running series after the first eight seasons captivated audiences. Sheen played Charlie Harper, a female bachelor who lives in a beach house and makes money writing jingles for commercials.
His life was troubled, however, when his divorced younger brother Alan (Jon Cryer) unexpectedly showed up with 10-year-old son Jake (Angus T. Jones) looking for a crash. And he never left. The chemistry between the three main characters was second to none, and while the plot to integrate Kutcher's character was strange, the series continued to take hold for four more seasons.
Created by: Chuck Lorre, Lee Aronsohn
Occupation: Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Marin Hinkle, Melanie Lynskey, Holland Taylor, Conchata Ferrell, Jennifer Taylor, April Bowlby, Ashton Kutcher, Amber Tamblyn, Edan Alexander
Number of seasons: 12
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Top chef
This long-standing reality competition series by Bravo has been putting chefs against one another in intensive cooking competitions since the early 00s. A constantly changing jury of prominent judges and well-known chefs tries out their culinary masterpieces, gives feedback week after week and ultimately crowns a winner. In addition to this original series, check out one of the many spin-offs: Top Chef Masters.
Created by: Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz (executive producers)
Occupation: Katie Lee, Padma Lahshmi (hosts), various judges, various candidates
Number of seasons: 17
Watch Peacock Top Chef Masters
Trae Patton / NBC
A. P. Bio
While NBC canceled that series after two seasons, Peacock took it on for a third. It's also a good thing as the series actually got very good reviews and was praised for its "real laugh". Jack Carson Griffin lost his dream job and, what makes matters worse, it was for his arch rival of all people. He has no choice but to pack up and leave Harvard to return to Ohio and work as an advanced biology teacher (talk about demoting!). He decides to use his honor students to go back to his main enemy.
Created by: Mike O’Brien
Occupation: Glenn Howerton, Lyric Lewis, Mary Son, Jean Villepique, Tom Bennett, Patton Oswalt and Paula Pell
Number of seasons: 2
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Joe Robbins / NBC
American ninja warrior
An exciting watch for the whole family, ridiculously fit athletes from all over America train year round to conquer some of the toughest, wildest, and most exhilarating obstacle courses that will test their strength, determination, focus and skill. Based on the Japanese TV series Sasuke, Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila offer exciting play-by-play games as competitors try to get through to the end quickly and without falling to move up to the next level. The ultimate goal? Defeat the last, brutally difficult course: Mount Midoriyama. With eleven seasons, only three people completed the course, two took home the million dollar prize for the fastest performance. Peacock will have access to the upcoming Season 12 starting September 8, 2020 the next day as fans look forward to seeing if anyone, including his returning favorites, will make it by the end of this year.
Created by: Based on Sasuke by Ushio Higuchi
Occupation: Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, various competitors
Number of seasons: 12
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Editor's recommendations