Netflix subscribers are still reeling from the news that the massively popular workplace sitcom The Office will be leaving the service in 2021. NBCUniversal will stream the series exclusively in the United States on its new, yet-unnamed streaming service, which launches in April of 2020. The Office‘s departure from Netflix and the announcement of NBC’s own streaming service have many people asking: What is NBCUniversal, and is it worth ditching Netflix for?
What is NBCUniversal?
NBCUniversal is a global media conglomerate specializing in television (NBC), film (Universal Pictures), and even amusement parks (Universal Parks & Resorts). Come next year, NBCUniversal will be one of the many networks challenging Netflix’s dominance in the streaming entertainment field with its new streaming service.
NBCUniversal announced its streaming service long after the likes of CBS and ESPN. As networks gradually launch their own streaming services and secure exclusive streaming rights to their flagship properties, more shows will leave Netflix for their respective parent companies. While some services, like ESPN+, offer a specific selection of content, NBCU has a litany of diverse series to beef up its streaming library.
Perhaps the most important thing to note about NBCUniversal’s streaming service—other than the great selection of content it will host—is that it will include ads. A press release from NBCUniversal called it an “ad-supported service” but said an ad-free subscription will be available for a monthly fee.
When does the NBCUniversal streaming service launch?
NBCU’s streaming service is set to launch in April of 2020.
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What does the NBCUniversal streaming service include?
NBCU boasts a number of spectacular programs. We already know The Office will find its new home on the streaming service in 2021, but NBCUniversal will stream plenty of other great content before that.
Between The Office, Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, NBC has some of the best binge-able comedies available. On top of those great picks, NBC also claims Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Seth Meyers. A selection of popular dramas, including This Is Us and Chicago Med, are also likely headed to the streaming service. There is also a good chance that some of the network’s more popular news segments—Meet The Press and Rachel Maddow included—will make their way to NBCUniversal’s streaming library.
How much will the NBCUniversal streaming service cost?
All of the previous information means nothing if a subscription to NBCUniversal’s streaming service is going to break the bank. There’s good news for paid television subscribers: The streaming service comes free with your monthly subscription to NBC, Comcast Cable, or Sky. Cord-cutters will also have the option to purchase a paid subscription to the new streaming service. The cost hasn’t been revealed, but based on comparable streaming subscriptions, it will probably cost around $12 a month. Considering the great selection of shows and movies headed to the service, the price may be worth it—especially if you can’t live without The Office.
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