Peacock TV is a popular streaming service from NBCUniversal that offers thousands of hours of on-demand movies, shows, news, sports, and more. It features content from NBC, Bravo, USA Network, SYFY, Oxygen, E!, CNBC, MSNBC, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Universal Kids, A&E, and popular movies from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, Illumination and content acquired from outside partners.
While Peacock TV is an internet-based streaming service, many subscribers wonder if they can access it through their DirecTV satellite service as a cable-like channel. Unfortunately, Peacock TV is not available as a dedicated channel on DirecTV’s channel lineup. However, DirecTV subscribers can still stream Peacock using the DIRECTV app or website.
Accessing Peacock TV on DirecTV provides cable subscribers certain advantages, like bundling discounts when adding a premium subscription. It also allows viewing Peacock’s library of shows and movies through the DirecTV interface for a seamless watching experience.
Understanding Peacock TV’s Availability on DirecTV
Peacock TV is not a traditional television channel that is included with DirecTV’s channel packages. Rather, it is an internet-based streaming service that is accessed through an app or website.
There are two ways for DirecTV subscribers to access Peacock TV:
- Add Peacock Premium as an add-on bundle through DirecTV’s website or on-screen menus
- Access and stream Peacock content through the DIRECTV app
Peacock Premium Add-on Bundle
The easiest way for DirecTV satellite subscribers to access Peacock is by adding it as a premium channel add-on. This provides access to Peacock Premium for $4.99 per month, which unlocks all of Peacock’s movies, shows, news, sports, and more without any ads.
Here are step-by-step instructions for adding Peacock Premium to your DirecTV account:
- Login to your DirecTV account online or through your set-top box
- Navigate to the premium channels section
- Select the option to “Subscribe” to Peacock Premium
- Enter your payment information
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Wait for DirecTV to activate your Peacock Premium subscription, which may take up to 15 minutes
Once activated, you can stream Peacock by logging in with your DirecTV credentials through the Peacock website or mobile apps on supported devices.
Access through DIRECTV App
DirecTV subscribers can also access Peacock TV through the DIRECTV app. However, this still requires a paid Peacock account subscription outside of DirecTV.
The benefit of using the DIRECTV app is that you can browse, search, and stream Peacock content directly within the DIRECTV interface. This allows easy access to Peacock movies, shows, news, and more without having to switch between apps.
Here is how to watch Peacock TV through the DIRECTV app:
- Download and login to the latest version of the DIRECTV app
- Browse to the app’s “Networks” section
- Select the Peacock TV icon/thumbnail
- Login with your existing paid Peacock account credentials
- Stream Peacock content directly within the DIRECTV app interface
One thing to note is that access and features within the DIRECTV app can vary depending on your DIRECTV package and equipment. So certain limitations may apply.
Peacock Subscription Options with DirecTV
Peacock TV offers different subscription tiers, including limited content on Peacock Free and full, unlimited access for $4.99/month with Peacock Premium.
The Peacock Premium add-on bundle available through DirecTV provides the exact same Peacock Premium subscription you’d get by signing up directly through PeacockTV.com. So you’ll get full access to Peacock’s entire catalog of shows, movies, news, live sports, skit-style clips, classic series, and more.
Here’s an overview of what’s included with Peacock’s subscription options:
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $4.99/month through DirecTV |
| Ads | Yes | No ads |
| Number of devices | 3 | 5 |
| Mobile downloads | No | Yes |
| 4K HDR/Dolby Vision | No | Select titles |
| Early access | No | Select NBC series like Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D. the day after air |
| Peacock originals | Select titles | Yes |
| Movies | Select titles | Yes |
| Classic series | Select titles | Yes |
| Kids | Yes | More kids content |
| News & sports | Select clips & highlights | Yes |
An advantage of subscribing to Peacock Premium through your DirecTV account is that you can bundle the cost with one DirecTV bill. And as a DirecTV customer, you may be eligible for special discounted pricing on certain premium add-ons like Peacock Premium.
So be sure to check with DirecTV’s latest promotions if you’re interested in getting any add-on premium channels or streaming services at a lower regular rate.
How to Stream Peacock TV on DirecTV
Accessing Peacock TV through DirecTV depends on whether you have traditional DirecTV satellite service (with a dish and set top box) or the newer DirecTV Stream (over-the-top streaming without satellite).
Here are the steps for streaming Peacock based on your DirecTV service:
For DirecTV Satellite Users
If you have standard DirecTV satellite service, you’ll first need to add Peacock Premium through your DirecTV account as a premium add-on.
Once added and activated, you can stream Peacock TV through:
- The Peacock TV website
- Peacock mobile apps on iOS and Android
- Peacock channel/app on select smart TVs like LG, Vizio, and Samsung (TV must be connected to the internet)
For full instructions, use these steps:
- Add Peacock Premium as a bundle through your DirecTV satellite service
- On your TV, go to Menu > Manage > Add-Ons > Premium Channels > Peacock
- Select Peacock Premium
- Enter your DirecTV login credentials if prompted
- Follow the payment prompts to complete your order
- On your computer, tablet, phone, or connected smart TV, visit PeacockTV.com or open the Peacock app
- Select “Sign In” and choose “Sign in with TV Provider”
- Enter your DirecTV account credentials when prompted
- Start streaming movies, shows, news, and more!
If you have issues signing in through your TV provider, contact DirecTV Support to confirm your Peacock Premium subscription is properly activated.
For DirecTV Stream Users
DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) is DirecTV’s streaming TV service delivered over an internet connection. It offers live channels and on-demand without a satellite dish.
Accessing Peacock TV on DirecTV Stream follows a similar process, but no need to add a premium bundle since it utilizes standalone Peacock accounts.
Follow these steps:
- Make sure you have an active and paid Peacock account using your preferred subscription tier
- On your DirecTV Stream device, use the remote or menu to search for the Peacock app
- Select the Peacock icon to open the app’s listing
- Choose “Add to my apps” to add Peacock to your DirecTV Stream apps
- Open the newly added Peacock app and select “Sign in with TV Provider”
- Enter your DirecTV Stream credentials when prompted
- Start watching Peacock movies, shows, news, and more!
The benefit of accessing Peacock via DirecTV Stream is that you can browse, search, and play Peacock content directly within the DirecTV interface for seamless viewing.
And remember, you can stream Peacock anywhere on phones, tablets, computers, and supported smart TVs by signing in with the same DirecTV Stream credentials.
Comparing Peacock TV on DirecTV vs Directly
While Peacock content may be accessed directly through PeacockTV.com and apps, going through your DirecTV service offers certain advantages:
Convenience
- Easily add premium subscription to DirecTV bill
- Single credentials for access on all devices
- Streamlined viewing through DIRECTV app
Cost
- Potential bundle discounts as DirecTV customer
- Cheaper premium subscription when added to DirecTV
Features
- Same full Peacock Premium library
- Enhanced recommendations based on DirecTV viewing data
- Limitations based on DirecTV equipment
However, there are a few drawbacks to accessing Peacock via DirecTV compared to standalone accounts:
Control
- Account and billing managed through DirecTV
- Must cancel premium add-on through DirecTV
Technical Issues
- Reliant on DirecTV connection and equipment
- Troubleshooting requires coordinating with DirecTV Support
So weigh the pros and cons when deciding whether to add Peacock Premium through your DirecTV account or subscribe directly on your own.
Additional Information and FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about accessing Peacock TV through DirecTV:
What devices support Peacock TV on DirecTV?
You can enjoy Peacock video on most popular streaming devices that support the Peacock app, like:
- iOS and Android mobile devices
- Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD
- Google Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices
- Roku streaming players
- PlayStation 4s and PlayStation 5
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
- Select LG, Vizio, and Samsung smart TVs
You can also stream Peacock video through supported DIRECTV set-top boxes and the DIRECTV app. Available features and compatibility varies across device models.
What internet speed do I need?
Peacock recommends an internet download speed of at least 3 Mbps for standard definition quality, 8 Mbps for high def, and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. Faster speeds are needed for multiple streams.
Can I get Peacock for free with DirecTV?
While Peacock offers a free, ad-supported tier, this limited version is not currently available as a free add-on through DirecTV. You need an active paid Peacock account.
However, the $4.99 per month Peacock Premium add-on available through DirecTV provides full, unlimited access with ads. This discounted by $5 per month compared to paying for Peacock Premium directly.
What should I do if I have playback issues?
If you experience intermittent buffering, pixelation, or other playback issues try restarting your devices/modem, connecting devices via Ethernet if possible, closing other programs, and making sure your DIRECTV receivers are up to date.
If problems persist, contact DirecTV Support for troubleshooting tips based on your specific setup.
Conclusion
While Peacock TV does not have a dedicated channel on DirecTV’s lineup, satellite and stream subscribers can still conveniently access all of Peacock’s movies, shows, news, and more on supported devices.
By adding Peacock Premium as a bundle or accessing it through the DIRECTV app, DirecTV users can enjoy thousands of hours of NBCUniversal programming seamlessly alongside other cable content for a discounted rate.
So explore Peacock Premium’s extensive on-demand catalog today using the helpful access instructions outlined above based on your specific DirecTV satellite or streaming service.