Since its impressive launch in 2020, Peacock has crafted a dynamic and colorful catalog of exciting television shows and films. Despite battling against other popular platforms like Netflix and Hulu, Peacock has attracted a large audience and substantial viewership. Some of the most entertaining new shows include side-splitting comedies, thrilling mysteries, and endearing sitcoms. The site is proving to be a trend-setting and innovative entertainment source contrary to many initial doubts.

Peacock's diverse slate of original series offers something for everyone, with Emmy-nominated shows and a roster of popular actors. Whether you’re in the mood to watch Saturday Night Live alum Will Forte uproariously battle to save the world in MacGruber, a parody of the ‘80s classic MacGyver, or if you prefer to watch a gritty and dramatic re-imagining of an iconic Will Smith sitcom with Bel-Air, Peacock is sure to have just the right show. From sinister doctors to trailblazing influencers, the streamer is loaded with content. These are some of the best Peacock original series.

Updated on Feb. 8, 2024, by Christine Persaud: There are always new shows coming to Peacock, and this list is continually refreshed to include exciting new titles worth watching.

17 Bupkis (2023)

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Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson co-created and co-wrote Bupkis, a sitcom offering a fictionalized version of his actual chaotic life. It focuses on the mundane daily doings of his life versus the hot topics that often surround the young actor, including his dating life and mental health. Expect lots of dirty jokes but also emotional moments as well. The series has been renewed for a second season.

Raunchy and Entertaining

Bupkis is a hilarious series that finds dark humor in uncomfortable, outrageous situations. Davidson has never had a problem with using his life story as a basis for his comedy, and it is a winning formula for this show. Complementing Davidson's real and honest performance is a great cast that includes Edie Falco as his mother and the legendary Joe Pesci as his grandfather. There's a tinge of irony and sadness in the humor. Even if you aren't a Davidson fan, there's a sense of catharsis to the series, both for Davidson and those watching who can relate to some of his non-celebrity challenges.

16 The Traitors (2023)

You might not initially consider reality shows to be among the best a streaming service or network has to offer unless it's one that specializes in the genre. But The Traitors is a worthy exception to the rule. The reality show, based on the Dutch show De Verraders and inspired by the party game Mafia, is intriguing and addictive. Players live in a massive mansion in Scotland where they compete, scheme, and strategize. A handful are secretly deemed traitors, and if they can last through to the end of the game without being sent home, they win the prize money. If they are all sent packing, the remaining "faithfuls" win. Filled with paranoia and suspicion, it's truly a game about who can make the best decisions and give their best poker face.

A Game of Lies and Deception

While fans weren't too pleased with the decision to include a cast of all former reality show players in the second season, the clashing personalities add an interesting dynamic to the show. Alan Cummings's campy, Broadway-like theatrics are scene-stealing every time he enters the screen. Fans love weighing in from home about how they might play certain scenarios and how well the traitors are doing. Receiving incredibly positive reviews, The Traitors is arguably one of the best reality shows on television today.

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15 Killing It (2022)

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The always hilarious Craig Robinson headlines the 2022 sitcom Killing It, in which he portrays divorced, single father Craig. He's a man with entrepreneurial aspirations who sets out to achieve the American Dream and decides to enter the Florida Python Competition. To kick-start his latest business endeavor, Craig teams up with a fierce snake-killing Uber driver named Jillian to try and win the lucrative prize money he so desperately needs.

Uproarious Laughs All The Way Through

Robinson once again delivers a side-splitting performance in the series, proving he can effortlessly lead a comedy after being a scene-stealer in the beloved workplace comedy show The Office. Described by our reviewer as "wickedly fun satire," Killing It has relatable themes about capitalism, friendship, and the American Dream, something any viewer can get behind. The chemistry between the two leads makes the show an entertaining watch.

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14 MacGruber (2021)

The Last Man on Earth star Will Forte once again brings his former Saturday Night Live character to life in the action-comedy series MacGruber, which centers on the eponymous hero as he is released from a decade-long prison sentence and sets out to defeat a dangerous arch nemesis from his past. MacGruber enlists the help of his former team members, Dixon Piper and Vicki St. Elmo (Ryan Phillippe and Kristen Wiig), to once again save the world from impending doom brought on by the evil Brigadier Commander Enos Queeth (Billy Zane).

The Expansion of a Beloved Character

The MacGruber character was beloved on Saturday Night Live. The 2010 movie that followed didn't quite pan out as hoped, but the passionate cult following eventually led to the creation of the popular and hilarious Peacock television series, for which critics praise the "deadpan buffoonery." While MacGruber might not be everyone's cup of tea, fans of the character and SNL sketches will appreciate the hilariously absurd storylines in this interpretation.

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13 Angelyne (2022)

The 2022 miniseries Angelyne is an insightful and revealing look at the mysterious titular blonde bombshell who skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s with notorious billboard images in Los Angeles. It highlights the efforts by The Hollywood Reporter journalist Jeff Glaser as he attempts to uncover the true identity of the ambiguous starlet. The delightful Emmy Rossum takes on the role of the famous-for-being-famous influencer, undergoing a staggering transformation to embody the enigmatic Angelyne.

A Fitting Tribute to an Atypical Icon

Rossum spent a whopping four to five hours in the makeup chair to embody the billboard model. The dedication she puts into the character pays off in this series, with critics praising the "remarkable depth" she adds to an otherwise two-dimensional (pun intended) character.

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12 A Friend of the Family (2022)

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Based on the true story of the abduction of Jan Broberg (Mckenna Grace) in the 1970s, A Friend of the Family is a story with so many twists that you may think the details are being exaggerated for the television miniseries. That's likely why the real Jan Broberg introduces the series, pointing out that she hopes telling her story could prevent it from happening again. As the story unfolds, we see the infuriating naïveté of Jan's family, who make a bad situation worse with their poor decision-making.

Based on a Chilling True Story

The mere fact that this unbelievable story is actually true makes A Friend of the Family worth watching to see how it all unfolds. Beginning when she was 12 years old, Jan was abducted multiple times by family friend Bob Berchtold (Jake Lacy), and the series shows how it manages to happen again and again. The circumstances surrounding the kidnappings are beyond belief. Colin Hanks and Anna Paquin, who play Jan's parents, give fantastic performances. The miniseries doesn't disappoint and is worth watching before checking out the Peacock documentary featuring Broberg herself retelling the story.

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11 One of Us is Lying (2021)

Based on the best-selling YA novel by Karen M. McManus, the young adult mystery drama One of Us is Lying centers on a group of five diverse high school students who are forced to spend a day in detention. During that time, one of them has a fatal allergic reaction and dies, just as they are about to reveal detrimental gossip about the others. The remaining four students quickly fall under suspicion by the authorities and an investigation ensues, with each having their secret motives for the murder.

A Chilling YA Mystery

Along with the surprise twists that will delight even those who have read the book, One of Us is Lying premiered to rave reviews. Though it was renewed for a second season, the series ended after that. It's a quick binge-watch, however, and something viewers from teens to adults will enjoy. The twists and constant whodunit theories keep it interesting all the way through. The complexity of the characters also makes it a pleasant watch, with characters fans want to sympathize with or outright dislike.

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10 In The Know (2024)

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A fun stop-motion political satire comedy, In The Know has an impressive voice cast that includes Zach Woods, J. Smith Cameron, and the creator himself, Mike Judge (King of the Hill). Woods is Lauren Caspian, a moderately popular host for NPR who interviews real celebrities. The show features both the interviews, which include the celebrities in human form via video chat as well as Lauren's interactions with his eclectic group of co-workers.

Topical and Fun

While In the Know is meant to be satirical, the series also tackles topical issues in a humorous way. It's modern, fitting with present times, and even awakening in terms of how humans process situations and the world around us. It's eye-opening to our own hypocrisy about everything from politics to social issues.

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9 Ted (2024)

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If you loved the movies Ted and Ted 2, you'll want to check out the prequel series Ted which tells the story of the sentient, lovable yet foul-mouthed teddy bear and his best friend John while growing up in Boston. The setting is after Ted has long come to life and enjoyed his extended 15 minutes of fame. Now, he's just living a normal life with the Bennett family in Boston. When he is forced to go to school with John to keep out of trouble, however, plenty of hijinx ensue.

A No Kids Allowed Sitcom

While Ted has a '90s sitcom feel to it (indeed, it's set during that decade with plenty of references to fit), it's not a show to watch with the family. There's plenty of raunchy humor, dirty jokes, and sexual innuendo, not to mention drug use. But at its heart, Ted runs much deeper. It's about a young man coming of age and dealing with not having many (or rather any) friends and a family coming together. Thanks to the addition of a new character, college-aged cousin and feminist Blaire, Ted touches on various serious topics, too, from racism to sexism. It's an intelligent show masked in a raunchy dressing.

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8 Bel-Air (2022)

A darker re-imagining of the iconic ‘90s staple The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the highly anticipated drama series Bel-Air was developed by and based on Morgan Cooper’s short fan film of the same name. It chronicles street-smart teen Will Smith’s rocky journey from West Philadelphia to the mansions of Bel-Air when he moves in with his wealthy relatives. Jabari Banks takes on the character of Smith, with the veteran performer himself personally surprising Banks by revealing he nabbed the lead role in a touching Instagram video; Smith serves as a producer of the program after having been blown away by Cooper’s short movie.

A Darker, Modern-Day Re-imagining of a Classic

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was one of the most beloved sitcoms of the '90s so it's no surprise that the concept was brought back for the 21st Century. However, unlike straight-up remakes that are often par for the course, this unique spin makes it interesting. With two seasons already released and renewal confirmed for a third, it's clear that fans are loving the show's dark and more socially conscious, aware, and politically charged interpretation.

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7 Twisted Metal (2023)

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The hit video game Twisted Metal gets a long-awaited live-action adaptation in a wild series starring Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz. The series was co-created by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the creative team behind Deadpool and Zombieland. The series is about John Doe, a man suffering from memory loss who works in apocalyptic times as a milkman, delivering goods to and from different people and communities. When he is presented with the possibility of a better future if he can deliver one very important package through incredibly difficult circumstances, he accepts the challenge. But the journey will be anything but easy.

Irreverent, Violent, and Funny

Twisted Metal has the right combination of humor, violence, gore, satire, and downright fun. The over-the-top violence is juxtaposed with the same insane humor that made the game a hit. While the goofy tone may not appeal to everyone, it's exactly what fans want. It's also highly entertaining, and we'll never pass up a Will Arnett performance, even if it is just his voice behind the character of Sweet Tooth.

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6 The Amber Ruffin Show (2020)

The late-night comedy talk series The Amber Ruffin Show features the talented comedian and actress as she performs in sketches and monologues while delivering hilarious commentary on current events and politics. In 2014, Ruffin made history when she became the first Black woman to write for a late-night United States network talk show when she joined Late Night with Seth Meyers. Peacock announced in 2020 that the funny lady would be receiving her very own talk show, shaking up the typical late-night structure by eliminating celebrity guests and instead focusing on topical sketches.

A Much-Needed Female Voice

Upon its debut, The Amber Ruffin Show garnered critical acclaim, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. In their glowing review, Paste wrote, “If you’ve seen her on Late Night with Seth Meyers, you know how charming and disarming Ruffin can be... For a first episode, last Friday’s debut was remarkably confident and consistent, which is a great sign for the show’s future.”

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5 Dr. Death (2021)

The 2021 crime drama miniseries Dr. Death is based on the successful podcast of the same name, depicting the infamous titular neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch who went on to be sentenced to life in prison for maiming several patients’ spines and killing two of them. The second season follows the story of medical researcher and surgeon Paolo Macchiarini who developed a supposedly ground-breaking stem cell treatment but was revealed to be living a double life and hiding a mountain of secrets.

Chilling True Stories Each Season

The dynamic Joshua Jackson delivers a tour-de-force performance as the evil and despicable doctor, superbly showcasing Duntsch’s sociopathic narcissism that ultimately led his fellow surgeons and a young assistant district attorney to set out and put an end to his terrifying crusade. The description alone piques viewers' curiosity and makes this show one to check out. The beauty is that season 2 has an equally fabulous cast that includes Edgar Ramirez and Mandy Moore with an equally heart-wrenching and bone-chilling story. You can watch both or pick one since each season focuses on a different compartmentalized story.

4 Based on a True Story (2023)

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Kaley Cuoco stars in Based on a True Story, a comedy that takes a satirical swipe at America’s obsession with true crime. The former Big Bang Theory star plays Ava, a struggling realtor, and Chris Messina plays her husband Nathan, an ex-tennis star. Together they discover that someone they know is the serial killer who has been plaguing the city. Rather than turn him in, they convince him to join their entirely anonymous true-crime podcast, with dreams of getting rich off the venture.

A Satirical Look at Our Obsession With True Crime

Beyond the absurd storyline, Based on a True Story parodies both society's fascination with true crime and the lengths people would go to keep up with the Joneses. The show's dark humor is a hilarious indictment of America's narcissism, with a side of mockery of California's hedonistic materialism. Even when the plot gets even more outlandish and unbelievable, Cuoco's presence keeps the show from going off the rails.

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3 Girls5eva (2021)

The smash hit musical comedy series Girls5eva follows the eponymous ‘90s one-hit-wonder girl group as they are reunited 20 years later. They have the chance to make it big once again on the music scene after their popular song is sampled by a promising rapper. The ladies must find a balance between their career aspirations and personal lives, having to hilariously juggle kids, significant others, debt, their other jobs, and getting older.

Another Tina Fey Gem

Touting an impressive cast including Busy Philipps and Sara Bareilles, the endearing Peacock show includes fun original songs performed by the actresses, with Bareilles helping write two of the comedy’s tracks. Girls5eva swept both critics and audiences off their feet, earning widespread praise; USA Today wrote, “With hilarious earworms (“Dream Girlfriends” and “The Splingy”), a cast brimming with energy and chemistry, Girls is the kind of happy-go-lucky sitcom that’s perfect for a post-Ted Lasso world.” It's a beautiful parody and one of the best female-led comedies to watch.

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2 Mrs. Davis (2023)

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Mrs. Davis is an AI-centric show about an artificial intelligence that has taken over society. Simone, a nun, seems to be the only person who hasn't become entranced by the AI, which speaks to everyone through their phones and earbuds. But Mrs. Davis, as she has named the computer program, won't leave Simone alone. It makes a promise to destroy itself if Simone can achieve one feat: bring it the Holy Grail. So begins a crazy adventure with plenty of twists and turns.

A Cautionary Tale About AI

This fantasy/comedy series can be confusing at first, but if you stick with it, Mrs. Davis will reward you with great performances and hilariously entertaining moments, courtesy of Betty Gilpin and a fantastic cast. It's a wonderful parody of society's obsession with AI that couldn't have come at a better time. A bit of life imitating art, the ending has a big pay-off you won't see coming.

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1 Poker Face (2023)

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Creator and executive producer Rian Johnson reminded us all how great detective shows can be with Poker Face, a mystery series that gave actress Natasha Lyonne the defining role of her career so far. Lyonne plays Charlie Cale, a free spirit with the uncanny ability to tell if someone is lying. That talent makes her a target, however, so she hits the road with a hitman (Benjamin Bratt) on her tail. Every week, there's a new town and an unsolved murder that needs her lie-detecting talents, and guest stars aplenty to move the plot along.

A Modern-Day Columbo

Every episode is hugely entertaining, and Lyonne's Charlie is such a unique and charismatic character, that she can stand alongside other memorable TV detectives like Columbo, Jessica Fletcher, and Monk. Her performance also earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Johnson infuses the show with a funky-cool 1970s style that's unlike any other show right now. The guest cast and unique stories in each episode alongside the overarching story throughout make it fresh and exciting all the way through.

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