The Ultimate Guide to Peacock's Top 50 Must-Watch TV Shows

Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, is rapidly expanding its collection of TV shows and establishing itself as a strong competitor in the content industry. It boasts a wide range of Universal properties in an effort to compete with other streaming services that have exclusive brand content, such as Disney Plus and Max. Over time, more and more of Peacock's library is becoming exclusive to the service, enticing viewers to subscribe. Peacock offers two payment tiers: Premium, which grants subscribers access to the entire library but includes advertisements, and Premium Plus, which provides an ad-free experience similar to Hulu's tiered plan.

Currently, not all of Peacock's content is exclusive to the service. However, as NBCUniversal withdraws streaming rights from rival platforms, Peacock's collection of exclusive content is expected to expand. It has already become the sole platform for streaming popular shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation. While shows like 30 Rock, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Superstore are available on other platforms, new episodes of NBC shows will premiere on Peacock the day after their cable broadcast. Peacock offers a diverse and high-quality selection of shows for television enthusiasts.

50 Sanford And Son (1972-1977)

6 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 30 minutes

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, and Don Bexley

From the mind of Norman Lear, Sanford And Son featured

49 Charmed (1998-2006)

as a junk dealer and

48 The Hardy Boys And Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977-1979)

as the son frustrated with their circumstances. Other cast members came and went through the years, but the titular Sanford And Son remained. Over the course of its run, Sanford And Son received

47 Farscape (1999-2003)

Primetime Emmy nominations and

46 Cold Justice (2013-)

Golden Globe Nominations. Redd Foxx won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 1973 and an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor in 1972.

8 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Genre: Supernatural Drama

Starring in Charmed are Shannon Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, and Rose McGowan. This captivating series tells the story of three sisters who, upon the death of their mother, discover they are born witches. They must confront the Source of all Evil in a bid to save the world. What sets Charmed apart from other supernatural shows is its unique and cohesive mythology. It seamlessly incorporates various magical myths from around the world while establishing its own distinct storyline, including the protective Whitelighters who safeguard the witches. Although a remake was released in 2018, it did not receive the same level of acclaim as the original series.

48 The Hardy Boys And Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977-1979)

3 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Genre: Mystery Drama

Starring: Parker Stevenson, Shawn Cassidy, Pamela Sue Martin, and Ed Gilbert

Based on the popular book series about teen detectives, this particular 1970s set series is intriguing. It showcases exclusive episodes focused on the Hardy Boys (Stevenson and Cassidy) and other episodes solely centered around Nancy Drew (Martin). There are also instances where their investigations overlap. Though some of the mysteries may be easily deciphered by modern thriller enthusiasts, the series remains an enjoyable showcase of how these fictional detectives have become an integral part of pop culture. Currently, the Hardy Boys have a contemporary series available on Hulu, while Nancy Drew has one airing on the CW.

47 Farscape (1999-2003)

4 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 50 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction

Starring: Ben Browder, Claudia Black, Anthony Simcoe, and Lani John Tupu

Farscape, a groundbreaking show that helped establish the Sci-Fi channel, experienced a decline in ratings leading to its cancellation. However, a miniseries was later produced to provide closure. With enchanting puppets crafted by the renowned Jim Henson Company, Farscape had a unique journey to the screen. The storyline followed an American astronaut who becomes lost in a black hole and ends up on a ship filled with diverse beings, all on the run from the oppressive Peacekeepers. While Farscape received numerous awards from Australian production guilds, it did not gain significant recognition in the American award circuit.

46 Cold Justice (2013-)

Via: really.uktv.co.uk

6 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Genre: Docuseries

Starring: Kelly Siegler

45 Heroes (2006-2010)

Peacock only offers the most recent season for streaming, adding new episodes once they have aired. The show centers around Kelly Siegler, a former prosecutor, as she investigates cold cases across the United States. Her unique perspective, stemming from her background, sets this investigative documentary apart. Collaborating with local law enforcement, she retraces the steps of previous investigations and brings a fresh perspective to the case. Occasionally, new evidence surfaces, leading the police to pursue a new suspect. The series aims to provide closure to the families of victims, distinguishing it from other true crime shows that solely focus on long-solved cases.

4 Seasons

Episode Runtime:45 minutes

Genre: Sci-Fi Drama

Starring: Jack Coleman, Masi Oka, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and Hayden Panettiere

The iconic line, "Save the cheerleader, save the world," is what people remember most from the entire series, initially used to promote its first season. This season is widely regarded as the best, as the writers had the opportunity to fully explore their vision. However, a Writers Guild of America strike during season 2 forced the creative team to wrap up storylines faster than planned, ultimately affecting the rest of the show. Despite this setback, the concept of Heroes, where people around the world suddenly develop superpowers, provided an intriguing foundation for the series. Viewers were taken on a journey, witnessing the struggles of those grappling with their newfound abilities and the individuals who sought to exploit them.

44 Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014)

6 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 24 minutes

Genre: Anime

Voiced by: Issei Futamata, Megumi Han, Mariya Ise, and Miyuki Sawashiro

Inspired by the manga Hunter x Hunter,

43 The Chicago Franchise (2012-)

revolves around Gon Freecss as he embarks on his journey to become a Hunter and reunite with his forgotten father. While the manga has had two different adaptations, Peacock exclusively offers the newer version boasting enhanced animation compared to the 1999 rendition. Setting itself apart, Peacock's adaptation remains true to the original story by retaining the Japanese language with English subtitles, avoiding the common issue of altered storylines associated with dubbed anime.

29 Seasons across 3 shows

Episode Runtime: 43 minutes

Genre: Procedural Drama

Starring S. Epatha Merkerson, Taylor Kinney, Jason Beghe, and LaRoyce Hawkins, this trilogy of shows started with Chicago Fire in 2012 and expanded to include Chicago PD and Chicago Med. Each series follows the lives of the people working in different departments, taking on various cases. The shows have also successfully crossed over in the past, creating a cohesive storytelling experience across all three. This achievement is remarkable considering the simultaneous running of all the shows. As a result, these dramas centered around first responders provide a comprehensive and insightful portrayal of the challenges faced in this field.

42 Eureka (2006-2012)

5 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 50 minutes

Genre: Sci-Fi Dramedy

Starring: Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Erica Cerra, and Neil Grayston

41 America’s Got Talent (2006-)

Although primarily a comedy, this science fiction series delves into a multitude of dramatic storylines. Colin Ferguson portrays a US Marshal-turned-sheriff in a quaint town nestled in the Pacific Northwest. This covert community serves as a haven for the nation's brilliant scientists, who are tasked with developing groundbreaking technology for government projects. However, their ambitious endeavors often go awry, leaving Jack Carter, portrayed by Ferguson, to clean up the aftermath. This show strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments, despite falling short in terms of CGI compared to contemporary productions.

18 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 50 minutes

Genre: Reality Competition

Starring Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, and Sofia Vergara, America's Got Talent sets itself apart from other reality competition series by showcasing a diverse range of talents beyond just singing and dancing. Contestants have the opportunity to compete for a cash prize while demonstrating their unique skills. Although the show has had various judges and hosts throughout its history, only the latest season is accessible on Peacock for streaming. Viewers can enjoy new episodes on the platform after they have aired on television.

40 Death Note (2006-2007)

1 Season

Episode Runtime: 23 minutes

Genre: Anime

Voiced by: Mamoru Miyano, Ryô Naitô, Naoya Uchida, and Keiji Fujiwara

A magical notebook offers a high school student the ability to "cleanse" the world by inscribing names in it, leading to the demise of those individuals. Once the authorities catch wind of his actions, a detective is dispatched to pursue him. This anime, adapted from the manga of the same title, unfolds as a gripping thriller, showcasing a relentless cat-and-mouse chase between the detective and the boy, as well as a battle of wills between the boy and the supernatural force granting him this extraordinary power. Notably, it has been honored with the prestigious Tokyo Anime Award for best TV series.

8 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 44 minutes

Genre: Mystery Dramedy

Starring: Tony Shalhoub, Bitty Schram, Traylor Howard, and Ted Levine

Tony Shalhoub portrays Adrian Monk, a former member of the San Francisco police force whose career was derailed by his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The series follows his journey as a consultant for the force, while also seeking treatment for his OCD. Each week, Monk meticulously pieces together clues to solve murder cases, all the while striving to manage his OCD with the support of his assistant. Additionally, Monk tirelessly works to uncover the truth behind his wife's unresolved murder. Throughout its run, Monk received eight Primetime Emmys and Tony Shalhoub consistently garnered nominations for Best Actor at the Screen Actor's Guild awards. A revival of the beloved series is currently in development.

38 The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014)

Bletchley Circle Solving a Mystery

2 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Genre: Crime Drama

Starring: Rachel Stirling, Julie Graham, Sophie Rundle, and Anna Maxwell Martin

The content chronicles the lives of former Bletchley Park employees, who served as code breakers during World War II. Post-war, many of these women have become housewives or pursued alternative careers. When one of them utilizes her code-breaking expertise to detect patterns in a string of murders within the city, she enlists her fellow Bletchley colleagues to assist in apprehending the killer, in the absence of police intervention. This series presents a unique twist on the traditional detective genre, particularly as it is set in a historical context, and offers the advantage of shorter seasons, making it a quick and engaging watch.

37 Dr. Death (2021 - 2023)

1 Season

Episode Runtime: 44-63 minutes

Genre: Crime drama

Starring Joshua Jackson, Christian Slater, Alec Baldwin, and Grace Gummer, Dr. Death is a chilling deviation from the traditional true-crime genre offered by Peacock's original programming. It replaces law enforcement with medical professionals, delving into the unsettling world of Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a twisted neurosurgeon who wreaks havoc through his malpractice within hospitals that foolishly hire him. The show draws inspiration from the highly regarded podcast of the same name, skillfully highlighting the malignant incompetence of both Duntsch and the medical-legal system.

36 Merlin (2008-2012)

5 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Genre: Fantasy

Starring: Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Angel Coulby, and Katie McGrath

35 Bel-Air (2022-)

This captivating retelling of the enchanting tale of King Arthur introduces a refreshing twist by shining the spotlight on the extraordinary journey of Merlin (Mogan) rather than the prince. Delving into his training, the narrative explores Merlin's fascinating exploration of both medicine and magic, all while the kingdom of Camelot vehemently prohibits the practice of sorcery, compelling him to conceal his mystical abilities. Furthermore, it delves into Morgana's (McGrath) transformation into an adversary for Arthur, revealing her complex evolution from an unsuspecting protagonist. With its captivating narrative, this rendition offers a compelling and enthralling perspective on the renowned legend of King Arthur.

2 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 51 minutes

Genre: Drama

Starring Jabari Banks, Akira Akbar, Coco Jones, and Olly Sholoton, Peacock takes a different approach to the iconic family sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by transforming it into a modern-day drama. In this adaptation, Will (Banks) continues to find himself living with his uncle's family after getting into trouble, but the new storyline delves deeper into serious themes, leaving behind the lighthearted moments of the original. Additionally, the series incorporates a crime drama element, which sets it apart from its predecessor. This unique twist has resonated with viewers, making it one of Peacock's most popular original shows.

34 The Below Deck Franchise (2013-)

23 Seasons across 5 shows

Episode Runtime: 43 minutes

Genre: Reality

Starring: Lee Rosbach, Sandy Yawn, Glenn Shephard, and Jason Chambers

33 Naruto (2002-2007)

Since its launch in 2013, the Below Deck franchise has offered a captivating glimpse into the arduous yet fascinating lives of charter boat crew members. Delving into their daily tasks, off-duty escapades, and the intricate dynamics that develop amongst colleagues, this series stands out as a refreshingly distinct addition to the reality television genre. In addition to the original show, this franchise has expanded to include four exhilarating spinoffs, each set in different locations such as the Mediterranean and Australia. Perfect for reality enthusiasts seeking a respite from the typical competition or Housewives-themed content, Below Deck offers a truly unique and enthralling viewing experience.

5 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 24 minutes

Genre: Anime

Starring: Junko Takeuchi, Chie Nakamura, Noriaki Sugiyama, and Kazuhiko Inoue

Instead of airing the first Naruto series as one continuous season, Peacock has divided it into five seasons, making it easier for viewers to watch the story in batches. This anime is based on one of the most beloved manga of all time and follows Naruto Uzumaki's early life as he strives to become a skilled ninja. While this chapter of the fantastical series contains more standalone episodes compared to the sequel series, it introduces popular characters like Sasuke Uchiha and Rock Lee.

32 The Game (2006-2015)

9 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 21 minutes

Genre: Sports Dramedy

Starring: Malik Wright, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Coby Bell, and Tia Mawry-Hardrict

Originally, The Game originated from the series Girlfriends and initially followed the lives of professional athletes' women in a sitcom format. However, as time went on, the show evolved into more of a drama rather than a comedy. While still centered around athletes and their significant others, it shifted from airing on the CW to BET. This transition allowed for the exploration of more serious storylines on BET. Additionally, a revival series starring Robinson as the lead character exists, although its initial streaming platform was Paramount+ instead.

31 Downtown Abbey (2010-2015)

6 Seasons

Episode Runtime: 58 minutes

Genre: Period Drama

Starring Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Dan Stevens, and Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey tells the story of the Crawley family over a span of 12 years, from 1912 to 1924. Beginning with the tragic death of the Crawley heir on the Titanic, the series explores the crucial need for an heir and the pressure for young women to marry into secure families. Set against the backdrop of English society at the time, the show captivates viewers with its romantic and dramatic storylines, creating a historical soap opera that guarantees to keep audiences engrossed.