Does Peacock Stream the Times Square Ball Drop
Peacock does not carry the main Times Square ball drop broadcast. The primary live feed of the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square is produced by NBC and is available on the NBC broadcast network and Peacock's live TV tiers that include broadcast networks. The event is also simulcast on other NBCUniversal properties, but the core production remains with NBC and its owned-and-operated stations. For the most current carriage details, check the official NBC New Year's Eve coverage page on NBC.com or the Peacock help center NBC official site.
Peacock's role in New Year's Eve coverage depends on your subscription level. Peacock Premium and Premium Plus plans that include NBC live channels can stream the ball drop through the live TV option, but the core broadcast originates from NBC. If you only have the ad-supported base tier without live TV, you may not have access to the live NBC feed. The exact lineup can change each season, so verify current channel availability in your region before the event.
What Platforms Stream the Ball Drop Live
The main platforms that carry the Times Square ball drop live are NBC, NBCNews.com, and the NBC app, with Peacock live TV tiers providing additional access. The event is also distributed through affiliated broadcast stations, cable providers that carry NBC, and select streaming services that include NBC in their channel lineup. For the most authoritative schedule and platform list, refer to the NBC New Year's Eve event page NBC New Year's Eve coverage.
Other streaming services that carry NBC channels may also offer the ball drop, depending on your package. Services that include NBC in their live TV lineup, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, can provide access to the NBC broadcast of the event. Peacock itself serves as an on-demand streaming service, but its live TV tiers are the gateway to the NBC broadcast of the Times Square ball drop.
How to Watch the Ball Drop Online
To watch the ball drop online, you need a service that includes NBC live channels. The NBC app and NBCNews.com provide live streaming of the broadcast for viewers with a participating TV provider login. Peacock Premium and Premium Plus plans with live TV also offer the NBC feed, making them a direct option for streaming the event without a traditional cable subscription Peacock streaming service.
For viewers without a TV provider, the most reliable path is a live TV streaming service that includes NBC, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. These services typically offer free trials that can be used to watch the ball drop. The NBC broadcast is also available on connected TV apps and mobile devices through the NBC app, provided you authenticate with a participating pay-TV provider.