Watching Sporting Events on Peacock: A Primer for the Uninitiated Masses

Submitted by Naked Bootlegger on August 29th, 2023 at 11:41 AM

This is a quick follow-up to the recent Peacock-related post.   Since information sometimes gets buried within a thread once it has attained 90+ responses, here's a quick guide to the Peacock streaming service and a brief synopsis on my experiences with it while devouring English Premier League (EPL) football over the last few years:

1.  Peacock is a streaming service, not a cable channel.   Sign up for it using a web browser on your computer or download the Peacock app on your smart phone, tablet, smart TV, or Roku/Chromecast-like device.

2.  Once signed up, you can watch the game live on the app like cable or digital antenna TV.

3.  The Peacock app will have a full game replay available after the game ends.  In my EPL viewing experience, the replay should be available within 30-60 minutes after the game ends.   It's a DVR-like utility, with one major warning...

4.  WARNING:  While I just proclaimed the Peacock app to have DVR-like capabilities, be very careful if you're coming from the DirecTV world of DVRs or are accustomed to YTTV that allow you to watch a recorded live event from the beginning (or catch up to live by watching key replays).   With DirecTV, I would usually wait about 60 minutes after kickoff before watching the recording so I could fast forward through commercials and halftime.   My EPL viewing experience on Peacock has taught me, though, that you cannot catch up to real time in a similar fashion.   The only Peacock option that I see if I tune in to a live event after its start time is a "Watch Now" button.   Press this button at your own risk if you prefer not knowing the score and think you're watching a true DVR recording - you will be viewing the LIVE event as if you have turned on the TV circa 1983.   Wait for the full game replay to be posted to the Peacock app (see #3 above) if you prefer not knowing the score before you watch the game.

5.  You can access the game replay on the Peacock app for at least 30 days.   EPL replays used to have a disclaimer stating that the replay expired after 30 days.   But I honestly didn't see that disclaimer when I just checked the recent ND-Navy replay that is currently archived on Peacock.   Just know that you will be able to access the replay for awhile afterwards.

Other MGoBlog Peacock veterans can (and will) correct any of the above information.   Happy viewing!

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MartyinDayton

August 29th, 2023 at 11:50 AM ^

Thanks for the info. At the risk of asking 2 stupid questions, will we have endless timeout delays like we do with broadcast and cable channels? Do I need to look for the asshole with the red hat to find out when play will resume?

Joined: 04/03/2015

MGoPoints: 1194

aMAIZEinBLUEinTX

August 29th, 2023 at 2:06 PM ^

There were several questions in the other post re: which games are slated for Peacock/Peacock exclusivity or simulcast on NBC -

Here's the NBC/Peacock breakdown so far (Peacock exclusive in bold) to aid in the individual pursestring purchase evaluation decision-

Date Time (ET) Matchup Platform

Sat., Aug. 26 2:30 p.m. Navy vs. No. 13 Notre Dame (in Ireland) NBC, Peacock

Sat., Sept. 2 Noon East Carolina at No. 2 Michigan Peacock

Sat., Sept. 2 3:30 p.m. Tennessee State at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock

Sat., Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. West Virginia at No. 7 Penn State NBC, Peacock

Sat., Sept. 9 Noon Delaware at No. 7 Penn State Peacock

Sat., Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. Charlotte at Maryland NBC, Peacock

Sat., Sept. 16 2:30 pm .Central Michigan at No. 13 Notre Dame Peacock

Sat., Sept. 16 5p.m.No. 10 Washington at Michigan State Peacock

Sat., Sept. 16 7:30 p.m. Syracuse at Purdue NBC, Peacock

Sat., Sept. 23 7:30 p.m. No. 3 Ohio State at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock

Sat., Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. No. 6 USC at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock

Sat., Oct. 28 3:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock

Sat., Nov. 11 7:30 p.m. Michigan State at No. 3 Ohio State NBC, Peacock

Sat., Nov. 18 3:30 p.m. Wake Forest at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock

Fri., Nov. 24 7:30 p.m. No. 7 Penn State at Michigan State (Ford Field) NBC, Peacock

Joined: 03/01/2011

MGoPoints: 1184

reshp1

August 29th, 2023 at 5:37 PM ^

Yeah, fuck that. I'd pony up without hesitation if it meant no ads, but not only are there ads, you can't fast forward through them like you can with cable/YTTV and DVR. I'll probably catch the game at the bar or get the YT highlights afterward. Hope this experiment dies in a fire for NBC.

Joined: 10/31/2011

MGoPoints: 34177

lilpenny1316

August 29th, 2023 at 11:57 AM ^

I have a question that I don't know has been asked yet, but can I fast forward past the commercials on their cheapest tier, or do I have to sit through a minute or two of commercials throughout the game?

I'm still on the fence about getting Peacock just for one game (I'm not watching Washington/MSU just for the sheer frustration I'll have if Sparty pulls the upset).

Joined: 11/19/2009

MGoPoints: 61836

goblu330

August 29th, 2023 at 12:03 PM ^

It depends.  There is a slight correction that is needed to the OP for those who are watching through Xfinity.  When you are watching it like a TV channel on television, you can start the program from the beginning even when it is still on.  You are given the option to start the program where it is (live) or to begin it at the beginning.  If you start it from the beginning, you can fast forward, but each time you are fast forwarding a significant chunk you have to wait through a "token commercial" of either 30, 45, or 60 seconds.  It is slightly irritating, but nothing like a full commercial break.  (Or perhaps this is only with Peacock Plus, which I have for free for reasons of which I know nothing about).

A further word of caution, however.  The Xfinity supported Peacock App interface is almost comically bad and I would not want to have to watch the game like this.  It is not DVR quality.

Joined: 01/07/2022

MGoPoints: 32123

93Grad

August 29th, 2023 at 2:33 PM ^

Thanks for the code! 

It is annoying that we have to pay for this shit but such is life in 2023.  At then end of the day it was worth it me to spend $7.50 for 3 months and a handful of watchable football games.  Others can and will disagree and I can't say I blame them.  

Joined: 07/26/2011

MGoPoints: 13677

jonny_GoBlue

August 29th, 2023 at 11:58 AM ^

I watch almost all Supercross/Motocross events live on Peacock.  They do initially start at the current LIVE position when joining an event in progress but you can rewind back to the beginning if you like.  One issue with that though is that you will not be able to catch back up to live as it does not allow you to fast forward through commercial breaks.

Joined: 09/05/2009

MGoPoints: 4519

Naked Bootlegger

August 29th, 2023 at 3:28 PM ^

Based on some other comments above, my warning about watching "tape-delayed live" might be somewhat overblown.   I just know that I have never been able to start at the beginning of the broadcast once it has gone live without having to join the live broadcast first and potentially discovering the score.   I like not knowing the score if I join the broadcast late.

I hit the "Watch Now" button and I don't see any option to either join live or go back to the beginning of the broadcast.   Maybe that option exists, but I'm too stupid to harness it appropriately!

Joined: 01/28/2011

MGoPoints: 34714

GGV

August 29th, 2023 at 11:59 AM ^

Note: If you tend to stream though a web browser connected to your TV like I do, Peacock will not work with Linux, even with Chrome or Firefox. It will work with Windows. Not sure about Apple products. 

Joined: 09/06/2010

MGoPoints: 1243

ATLalumni

August 29th, 2023 at 12:07 PM ^

This is causing me a little bit of a dilemma, as you can only have 3 streams at once.  As i typically have multiple Premier League games on, now i have to account for Michigan games on a Sat as well.

Joined: 01/28/2009

MGoPoints: 519

Jello Biafra

August 29th, 2023 at 12:10 PM ^

Fuck Peacock - I'll be missing my first opener in 40 something years - I'll be running it back old school listening to the game on the radio.

The only winning move is not to play.  

Joined: 08/13/2009

MGoPoints: 419

jhayes1189

August 29th, 2023 at 12:11 PM ^

Might be a super dumb question…..

How many UM games are actually going to be streamed on Peacock this season, and what other services might I need to make sure I can watch the other games. 

I used to think Peacock was only NBC content meaning you got Notre Dame and no one else, which is, just no. 

I ask this because for the past 2 years, I got a larger streaming service that I paid $60/month for just for the Michigan football season, but I really don’t want to do that again just for football, although it was nice because I had basically every college game minus CBS. 
 

 

Joined: 10/04/2021

MGoPoints: 6552

kookie

August 29th, 2023 at 12:43 PM ^

As of now, this is the only streaming service that will have home UM games. It will likely be the only game on the service this year.

The caveat is that the add of Oregon and Wash added inventory that could be potentially sold to a streamer in the future.

I subscribed over the summer. It was $20 for the year. It has actually turned into one of my favorite streaming services.

Joined: 12/19/2014

MGoPoints: 2781

TeslaRedVictorBlue

August 29th, 2023 at 12:20 PM ^

If I tune in 11 minutes late, you're saying I can't start from the beginning until the whole thing finishes. That sucks. Forced commerical breaks. Can you pause live action and watch it 15 behind? We're going backwards here...

Joined: 09/02/2021

MGoPoints: 35048

1989 UM GRAD

August 29th, 2023 at 12:25 PM ^

I'm regularly having the cord-cutting debate with people.

I'm willing to pay more for cable to ensure that I can turn on my TV and watch what I want to watch.

There's actually some early data that's showing that people are un-cutting the cord...after getting frustrated with having to manage so many different services...and once they figure out they aren't saving that much money.

Joined: 03/08/2012

MGoPoints: 1530770

death by wolverine

August 29th, 2023 at 12:40 PM ^

That’s the frustrating part. I’ve had direct tv for 10 plus years. It’s quite expensive monthly and now I have to pay even more for a damn streaming service to watch football. On top of that, direct tv is in some contract disagreements with NBC, so I have to pay for Peacock to watch NBC.( yes I know I can watch it over the air, but I don’t think I should have to with how much I pay) 

Joined: 09/24/2009

MGoPoints: 4490

goblu330

August 29th, 2023 at 12:54 PM ^

Are you in Tallahassee?  

Actually now that you mention it there could possibly be impacts for the LSU-FSU game.

I think it depends though.  I think it remains to be seen right now whether this is really a very serious hurricane or only the variety that the media really wants to be very serious.

Joined: 01/07/2022

MGoPoints: 32123

Greatgig

August 29th, 2023 at 12:58 PM ^

I watch the Dan Patrick show live logged in as a guest (free).  Do you know if the replays are available to watch as a guest?  I'm reasonably sure the live broadcast will only be available for the paying customers.

Joined: 11/29/2010

MGoPoints: 2770

mgeoffriau

August 29th, 2023 at 1:09 PM ^

Anyone else just getting a "Sorry, there's been a problem. Please try again." error when trying to sign up? I wondered if perhaps they had captured my email address when I previously had access for free via Xfinity, so I tried just logging in, but that also returns the same error message.

Joined: 01/01/2013

MGoPoints: 8983