NBCUniversal said Tuesday its new streaming television service is being called “Peacock” and will include original shows including a new “Battlestar Galactica” along with programs from its own content library.

 

Peacock, using the longtime NBC logo, will launch in April 2020. Also, it will compete against streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon and upcoming services from Disney and Apple.

 

The company, a unit of Comcast, offered no details on pricing.

 

Shows will include a “reboot” of the science fiction series “Battlestar Galactica”. It will also hold the exclusive rights to longtime programs such as “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office”.

 

“The name Peacock pays homage to the quality content that audiences have come to expect from NBCUniversal — whether it’s culture-defining dramas from innovative creators like (Battlestar producer) Sam Esmail, laugh-out-loud comedies from legends like Lorne Michaels and Mike Schur, blockbusters from Universal Pictures, or buzzy unscripted programming from the people who do it best at Bravo and E!,” said Bonnie Hammer, chairman of direct-to-consumer and digital enterprises at NBCU.

 

 

“Peacock will be the go-to place for both the timely and timeless — from can’t-miss Olympic moments and the 2020 election, to classic fan favorites like ‘The Office.'”

 

Peacock by NBCUniversal will have both subscription and ad-supported options. It will also have over 15,000 hours of content and will seek to capitalise on the 2020 Summer Olympics.

 

The launch comes with consumers shifting away from “linear” TV on cable and satellite services to online streaming. And Netflix is the leader in the streaming market.

 

Analysts are expecting tough competition in a market where providers with large content libraries are taking on Netflix.

 

In November, the company launched the Disney+ service at a price of $6.99, undercutting Netflix. Also, Apple will debut its own service for just $4.99 per month.