We know, we know—it’s tough to subscribe to yet another streaming platform. But even so, NBC Universal’s service is worth the sacrifice. Peacock is home to network standouts like The Office, 30 Rock, and other unique originals and irreverent comedies. (Enjoy them while they last.) To help you sort through all the offerings, here is The A.V. Club’s guide to what to watch, which includes originals such as Poker Face and Bupkis, true-crime docuseries, sitcoms, and reality hits.
Note: This list is in alphabetical order. It was last updated on November 15, 2023. It will update monthly.
2 / 34
30 Rock (NBC: 2006-2013)
30 Rock (NBC: 2006-2013)
Stars: Tina Fey, Jane Krakowski Tracy Morgan, Alec Baldwin, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander
Number of seasons: 7
Tina Fey’s 30 Rock, based on her experiences as an SNLKrakowski’s turn as Jenna Maroney being an all-timer of a performance. And, to be sure, 30 Rock will go down as one of NBC’s landmark TV shows.
3 / 34
The Amber Ruffin Show (Peacock: 2020-)
The Amber Ruffin Show (Peacock: 2020-)
Stars: Amber Ruffin
Number of seasons: 3
Amber Ruffin is one of the best parts of Late Night With Seth Meyers, so it’s not surprising that NBC wants to keep her around. Ruffin not only still co-writes for Meyers but hosts her own late-night talk show on Peacock. Her commentary on politics, pop culture, and everything in between is consistently hilarious and poignant.
4 / 34
American Auto (NBC: 2022-2023)
American Auto (NBC: 2022-2023)
Stars: Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Jon Barinholtz, X Mayo, Michael Benjamin Washington, Tye White, Humphrey Ker
Number of seasons: 2
If you’re missing Superstore, Justin Spitzer’s new comedy might fill the void. American Auto
5 / 34
Angelyne (Peacock: 2022)
Angelyne (Peacock: 2022)
Stars: Emmy Rossum, Martin Freeman, Lukas Gage, Hamish Linklater, Alex Karpovsky, Molly Ephraim, Phillip Ettinger, Michael Angarano
Number of seasons: 1
You’ve never seen Emmy Rossum like this before. The Shameless star transforms into the singer, actor, and media personality Angelyne, who became known throughout Los Angeles in the ’80s for her billboard advertisements. Angelyne
6 / 34
Baking It (Peacock: 2021-)
Baking It (Peacock: 2021-)
Stars: Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Amy Poehler
Number of seasons: 2
Who doesn’t love a wholesome television experience? It’s exactly what Baking It
7 / 34
Based On A True Story (Peacock: 2023-)
Based On A True Story (Peacock: 2023-)
Stars: Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, Tom Bateman, Liane Liberato, Priscilla Quintana, Li Jun Li, Natalia Dyer
Number of seasons: 1
Once you get past the ridiculousness of the premise, Based On A True Storyentertaining satire on the rise of the true-crime genre. Craig Rosenberg’s comedy centers on a married couple, Ava (Cuoco) and Nathan (Messina), who are expecting a child. To make a quick buck, they team up with their plumber to start a podcast, only to discover he’s the notorious Los Angeles serial killer police are after. It’s a silly and amusing time, with enough twists and good performances to keep us hooked. The show was renewed for season two.
8 / 34
Bates Motel (A&E: 2013-2017)
Bates Motel (A&E: 2013-2017)
Stars: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Olivia Cooke, Max Thieriot, Nicola Peltz, Nestor Carbonell, Kenny Johnson
Number of seasons: 5
Bates Motel is a riveting contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. The drama centers on the mother-son duo Norma and Norman Bates, who move to a coastal Oregon town for a fresh start after the death of Norma’s husband. However, as Norman’s mental illness starts becoming dangerous, it threatens to unravel their lives as Norma tries her best to protect her son. The show successfully reinvents a classic thriller and features Farmiga and Highmore’s career-best performances. And look out for an MVP turn from House Of The Dragon’s Cooke.
9 / 34
Battlestar Galactica (Sci-fi Channel: 2004-2009)
Battlestar Galactica (Sci-fi Channel: 2004-2009)
Stars: Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, Michael Trucco, Jamie Bamber, Michael Hogan
Number of seasons: 4
Developed by For All Mankind’s Ronald D. Moore, Battlestar Galactica
10 / 34
Bupkis (Peacock: 2023-
Bupkis (Peacock: 2023-
Stars: Pete Davidson, Joe Pesci, Edie Falco, Bobby Cannavale, Brad Garrett, Chase Sui Wonders, Phillip Ettinger
Number of seasons: 1
Everybody already knows too much about former SNLPete Davidson, so it’s surprising to see Bupkis, which is loosely based on his life, be so effective. The comedy is a heightened version of his reality, with Falco and Pesci playing Davidson’s mom and grandfather. And if you can make it past the awkward first episode, Bupkis is surprisingly fun. It also features a ton of cameos by the likes of John Mulaney, Steve Buscemi, Paul Walter Hauser, Kenan Thompson, Charlie Day, Sebastian Stan, Eli Manning, and Nathan Fillion.
11 / 34
Bust Down (Peacock: 2021-)
Bust Down (Peacock: 2021-)
Stars: Chris Redd, Jak Knight, Sam Jay, Langston Kerman, Freddie Gibbs, Phi Tan
Number of seasons: 1
Co-created by the four lead actors, Bust Down is a biting comedy about a group of friends working a low-income job at the Diamondback Casino in Gary, Indiana. The irreverent series follows them as they explore opportunities in and out of the workplace while dealing with domestic disputes, boundary-violating bosses, and the challenges of climbing the corporate ladder.
12 / 34
Chucky (Syfy: 2021-)
Chucky (Syfy: 2021-)
Stars: Zackary Arthur, Björgvin Arnarson, Jennifer Tilly, Devon Sawa, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Teo Briones, Brad Dourif, Barbara Alyn Woods
Number of seasons: 3
Who doesn’t love a good dose of a murderous doll, especially during the spooky season? Don Mancini returns to the Child’s Play franchise with this spectacular slasher series. ChuckyThe first half of the White House-set (really) third season premiered on SYFY in October; the second part arrives in 2024.
13 / 34
A Friend Of The Family (Peacock: 2022)
A Friend Of The Family (Peacock: 2022)
Stars: Jake Lacy, Anna Paquin, Colin Hanks, Lio Tipton, Hendrix Yancey, McKenna Grace, Austin Stowell, Patrick Fischler, Philip Ettinger
Number of seasons: 1
A Friend Of The FamilyAbducted In Plain Sight. In excruciating but well-plotted detail, the drama unpacks how a teenage Jan Broberg was kidnapped twice in the ’70s by a family pal who was obsessed with her. As The A.V. Club’s review notes: “In a rare feat, A Friend Of The Family
14 / 34
Girls5eva (Peacock: 2021-)
Girls5eva (Peacock: 2021-)
Stars: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sara Bareilles, Paula Pell, Busy Phillips, Daniel Breaker, Andrew Rannels, Ashley Park, Erika Henningsen
Number of seasons: 2
Created by Meredith Scardino, Girls5evaGirls5eva is chock-full of hilarious original songs, from “Famous 5eva” to “Dream Girlfriends” to “New York Lonely Boy”—they’re all instant earworms. It carries the effortless energy of co-producer Tina Fey’s other projects, including 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. While the show moves to Netflix for its upcoming third season, you can still watch the first two on Peacock.
15 / 34
Grand Crew (NBC: 2022-2023)
Grand Crew (NBC: 2022-2023)
Stars: Nicole Byer, Echo Kellum, Carl Tart, Justin Cunningham, Aaron Jennings, Grasie Mercedes
Number of seasons: 2
Continuing the tradition of NBC’s impressive ensemble comedies, Grand CrewBrooklyn Nine-Nine’s Phil Augusta Jackson and Dan Goor. The show follows a group of longtime friends who frequent their favorite wine bar as they navigate relationship and career problems. Not only is it hilarious, but GC is one of the few network TV shows that features a primarily Black cast. The series’ two excellent seasons are streaming on Peacock. (Much like American Auto, NBC decided not to continue it.)
16 / 34
John Wayne Gacy: Devil In Disguise (Peacock: 2021)
John Wayne Gacy: Devil In Disguise (Peacock: 2021)
Number of seasons: 1
The six-part docuseries Devil In DisguiseCo-produced by Alexa Danner, Tracy Ullman, and Alison True, the show looks at Gacy’s political ambitions and how he was able to evade authorities for as long as he did. Crucially, Devil In Disguise features a lengthy, previously unseen interview with Gacy while he is in prison as he unpacks his own crimes. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor for fans of the genre.
17 / 34
Killing It (Peacock: 2021-)
Killing It (Peacock: 2021-)
Stars: Craig Robinson, Claudia O’Doherty, Scott MacArthur, Stephanie Nogueras, Tim Heidecker, Zach Grenier
Number of seasons: 2
Co-created by Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Dan Goor and Luke Del Tridici, Killing It adds to Peacock’s line-up of irreverent comedies. The show follows Craig, a divorced single father who has failed to secure a loan for his new business. However, he learns from his Australian Uber driver, Jillian, that there’s a lot of money to be made by hunting snakes. So they both enroll to participate in the South Florida Python Challenge for a $20,000 prize, showcasing a funny dynamic along the way. In season two, which was released in August, they finally start their farm only to be met with a barrage of new challenges.
18 / 34
Law & Order: SVU (NBC: 1999-)
Law & Order: SVU (NBC: 1999-)
Stars: Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Richard Belzer, Michelle Hurd, Kelli Giddish, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino
Number of seasons: 23
Say what you will about Law & Order: SVU, this show is built to last. Dick Wolf’s police-procedural drama has survived an incredible amount of change in the TV industry. It’s going strong 24 seasons in, and has been renewed for a landmark 25th. Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson is on track to become one of TV’s most pivotal figures. So it’s always a good time to catch up on how the officers of the Special Victims Unit are solving tough cases. All you need is weeks upon weeks of free time.
19 / 34
Mrs. Davis (Peacock: 2023)
Mrs. Davis (Peacock: 2023)
Stars: Betty Gilpin, Jake McDorman, Margo Martindale, Elizabeth Marvel, Andy McQueen, Tom Wlaschiha, Katja Herbers, Chris Diamantopoulos
Number of seasons: 1
Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez’s Mrs. Davisousted nun, Sister Simone (Gilpin), as she teams up with her ex-boyfriend in a battle against AI that takes them on a globe-spanning journey. Mrs. Davis is an unpredictable ride that ends with a satisfying conclusion. And hopefully, it will remain the rare limited series that doesn’t mess about with a second season.
20 / 34
Murder, She Wrote (CBS: 1984-1996)
Murder, She Wrote (CBS: 1984-1996)
Stars: Angela Lansbury, Tom Bosley, William Windom, Ron Masak, Louis Herthum
Number of seasons: 12
There’s no better way to toast the legendary Angela Lansbury, who died in October 2022, than by revisiting one of her most iconic performances. In Murder, She Wrote,
21 / 34
New Girl (Fox: 2011-2018)
New Girl (Fox: 2011-2018)
Stars: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Hannah Simone, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Damon Wayans Jr., Nasim Pedrad
Number of seasons: 7
If you weren’t obsessed with “Who’s that girl? It’s Jess!” when New GirlNew Girl remains an ultimate comfort favorite, and let’s not forget that it gave us TV’s best first kiss of all time. (We said what we said.)
22 / 34
The Office (NBC: 2005-2013)
The Office (NBC: 2005-2013)
Stars: Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak, Brian Baumgartner, Ed Helms, Ellie Kemper
Number of seasons: 9
One of NBC’s most iconic sitcoms, The OfficeThe Office is great whether it’s your first or fifth time watching it. And if you’re so inclined, you can rewatch it along with Fischer and Kinsey’s podcast, Office BFFs.
23 / 34
Parks And Recreation (NBC: 2009-2015)
Parks And Recreation (NBC: 2009-2015)
Stars: Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Nick Offerman, Retta, Aubrey Plaza, Rashida Jones, Rob Lowe, Chris Pratt, Aziz Ansari
Number of seasons: 7
Much like The Office, Parks And RecreationP&R follows the parks department, led by an overenthusiastic Leslie Knope (Poehler). Come for Knope and her undeniable chemistry with Ben Wyatt (Scott), and stay for a star-making performance by Plaza, who continues to rule our screen.
24 / 34
Paul T. Goldman (2023-)
Paul T. Goldman (2023-)
Stars: Paul T. Goldman, Melinda McGraw, Christopher Stanley, Michael Dempsey, Dennis Haysbert, James Remar
Number of seasons: 1
Directed by Jason Woliner, Paul T. GoldmanThe Rehearsal. It’s wacky and weird yet endlessly enjoyable. Part comedy, part docuseries, the show revolves around the titular character who uncovers his ex-wife’s fraud and deception. Thrust into the criminal world, he has no idea what to do next. Woliner tries to keep the series he thought he was making from going off the rails as Goldman stars in reenactments, changes the script, and challenges Woliner’s vision. Check out The A.V. Club’s interview with the director about all of it.
25 / 34
Poker Face (2023-)
Poker Face (2023-)
Stars: Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, Ellen Barkin, Megan Suri, Chloë Sevigny, Tim Blake Nelson, Tim Meadows, Adrien Brody, Dascha Polanco
Number of seasons: 1
Rian Johnson and Natasha Lyonne are a match made in TV heaven. Lyonne leads this case-of-the-week show as Charlie Cale, who goes on the run when her wealthy casino boss seeks revenge on her. With an uncanny ability to detect lies, Charlie goes from city to city, solving murders that happen around her. The show, in turn, boasts an impressive guest cast with each episode. Poker Face’s first season wrapped in March, but don’t worry: Peacock has renewed it for another round.
26 / 34
The Resort (Peacock: 2022)
The Resort (Peacock: 2022)
Stars: Cristin Milioti, William Jackson Harper, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Skyler Gisondo, Nina Bloomgarden, Gabriela Cartol, Nick Offerman
Number of seasons: 1
The ResortHere’s an excerpt from The A.V. Club’s review: “The delightful ensemble makes The Resort a breeze, even if the payoff leaves something to be desired.”
27 / 34
Rutherford Falls (Peacock: 2021-2022)
Rutherford Falls (Peacock: 2021-2022)
Stars: Ed Helms, Jana Schmieding, Michael Greyeyes, Dustin Milligan, Jesse Leigh, Beth Stelling, Bobby Wilson, Devery Jacobs, Dana L. Wilson
Number of seasons: 2
Peacock executives really didn’t know how good they had it with Rutherford Falls. Even though the comedy was canceled after two seasons, it will remain one of their top-tier originals. Co-created by Sierra Teller Ornelas, Mike Schur, and series star Ed Helms, it follows childhood best friends Nathan and Reagan, who find themselves at a crossroads when a crisis hits their small town. Moreover, the show is a joyful exploration of the Indigenous community, with scene-stealing performances from Greyeyes and Schmieding.
28 / 34
Superstore (NBC: 2015-2021)
Superstore (NBC: 2015-2021)
Stars: America Ferrera, Ben Feldman, Lauren Ash, Nico Santos, Nichole Sakura, Colton Dunn, Mark McKinney, Kaliko Kauahi
Number of seasons on Hulu: 6
Everything about SuperstoreThe Office), the talented and diverse cast plays employees of big-box retail chain store Cloud 9 in Minnesota. Through the lens of their working-class jobs, the show explores their friendships and livelihoods. While series star Ferrera exited before the last season, Superstore goes out with an emotionally charged final bow as it tackles the pandemic.
29 / 34
Top Chef (Bravo: 2006-)
Top Chef (Bravo: 2006-)
Stars: Tom
Number of seasons: 20
Top ChefPadma Lakshmi’s incredible run as host. (Kristen Kish will replace her in the Wisconsin-set season 21.)
30 / 34
The Traitors (2023-)
The Traitors (2023-)
Stars: Alan Cumming
Number of seasons: 1
Hosted by Alan Cumming, new reality show The Traitors chronicles 20 contestants in a castle in the Scottish Highlands who hope to win a $250,000 prize. Among the “faithful” players are some “traitors”—that is, people selected by the host whose goal is to eliminate the rest and claim the prize for themselves. It’s an unexpectedly great time, and Cumming is as charming as ever. (Be sure to watch The A.V. Club’s interview with him.) And luckily for us, the show has been renewed for a second season.
31 / 34
Vanderpump Rules (Bravo: 2013-)
Vanderpump Rules (Bravo: 2013-)
Stars: Lisa Vanderpump, Katie Maloney, Schaena Shay, Raquel Leviss, Ariana Madix, Brittany Cartwright, Tom Schwartz, Tom Sandoval
Number of seasons: 10
The phrase “Scandoval” has taken over the internet and infused renewed interest in Vanderpump Rules, Bravo’s reality TV offshoot of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills. While the show has been on for a decade, Tom Sandoval’s cheating scandal is the biggest things to happen to the show. It certainly transformed season 10 into must-see TV almost overnight.
32 / 34
We Are Lady Parts (Channel 4/Peacock: 2021-)
We Are Lady Parts (Channel 4/Peacock: 2021-)
Stars: Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey, Faith Omole, Juliette Motamed, Lucie Shorthouse, Zaqi Ismael, Aiysha Hart, Shobu Kapoor
Number of seasons: 1
Nida Manzoor captured lightning in a bottle with her riotous six-part comedy, We Are Lady Parts. Set in London, the show follows Muslim women who team up to form a punk band with hopes of winning a major competition. Manzoor’s writing smartly unpacks their diverse Muslim culture and traditions, all while the five of them navigate their friendship and crushes. Also, expect some truly terrific original music.
33 / 34
Yellowstone (Paramount Network: 2018-)
Yellowstone (Paramount Network: 2018-)
Stars: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Gil Birmingham, Cole Hauser
Number of seasons: 5
Taylor Sheridan has created his version of MCU with the folks at Paramount, and it all began with Yellowstone. Just expect a different set of heroes and villains here. The show is set in Montana, following the Dutton family, who own the largest ranch. Costner’s John Dutton is the patriarch constantly fighting to protect his home from land developers, a national park, and the bordering Broken Rock Indian Reservation. Since its debut, Yellowstone has racked up a massive viewership, with Sheridan creating several spin-offs of the show. If you want to know what the fuss is all about, Peacock has you covered.