There’s a new addition to the crowded streaming wars, and this latest platform is free. Well, sort of.
NBC’s Peacock TV launched July 15, giving families who are already stretched thin with their subscriptions to Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime and Hulu a less-expensive option. The ad-supported free tier includes 13,000 hours of programming, including tons of classics and family-friendly options for parents and children. (Peacock also has a premium tier.)
That’s the good news. The bad news? Peacock isn’t available yet on Roku or Fire TV. (I connected my laptop to my TV to make it work.)
Still, if you’re hungry for free family-friendly television, Peacock TV is a good option.
Here are 11 movies and shows you may want to consider:
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1. Downton Abbey (teens, adults)
All six seasons of drama and intrigue are free on Peacock TV. It’s a gripping series about aristocracy, the class system and history. I still miss it. A handful of the episodes have adult themes, but this popular PBS/ITV series largely stays within the family-friendly territory for teens. TV-PG.
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2. Johnny Carson (older children, teens, adults)
Long before Jimmy Fallon and James Corden, there was Johnny Carson. Carson hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, revolutionizing the late-night format alongside Ed McMahon and Doc Severinsen, and providing comedic commentary about daily events. Peacock TV includes more than 100 free episodes. TV-G.
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3. Leave it to Beaver (all ages)
Gosh, Wally, why would you watch this old show? Here’s why: It’s hilarious. Leave It to Beaver ran from 1957 to 1963 and followed the lives of Ward and June Cleaver and their two children: Wally and Theodore (the Beaver). The series has been lampooned over the years, but it remains more kid-friendly than 99 percent of television shows in 2020. All six seasons are free on Peacock. TV-G.
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4. Curious George (all ages)
A brand-new season about George the monkey and the Man in the Yellow Hat debuted in the U.S. when Peacock TV launched. All total, four seasons (and 50 episodes) are free on Peacock TV. In the new season, George goes spelunking, helps paint a fence, and visits a model train set. (And, of course, he accidentally causes mischief, too.) TVY.
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5. Where’s Waldo? (all ages)
Children learn about countries, cultures and problem solving in this 2019-2020 DreamWorks animated series based on the popular character. Season 2, with six episodes, is free on Peacock TV. (You must be a Premium subscriber to watch Season 1.) TVY.
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6. 3-2-1 Penguins (all ages)
Penguins Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin help two children (Jason and Michelle) solve real-world problems through the lens of Scripture. This 2006-2008 animated series was executive produced by VeggieTales co-creator Phil Vischer. TVY7.
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7. The Birds (teens, adults)
This 1963 classic Alfred Hitchcock film follows the story of a budding romance in Bodega Bay, Calif., that turns to horror when flocks of birds begin attacking people in the streets (and even down a chimney). It was nominated for one Oscar (Best Effects). Although filmed in black and white, The Birds is in color on Peacock. PG-13.
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8. Rear Window (teens, adults)
A wheelchair-bound man recuperating from an injury believes he has witnessed a murder in an adjacent apartment – and then sets out to prove it. Released in 1954, Rear Window stars James Stewart and was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It was nominated for four Oscars. PG.
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9. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (teens, adults)
Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense and subtlety, directed this dramatic television series in the 1950s and 60s, winning a Golden Globe and multiple Primetime Emmys. It was filmed in black and white – a fact that only adds to the suspense. Peacock includes more than 100 episodes for free.
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10. Dateline (teens, adults)
This reality program began as a newsmagazine show for NBC but quickly morphed into a real-life crime drama series. Peacock includes more than 50 free episodes – all about real-world crime mysteries. Host Keith Morrison’s deep, radio-worthy voice alone makes it worth watching. TV-PG.
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11. Unsolved Mysteries (teens, adults)
Host Robert Stack examines real-world mysteries of crime, history and the supernatural. The series ran from 1987 to 2010. Dennis Farina took over as host after Stack died in 2003. Peacock TV includes more than 200 free episodes.
(Visit PeacockTV.com)
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