NBCU seals A+E Networks deal for unscripted content

Comcast’s NBCUniversal has signed a “massive licencing deal” with A+E Networks for its upcoming Peacock streamer.

The deal will serve to bulk up Peacock’s library of unscripted library content with “hundreds of hours” of shows such as Storage Wars, Cold Case Files and Ancient Aliens.

These shows join Peacock’s already healthy library of scripted content like Keeping Up With The Kardashians, American Ninja Warrior and Top Chef, though the major selling point for the service will be exclusive streaming rights to iconic scripted shows The Office and Parks And Recreation.

It is currently unclear if content from the Hearst-Disney joint-venture A+E Networks will be available on Peacock at launch.

Frances Manfredi, president of content acquisition and strategy at Peacock and NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, said: “We are excited to make some of A+E Networks’ most popular shows available on Peacock later this year. In addition to the strong portfolio of NBCUniversal programming available on Peacock, we continue to aggregate content from other networks and studios, like A&E and History, that maximizes the breadth and depth of choice for our customers.”

Steve MacDonald, president of global content licensing and international at A+E Networks, said: “We are excited to partner with Peacock. We of course strongly believe in the power of the A+E Networks’ library of content, and that it will prove to strengthen Peacock’s offerings.”

Peacock is slated for an initial launch on April 15.