Peacock Adds Starz Add-On Subscription Feature In A Still-Unusual Team-Up By Two Media Companies
The promotion of Starz to all of Peacock subscription tiers is something of a novelty – not in the broader streaming sector, where bundling is commonplace, but for two general-entertainment streamers. Peacock had a similar, multi-year arrangement with Hallmark that expired in 2025. It also has a bundling arrangement with Apple, which encompasses cross-promotion of subscriptions to Apple TV and the NBCU streamer. Fox One and ESPN, larger outlets that blend linear network feeds with on-demand streaming content, have teamed for a third-party bundle, as have HBO Max and Disney.
Starz finished the fourth quarter of 2025, the last period when the company reported subscriber levels, with 12.7 million streaming subscribers in the U.S. (Counting linear TV, its total sub base was 17.6 million.) Peacock, which is U.S.-only, has 46 million subscribers.
Viewing of Starz programming will occur on the Peacock app. The partnership reflects the strategy for Peacock that has been implemented in recent months by NBCU Media Group Chairman Matt Strauss, who is looking to position the streaming outlet as a more multi-faceted digital platform. Peacock recently added video game titles, vertical video and AI features in a bid to boost engagement. On Monday, YouTube announced it was adding Peacock’s ad-free subscription tier to its subscription hub, under a distribution deal the companies reached in 2025.
“This Starz add-on subscription expands choice for our customers across all three tiers, provides flexibility for subscribers to enhance their experience on Peacock, and allows for deeper engagement with complementary premium content,” said Will Gonzalez, Chief Growth & Data Officer, NBCUniversal Media Group. “We’re pleased to deliver even more value to customers and give them the opportunity to access more of what they want to watch right on our platform.”
The announcement came a day after NBCU parent Comcast said it would be splitting into two separate public companies, one consisting of NBCU and Sky and the other of the company’s cable and broadband operations.
“We’re excited to partner with Peacock in bringing Starz as an add-on subscription to the platform for the first time ever,” said Alison Hoffman, President of Starz Networks. “As a complementary premium service, Starz is built to be distributed in a way that enhances and expands the value of a broader platform. With our compelling slate of hit original series for women and underrepresented audiences, alongside our vast portfolio of premium Pay 1 and library films, Starz helps create a more complete and diverse offering for customers.”
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