These days, cutting the cable cord means subscribing to any number of proprietary streaming services; Netflix and Hulu are some of the more popular platforms, while HBO Max is also a premiere destination for new releases. NBCUniversal is considering the possibility of removing content from other streaming platforms for its movies and content, and is considering the possibility of removing content from other services and storing it on its Peacock platform instead.

For those who have already chosen to add Peacock to their revolving door of streaming services, it may present a problem. That is, they would have to subscribe again to access content they missed elsewhere. Content will be isolated to only certain brands, making the choice of streaming service more complicated.

According to Bloomberg, NBCUniversal plans to distribute new movies on Peacock instead of HBO Max. Currently, HBO Max pays for the rights to NBCUniversal's content for nine months after theatrical release; Netflix has a similar deal, but both contracts expire at the end of 2021.

According to sources, so far no final decision has been made on the termination of NBCUniversal; there have even been discussions about other possible similar deals with third parties such as HBO Max and Netflix. So what is at stake? Internal discussions have yet to reveal a viable reason for handing over a popular film to a competitor. Still, it is worth discussing, especially as the pandemic forces films to be more readily available to viewers at home.

Universal is home to several essential franchises that rank high on major streaming services: "Jurassic World," "Wild Speed," and "The Secret Life of Pets 2." for HBO Max and Netflix, Losing these earners would be a huge disadvantage. But that is why both platforms have been preparing to compensate by expanding their offerings of scripted movies and shows.

As of now, it is unclear if this plan will come to fruition. Internal deliberations are still underway, but the outcome could be significant for Peacock. Currently, Peacock boasts that it has at least 33 million accounts. Unfortunately, that translates to only 11.3 million households watching, a far cry from Netflix, which as of August 2020 is watched in 80% of U.S. households. If Peacock renews its exclusive distribution, it will have a significant advantage.