NBCUniversal's newest distribution agreement is another sign that the company's late-night strategy increasingly emphasizes streaming. And for fans, it means it will be easier than ever to watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Saturday Night Live.
NBCUniversal announced a new deal with Google that will add Peacock to YouTube Premium subscriptions beginning next year. On top of the streaming deal, NBC also extended its distribution agreement with YouTube TV to keep the network's content available for millions of cord-cutters in the U.S.
From the outside, it looks like an easy numbers game for NBC. According to Reuters, Peacock has only just became profitable after launching in 2020. It currently carries 48 million subscribers. Meanwhile, YouTube Premium provides ad-free viewing and music for $17 per month to its 125 million global users.
Late-night TV fans that were already using YouTube to catch up with Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and the Saturday Night Live cast now have the opportunity to stream full episodes when they go live on Peacock. Plus, there is a library of old SNL and curated Johnny Carson content on Peacock. And don't forget Bravo, which includes Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
It's a smart play by NBC to lean further into YouTube. Networks are already trying to figure out the best way to monetize the platform as traditional television viewing habits continue to change. Stephen Colbert mentioned as much during interviews surrounding the end of The Late Show at CBS.
For viewers who only subscribe to YouTube TV, the deal between NBCUniversal and Google should also come as a relief. Reports did not clarify the exact terms of the deal, but the immediate takeaway should be that it avoids any concerns about NBC content dropping off the service.
In the past year, negotiations over distribution details have put late-night TV at risk of leaving YouTube TV. Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show, and Gutfeld! are just some of the shows that either faced disruption or the possibility of disruption due to networks clashing with Google over YouTube TV content.
So while one network has essentially abandoned late-night television, another is finding a way to evolve with the times and keep its content in front of audiences. Even fans who do not subscribe to YouTube Premium should consider this good news for the future of NBC late-night.
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