NBC's streaming platform, Peacock, has created some of the best original series in the streaming landscape, contributing quality talent and storytelling to television's hall of fame. Launched in 2020, Peacock has swiftly established itself as a major contender in the competitive streaming market. The platform's diverse slate of original programming spans multiple genres, captivating viewers with its exceptional storytelling and remarkable performances from renowned actors. Whether it's the gritty realism of crime dramas, the witty humor of comedic gems, or the nostalgic charm of revived classics, Peacock has consistently delivered standout series that have garnered critical acclaim.

With Peacock currently streaming some of the best TV shows, the platform's unwavering commitment to nurturing creative talents and bringing innovative narratives to the screen has struck a chord with audiences craving fresh, thought-provoking content. From psychological thrillers keeping audiences on edge to heartwarming family dramedies, Peacock's original offerings showcase a remarkable range. The service's ability to curate a compelling lineup of must-watch shows has solidified its reputation as a hub for quality television and a force to be reckoned with in the streaming arena.

15 Laid (2024)

The Mix Of Dark And Offbeat Romantics Work Well

Laid - Poster

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Laid
Release Date
December 19, 2024

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

A woman discovers that her former lovers are dying under unusual circumstances. As she navigates her past relationships, she must confront her history in order to move forward, delving into a journey of self-reflection and resolution.

Seasons
1

Laid is actually a remake of an Australian comedy series of the same name with Peacock adapting its exciting premise with an Oscar nominee in the lead role. Everything Everywhere All At Once's Stephanie Hsu stars as a woman who has found herself unlucky when it comes to dating, only to encounter a new dilemma in her love life. She begins to see a trend of several of her exes suddenly dying and heads out to meet with the past men in her life to warn them of their impending doom.

The hilarious idea sets the stage for a wonderfully dark comedic misadventure. However, there are also some nice dramatic and romantic aspects to the story with Hsu's Ruby questioning if she will ever be able to have a relationship again without putting someone else in danger. Hsu balances the genre elements exceptionally well, elevating the whole series.

14 MacGruber (2021)

Will Forte's Absurdist Sense Of Humor Is Laugh-Out-Loud Funny

MacGruber (2010) Movie Poster
Created by
Will Forte, Jorma Taccone
First Episode Air Date
December 16, 2021
Cast
Will Forte, Billy Zane, Timothy V. Murphy
TV Show(s)
MacGruber (2021)
First Film
MacGruber
Latest Film
MacGruber

The MacGruber franchise, created by Will Forte and Jorma Taccone, is a parody of action films, particularly MacGyver, and follows the comedic misadventures of former Green Beret and eccentric hero MacGruber. Starting as an SNL sketch, it expanded with MacGruber (2010), a film that pits MacGruber against his arch-nemesis, and MacGruber (2021), a Peacock series sequel. The franchise is known for its irreverent humor, exaggerated action tropes, and cult following.

Despite the fact that it was a box office bomb that only received mixed reviews from critics, the movie MacGruber has become a cult hit over the years. One of the strangest Saturday Night Live skits to be turned into a movie, Will Forte created a hilarious and over-the-top parody of 80s action flicks with this destructive, self-centered, and unhinged hero at the center. More than a decade later, the character returns with MacGruber centering around the titular commando going up against a villain from his past.

MacGruber sees the return of Ryan Phillippee and Kristen Wiig along with some notable new cast , including Laurence Fishburne and Sam Elliott. However, the series is really Forte's time to shine as he delivers a hilarious performance as this character who the show seems bent on making as unlikable as possible. Yet Forte leans into the ridiculousness of it all to make for a riotous comedy unlike anything else on Peacock.

13 Twisted Metal (2023-)

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Twisted Metal
Release Date
July 27, 2023
Network
Peacock
Directors
Bill Benz, Philip Sgriccia, Jude Weng, Iain B. MacDonald, Bertie

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Twisted Metal is an action-adventure film released in 2023, following a talkative amnesiac tasked with delivering a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Aided by an axe-wielding car thief, he confronts marauders, hostile environments, and a sinister clown driving an ice cream truck.

Creator(s)
Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Michael Jonathan Smith
Seasons
2

With Fallout and The Last of Us finding plenty of success on the small screen, this seems to be the era of television adaptations of video games. Twisted Metal is a beloved game that also proved to be a pretty fun television show by wisely not taking itself too seriously. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where society travels across a wasteland, avoiding the endless danger lurking out there. Anthony Mackie stars as John Doe, a milkman transporting a mysterious package while being hunted by vicious marauders.

The series excels at being a sillier version of the Mad Max movies, with its tone working perfectly with the over-the-top nature of the action. The cast is also a lot of fun with Mackie as the everyman hero ed by the likes of Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, and Will Arnett.

12 Ted (2024)

Seth MacFarlane's Brand Of Humor Works In Live-Action

Ted TV Show Poster

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Ted
Release Date
2024 - 2024-00-00
Directors
Seth MacFarlane, Brad Walsh, Dana Gould, Jon Pollack, Julius Sharpe
Writers
Seth MacFarlane, Brad Walsh, Dana Gould, Jon Pollack, Julius Sharpe, Paul Corrigan
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Seth MacFarlane
  • Headshot OF Max Burkholder
    Max Burkholder

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Ted is a prequel TV series to the comedy franchise of the same name by Seth MacFarlane. The TV show brings MacFarlane back as the voice of the talking teddy bear Ted, who is growing up in the '90s with John Bennett and his family. Ted is a Peacock original series that premiered in January 2024.

Creator(s)
Seth MacFarlane
Seasons
1

Seth MacFarlane is one of the biggest names in adult animated series, with Family Guy as his biggest hit. However, MacFarlane brings one of his live-action movies to the small screen while maintaining his distinct sense of humor. Ted was the movie series that starred Mark Wahlberg as a man who grew up with a talking teddy bear (voiced by MacFarlane) who gradually became his drinking buddy. This sitcom serves as a prequel in which teenage John (Max Burkholder) and Ted enjoy the recklessness of youth.

Like Family Guy, Ted is not tied down to reality, having fun with outlandish jokes and cutaways that add to the hilarity.

While the series is connected to the movie, it very much feels like a live-action version of Family Guy with the dysfunctional family dynamics making for some of the biggest laughs. Like Family Guy, Ted is not tied down to reality, having fun with outlandish jokes and cutaways that add to the hilarity.

11 Hysteria! (2024)

A Horror-Comedy With A Fun 80s Setting

Hysteria TV poster Peacock
Hysteria!
  • Headshot Of Chiara Aurelia
    Chiara Aurelia
    Jordy
  • Headshot Of Nikki Hahn
    Nikki Hahn
    Faith
  • Headshot Of Jessica Luza
    Jessica Luza
    Cassie Dandridge
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Eric Tiede
    Bob

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

A group of high school outcasts rebrands as a Satanic metal band during the 1980s "Satanic Panic" after a quarterback vanishes. However, a series of violent incidents and paranormal reports lead to a town-wide witch hunt, which eventually points to the band.

Creator(s)
Matthew Scott Kane
Seasons
1

This past Halloween, Peacock delivered a great treat for fans with the new horror-comedy series Hysteria! dropping in October of 2024. The show takes place during the "Satanic Panic" era of the 1980s and centers around the disappearance of a popular young teen in a close-knit community with rumors of Satanic influences being involved. Hoping to capitalize on the interest, a group of local teens leans into the Satanic fear with their metal band while possibly unwittingly summoning true evil.

Similar to Stranger Things season 4, Hysteria! has a lot of fun commenting on the fear and ignorance that came out of this era while also including some genuine supernatural thrills. The young cast is a lot of fun, while the series is also elevated by some bigger name ing stars, including Julie Bowen and Bruce Campbell.

10 Bupkis (2023)

Genuine Acting Makes The Character’s Struggles And Triumphs Feel Genuine

Bupkis Poster

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Bupkis
Release Date
2023 - 2023-00-00
Showrunner
Judah Miller
Directors
Jason Orley, Oz Rodriguez

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Bupkis is a fictionalized comedy series centered around Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson's life. The series uses grounded storytelling as well as bizarre worldviews that the SNL alum is known for. Bupkis stars Davidson as himself alongside Edie Falco as his mother Amy and Joe Pesci as Joe Larocca.

Seasons
1

Bupkis showcases Pete Davidson's unique ability to draw from his personal experiences and craft a compelling, semi-autobiographical narrative that resonates with viewers. The series offers a refreshing yet fictionalized take on the comedian's life in Staten Island. Davidson's performance, alongside Bupkis’ stellar cast, including Edie Falco and Joe Pesci, brings depth and authenticity to the characters.

The show's meta approach and celebrity cameos add an extra layer of entertainment while never overshadowing the heart of the story. Bupkis displays Davidson's growth as a storyteller, making it one of Peacock's more engaging and memorable original series. The series was so popular that Peacock renewed it for a second season. However, Pete Davidson decided he didn't want to return for a second season, so he chose to end the show on his and finished with only eight episodes.

9 Killing It (2022-)

An Exploration Of The Lengths People Will Go To In Pursuit Of The American Dream

Killing It Poster

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Killing It
Release Date
March 31, 2022
Showrunner
Luke Del Tredici, Dan Goor
Directors
Maurice Marable, Michael Weaver

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Killing It is a Peacock original comedy series starring Craig Robinson. Created by Luke Del Tredici and Dan Goor, Killing It centers on Robinson's character, Craig Foster, an entrepreneur who enters the Florida Python Challenge. The series premiered on the streaming service in March 2022 and was renewed for a second season a few months later in June.

Seasons
2

Killing It offers a refreshingly humane and empathetic take on a world of grifters, con artists, and a down-on-his-luck bank security guard. Craig Robinson's portrayal of Craig Foster, a man desperate to turn his life around by hunting pythons in Florida, is both heartfelt and comedic. The series' ability to approach even its most morally ambiguous characters with understanding and comion sets it apart from the darker narratives that dominate the television landscape.

While Killing It may not be the most uproariously funny comedy on streaming, its clever writing makes it worth the watch. The series has two seasons, with Robinson teaming up with Claudia O'Doherty, who plays Jillian Glopp, for a comedy that received almost universal praise, with a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics praised the cast and comedy of the series, and while it has two seasons, there is no word on when or if a third season could arrive on Peacock streaming.

8 Based On A True Story (2023-)

Cuoco & Messina's Performances Are The Highlight

Based on a True Story TV Poster

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Based on a True Story
Release Date
2023 - 2024-00-00
Showrunner
Craig Rosenberg
Writers
Craig Rosenberg

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Based on a True Story is a Peacock original crime thriller starring Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina as a married couple who starts their own True Crime podcast. Ava and Nathan Bartlett are expecting their first child despite marital troubles as their finances continue to plummet, and their decision to hire a charming plumber to install a new toilet leaves them stuck in a true crime story of their own.

Seasons
2

Based on a True Story takes a satirical stab at the true-crime podcast phenomenon and the dark side of fame-seeking, as Ava Bartlett (Kaley Cuoco) and her husband, Nathan (Chris Messina), discover they know the serial killer (Tom Bateman) they're investigating. Instead of turning him in, they decide to capitalize on their connection by creating a podcast, highlighting the show's biting commentary on capitalism and the true crime obsession.

While seeming to be similar to Only Murders in the Building, this was a lighter-weight series with more sitcom-styled humor and a charming turn from Cuoco.

Based on a True Story returned for season 2 in 2024, and the series continues to deliver a darkly comedic exploration of the moral compromises people make in pursuit of success. The first season had a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which was still enough to see it certified fresh for the first season. While seeming to be similar to Only Murders in the Building, this was a lighter-weight series with more sitcom-styled humor and a charming turn from Cuoco.

7 Angelyne (2022)

An Interesting Look At A Mysterious Character

Angelyne (2022)

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Angelyne
TV-MA
Biography
Drama
Release Date
2022 - 2022-00-00
Directors
Matt Spicer, Lucy Tcherniak
Writers
Cara DiPaolo, Brendan Kelly, Andy Siara, Allison Miller
  • Headshot Of Emmy Rossum
    Emmy Rossum
  • Headshot Of Hamish Linklater
    Hamish Linklater
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Philip Ettinger
  • Headshot Of Charlie Rowe
    Charlie Rowe

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Angelyne (2022) is a biographical drama series that chronicles the life of the enigmatic billboard icon Angelyne, portrayed by Emmy Rossum. Set in Los Angeles, the show delves into her rise to fame during the 1980s and her influence on the city’s culture, exploring themes of identity and celebrity.

Seasons
1
Creator(s)
Nancy Oliver, Allison Miller

The miniseries Angelyne offers an illuminating exploration of the enigmatic titular character, a blonde bombshell who rose to fame in the 1980s through her iconic billboard images in Los Angeles. Angelyne gets many things right about the Hollywood icon, and Emmy Rossum's transformative performance is impressive, with the actress undergoing extensive hours in the makeup chair to embody the famous-for-being-famous influencer.

Rossum's dedication to the role adds remarkable depth to a character that could have easily been portrayed as superficial.

Rossum's dedication to the role adds remarkable depth to a character that could have easily been portrayed as superficial, elevating the series. The miniseries received recognition at the Primetime Emmy Awards with nominations for Outstanding Period Costumes, Outstanding Contemporary Makeup, and Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup. It also has an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics praising Rossum's performance in her lead role.

6 A Friend Of The Family (2022)

A Compelling Narrative And Socially Relevant Themes

A Friend of the Family Show Poster

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A Friend of the Family
Release Date
2022 - 2022-00-00
Showrunner
Nick Antosca
Directors
Nick Antosca
  • Headshot Of Jake Lacy In The Premiere of Hulu`s New Series High Fidelity
  • Headshot Of Anna Paquin
    Anna Paquin
  • Headshot Of Colin Hanks
    Colin Hanks
  • Headshot Of Mckenna Grace In The 2024 Billboard Women In Music
    Mckenna Grace

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

A Friend of the Family is a biographical drama limited series based on the true story surrounding the Broberg family. Jake Lacy stars as Robert Berchtold, a so-called friend of the Broberg family who is well-liked by those around him and has a charismatic personality. Over several years, however, Robert's facade cracks as his manipulative and obsessive nature are revealed. During this time, Robert kidnaps the youngest of the Broberg family, Jan, several times and manages to turn her against her own family. A devout family that believed in their community and the kindness of others, this story highlights Robert's ability to exploit these traits as weaknesses; this story reveals how the family managed to survive this ordeal and realign their beliefs. 

Seasons
1

A Friend of the Family tackles the harrowing true story of Jan Broberg's repeated kidnappings by serial predator Bob Berchtold in 1970s Idaho. The series humanizes Jan's overly trusting parents, Mary Ann and Bob Broberg, portrayed by Anna Paquin and Colin Hanks, while exploring the insular community that inadvertently sheltered Berchtold, played by Jake Lacy. Hendrix Yancey and McKenna Grace depict Jan at different ages, capturing the lasting impact of Berchtold's obsession.

Showrunner Nick Antosca's handling of the subject matter elevates the series, offering a thought-provoking examination of abuse and manipulation. While the story was originally told in Abducted in Plain Sight (2017), Antosca wanted to go deeper into the case and add more context. Rotten Tomatoes ranks the Peacock series at 92% fresh, and the streaming service even followed that up with a documentary about Jan's recovery, looking back on the event years later.