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Forget Netflix, I tuned into Peacock to watch the SNL 50 special and it went off without a hitch – here’s why it’s built for live-streaming

Forget Netflix, I tuned into Peacock to watch the SNL 50 special and it went off without a hitch – here’s why it’s built for live-streaming

  • 18.03.2025 18:15
  • techradar.com
  • Keywords: Peacock, NBC

Peacock successfully streamed SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special live with no issues, impressing users with its reliability and features like multiview. The event drew millions of viewers, making it NBC’s most-watched primetime event in years.

Apple Services

Estimated market influence

Peacock

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Analyst rating: N/A

Peacock successfully streamed the SNL 50th Anniversary Special without issues, attracting a significant audience and setting a new benchmark for live-streaming events. Their platform's performance was highlighted by Patrick Miceli, CTO of global streaming at NBCU Media Group, who noted Peacock achieved a 100% success rate in video quality and reliability during major events like the NFL and Olympics.

NBC

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Analyst rating: N/A

NBC, as the parent company of Peacock, played a crucial role in producing and airing the SNL 50th Anniversary Special. The collaboration between NBC and Peacock resulted in a successful live-streaming event that set records for viewership.

Context

Business Insights and Market Implications Analysis

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Event Details:

    • The SNL 50th Anniversary Special aired on February 16, 2025.
    • It was viewed by 14.8 million viewers across Peacock and NBC linear TV within the same day, making it NBC’s most-watched primetime event in five years.

  • Peacock Performance:

    • Streamed seamlessly with no buffering or interruptions.
    • No commercials were shown; instead, a message indicated when the show would resume.
    • The platform supported multiview functionality during the Paris Olympics and other live events.

  • Infrastructure Investment:

    • Patrick Miceli, CTO of NBCU Media Group, revealed that Peacock’s infrastructure is designed for high performance, security, and reliability.
    • Achieved a 100% success rate in video quality and reliability during major events like NFL games and the Olympics.

  • Competitive Landscape:

    • Peacock is positioned as a strong competitor in the streaming market, particularly for live events.
    • Other services have struggled with stream reliability during peak demand.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • Live Streaming Growth:

    • Live events are becoming increasingly important for streaming platforms to attract and retain users.
    • Peacock’s ability to handle high-demand live events without issues positions it as a leader in this space.

  • Viewer Behavior:

    • The success of the SNL 50th Anniversary Special highlights the growing preference for on-demand, ad-free live streaming over traditional linear TV.
    • This trend is likely to continue, driving demand for reliable and high-quality live-streaming services.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Peacock’s Strengths:

    • Backed by NBC’s decades of experience in live TV production and broadcasting.
    • Strong focus on curating a backlog of content alongside live events.

  • Strategic Considerations:

    • Peacock’s multiview functionality and ability to handle simultaneous streams provide a unique competitive advantage.
    • The platform is likely to expand its coverage of major events, including the next Olympics and NBA games in 2025.

Long-Term Effects

  • Subscriber Growth Potential:

    • Successful live event streaming could drive Peacock’s subscriber growth, particularly among cord-cutters seeking alternatives to traditional cable TV.

  • Market Expansion:

    • NBCU’s investment in infrastructure and content curation positions Peacock as a key player in the global streaming market, competing with giants like Netflix and Disney+.

Conclusion

Peacock’s seamless handling of the SNL 50th Anniversary Special underscores its growing role in the live-streaming landscape. With a robust technical infrastructure and strategic focus on curating both on-demand and live content, Peacock is well-positioned to capture market share in the competitive streaming industry.