NBC’s Peacock features TV-style platform

NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock has the look of broadcast television.

The new streaming platform, which will be widely available Wednesday, comes with commercials and vintage hits like “The King of Queens.”

Peacock aims to distinguish itself from the likes of Netflix, Disney + and HBO Max by betting that viewers want a free or low-cost streaming option during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new streaming service also offers viewers something they might have missed while being logged onto other streamers: the ability to channel-surf.

“People are looking for more affordable options,” said Matt Strauss, chairman of Peacock and NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. “That was true before the pandemic and now that we are in the middle of it, arguably heading toward a recession, affordability is even more relevant than when we first laid out our strategy seven months ago.”