If you’ve been binge-watching Love Island, The Traitors, Sunday Night Football, or following the English Premier League on Peacock, you might have noticed your subscription costs more this month.
One of America’s largest streaming services has raised its prices, affecting millions of viewers who rely on the platform for their favourite shows and live sports.
Peacock Raises Monthly Subscription Fees
Peacock’s ad-supported plan now costs $10.99 a month, nearly 40 percent higher than the previous $7.99.
The Premium Plus plan increased by $2, bringing it to $16.99 a month.
The streaming giant, which boasts 41 million subscribers, is also testing a “Select” tier.
This new plan keeps the entry-level price at $7.99 but restricts access to popular NBC and Bravo shows like Saturday Night Live and The Real Housewives, as well as hits such as Love Island, Sunday Night Football, and The Traitors.
Industry-Wide Trend Toward Higher Prices
Experts warn that other streaming services could follow suit.
Netflix raised prices in January, Apple TV earlier this month, and Paramount Plus, Disney+, and HBO Max have all increased their subscription costs recently.
Peacock’s latest hike comes after a previous $2 increase in July 2024, which raised the entry-level plan from $5.99.
Many subscribers have taken to social media to vent frustration.
On Reddit, one user wrote, “I don’t understand why we left cable,” while another declared, “See ya! Back to watching NBC for free for $0 a month.”
Fans Weigh the Cost Against Content
Despite the increases, some viewers say they’re staying with Peacock because of its extensive sports lineup, including NFL games, Premier League matches, Olympic coverage, Big Ten Football, and upcoming NBA live broadcasts.
For these fans, the content justifies the higher price.
Rising Costs of Premium Streaming Content
The trend of higher subscription fees mirrors rising production costs.
Blockbuster shows like House of the Dragon reportedly cost $20 million per episode, while The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power topped $50 million per episode.
Annual subscriptions are offered as a more affordable alternative, priced at $109.99 with ads and $169.99 without.
Streaming Wars and Subscriber Decisions
Over the past 18 months, nearly all major streaming platforms have increased their fees.
Hulu, Max, and Disney+ now charge at least $9.99 per month, Prime Video costs $8.99, and Apple TV, which doesn’t offer an ad-based plan, is now the most expensive at $12.99.
Subscribers like Alex Palmer from Los Angeles have expressed frustration, noting that he first signed up for Apple TV at $4.99 and now considers cancelling after the steady price climb. “This is a step too far,” he said.
The Road Ahead for Streaming Services
As streaming platforms continue to invest in high-quality, blockbuster content, industry analysts expect prices to remain on the rise.
For viewers, this means carefully weighing the value of exclusive shows and live sports against the growing cost of subscriptions.
