15 Best Peacock Original Series of All Time, Ranked

NBC streaming platform, Peacockhas created some of the best original series on the streaming scene, contributing talent and quality storytelling to the television hall of fame. Launched in 2020, Peacock quickly established itself as a major competitor in the competitive streaming market. The platform's diverse array of original programming spans multiple genres, captivating viewers with its exceptional storytelling and notable performances from renowned actors. Whether it's the gritty realism of crime dramas, the witty humor of sitcom gems, or the nostalgic charm of revived classics, Peacock has always delivered standout series that have received critical acclaim.

With Peacock currently streaming some of the best shows on TV, the platform's unwavering commitment to nurturing creative talent and bringing innovative storytelling to the screen has struck a chord with audiences craving new, thought-provoking content. From psychological thrillers that keep audiences on edge to heartbreaking family dramas, Peacock's original offerings feature remarkable variety. The service's ability to curate a compelling lineup of must-see shows has solidified its reputation as a hub for quality television and a force to be reckoned with in the streaming space.

15

Placed (2024)

The mix of dark romantics and eccentric works well

Willing is actually a remake of an Australian comedy series of the same name, with Peacock adapting its exciting premise with an Oscar nominee in the lead role. Everything everywhere at the same timeStephanie Hsu stars as a woman who has had no luck when it comes to dating, only to find a new dilemma in her love life. She begins to see a trend of several of her ex-boyfriends dying suddenly and sets out to meet with the past men in her life to warn them of her impending doom.

The hilarious idea sets the stage for a wonderfully dark comic misadventure. However, there are also some interesting dramatic and romantic aspects to the story, with Hsu's Ruby questioning whether she will ever be able to be in a relationship again without putting someone else in danger. Hsu balances the genre elements exceptionally well, elevating the entire series.

14

Mac Gruber (2021)

Will Forte's absurd sense of humor is very funny

Despite being a box office bomb and receiving only mixed reviews from critics, the film MacGruber has become a cult hit over the years. One of the strangest Saturday night live sketches to be turned into a movie, Will Forte created a hilarious, over-the-top parody of 80s action movies with this destructive, self-centered, and unhinged hero at the center. More than a decade later, the character returns with MacGruber centering on the titular commando facing off against a villain from his past.

MacGruber sees the return of Ryan Phillippee and Kristen Wiig along with some notable new cast members including Laurence Fishburne and Sam Elliott. However, the series is truly Forte's time to shine, as he delivers a hilarious performance as this character that the series seems bent on making as unlikable as possible. Still, Forte leans into the ridiculousness of it all to create a riotous comedy unlike anything else on Peacock.

Comedy and action bring this popular video game to life

With Precipitation and The last of us Finding much success on the small screen, this appears to be the era of television adaptations of video games. Twisted metal is a beloved game that also proved to be a very entertaining television show by wisely not taking itself too seriously. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where society travels through a wasteland, avoiding the endless danger that lurks outside. Anthony Mackie stars as John Doe, a milkman who transports a mysterious package while being hunted by ruthless marauders.

The series stands out for being a sillier version of Mad Max films, with their tone working perfectly with the over-the-top nature of the action. The cast is also a lot of fun with Mackie as the everyman hero, accompanied by the likes of Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church and Will Arnett.

12

Ted (2024)

Seth MacFarlane's brand of humor works in live action

Seth MacFarlane is one of the biggest names in adult animation series, with Family Guy as his biggest success. However, MacFarlane brings one of his live-action films to the small screen while maintaining his distinctive sense of humor. Ted was the film series starring Mark Wahlberg as a man who grew up with a talking teddy bear (voiced by MacFarlane) who gradually became his drinking companion. This sitcom serves as a prequel in which teenagers John (Max Burkholder) and Ted enjoy the recklessness of youth.

Although the series is connected to the film It looks a lot like a live-action version of Family Guy with the dysfunctional family dynamics generating some of the biggest laughs. As Family Guy, Ted is not tied to reality, having fun with bizarre jokes and cuts that add to the hilarity.

11

Hysteria! (2024)

A horror comedy with a fun 80s setting

Last Halloween, Peacock gave fans a big treat with the new horror-comedy series Hysteria! will be released in October 2024. The show is set during the “Satanic Panic” era of the 1980s and revolves around the disappearance of a popular young teenager in a close-knit community with rumors of satanic influences involved. Hoping to capitalize on the interest, a group of local teenagers lean into satanic fear with their metal band, while possibly unwittingly invoking true evil.

Similar to Stranger Things season 4, Hysteria! have a lot of fun commenting on the fear and ignorance that arose in this era, while also including some genuine supernatural emotions. The young cast is a lot of fun, while the series is also elevated by some bigger-name supporting stars, including Julie Bowen and Bruce Campbell.

10

Bupkis (2023)

Genuine acting makes the character's struggles and triumphs feel genuine

Bupkis showcases Pete Davidson's unique ability to draw on his personal experiences and create a compelling and semi-autobiographical narrative that resonates with viewers. The series offers a refreshing yet fictional look at the comedian's life on Staten Island. Davidson's performance, alongside Bupkis' stellar cast, including Edie Falco and Joe Pesci, brings depth and authenticity to the characters.

The show's meta approach and celebrity cameos add an extra layer of entertainment without ever overshadowing the heart of the story. Bupkis showcases Davidson's growth as a storyteller, making it one of Peacock's most engaging and memorable original series. The series was so popular that Peacock renewed it for a second season. However, Pete Davidson decided he didn't want to return for a second season, so he chose to end the series on his terms and ended up with just eight episodes.

9

Killing (2022-)

An exploration of the lengths people will go to in pursuit of the American Dream

Killing offers a refreshing, humane, and empathetic look at a world of con artists, con artists, and a down-on-his-luck bank security guard. Craig Robinson's portrayal of Craig Foster, a man desperate to change his life by hunting pythons in Florida, is both heartfelt and comical. The series' ability to approach even its most morally ambiguous characters with understanding and compassion sets it apart of the darkest narratives that dominate the television landscape.

While Killing may not be the funniest comedy on streaming, its smart writing makes it worth watching. The series has two seasons, with Robinson teaming up with Claudia O'Doherty, who plays Jillian Glopp, for a comedy that has received near-universal praise, boasting a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the series' cast and comedy, and although it has two seasons, there is no information on when or if a third season might arrive on Peacock streaming.

8

Based on a true story (2023-)

Cuoco and Messina's performances are the highlight

Based on a true story takes a satirical take on the true crime podcast phenomenon and the dark side of the pursuit of fame, as Ava Bartlett (Kaley Cuoco) and her husband, Nathan (Chris Messina), discover they know the serial killer (Tom Bateman) they are investigating . Instead of reporting him, they decide to capitalize on their connection by creating a podcast, highlighting highlights from the show. scathing commentary on capitalism and the true crime obsession.

Based on a true story returned for Season 2 in 2024, and the series continues to offer a darkly comedic exploration of the moral compromises people make in pursuit of success. The first season had a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which was still enough to be certified as fresh for the first season. Although it looks similar to Only murders in the buildingthis was a lighter series, with more sitcom-style humor and a charming turn from Cuoco.

7

Angelina (2022)

An interesting take on a mysterious character

The miniseries angeline offers an illuminating exploration of the enigmatic titular character, a blonde bombshell who rose to fame in the 1980s through her iconic billboard images in Los Angeles. angeline gets a lot of things right about the Hollywood icon, and Emmy Rossum's transformative performance is impressivewith the actress spending long hours in the makeup chair to embody the famous-for-being-famous influencer.

Rossum's dedication to the role adds remarkable depth to a character that could have easily been portrayed as shallow, elevating the series. The miniseries received recognition at the Primetime Emmy Awards with nominations for Best Period Costume, Best Contemporary Makeup and Best Prosthetic Makeup. It also has an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Rossum's performance in her lead role.

6

A Friend of the Family (2022)

A compelling narrative and socially relevant themes

A family friend addresses the harrowing true story of Jan Broberg's repeated kidnappings by serial predator Bob Berchtold in 1970s Idaho. The series humanizes Jan's overconfident parents, Mary Ann and Bob Broberg, played by Anna Paquin and Colin Hanks, while exploring the island community that inadvertently sheltered Berchtold, played by Jake Lacy. Hendrix Yancey and McKenna Grace portray Jan at different ages, capturing the lasting impact of Berchtold's obsession.

The way showrunner Nick Antosca handles the subject elevates the seriesoffering a thought-provoking examination of abuse and manipulation. Although the story was originally told in Kidnapped in plain sight (2017), Antosca wanted to delve deeper into the case and add more context. Rotten Tomatoes rates the Peacock series at 92% fresh, and the streaming service even followed up with a documentary about Jan's recovery, recalling the event years later.

5

One of us is lying (2021-2022)

Proves that a familiar concept can be elevated

Based on the young adult novel by Karen M. McManus One of us is lying offers a fresh take on the murder mystery genre by setting its story in a high school detention. When one of the five students, Simon, who runs a blog exposing his classmates' secrets, dies from an apparent allergic reaction that later appears to be murder, the remaining four become suspects.

The series' premise, while not entirely groundbreaking, is skillfully executed, delivering A well-crafted and engaging mystery this keeps viewers guessing until the end. Season two intensifies things when they end up blackmailed by someone they know killed the killer from season one, and the twists are even more demented than in season one. The series received widespread praise, with a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but ended after just two seasons.

4

The Amber Ruffin Show (2020-2022)

A refreshing approach to late-night comedy

The Amber Ruffin Show'The unique format sets it apart from other late-night offerings, focusing exclusively on comedy through monologues and sketches featuring the charismatic Amber Ruffin. His infectious joy serves as a disarming cover for incisive commentary on racism, systemic oppression, and the challenges of the Trump era.

Ruffin's ability to balance his effervescent personality with a sharp, socially conscious humor honed during his appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyerstranslates seamlessly into its own half-hour program. Ruffin's undeniable talent makes it one of the most entertaining and thought-provoking original series on the platform. The series received nominations from the Emmy, WGA, GLAAD Media Awards and NAACP Awards, but ended after three seasons on Peacock.

3

Girls5eva (2021)

Shows the platform’s commitment to producing high-quality, engaging content

Supported by Tina Fey's executive production and infectious original music composed specifically for the series, Girls5eva follows a wonderful 90s female one-hit group's search for a comeback after a young rapper tries out their one-hit. The show's clever premise offers a fresh and fun take on the music industry and the challenges of regaining fame. The cast includes real-life singers Sara Bareilles and Renée Elise Goldsberry, alongside comedic actors Busy Philipps and Paula Pell.

Girls5eva'The talented cast brings something new to their characters as they overcome personal and professional obstacles in search of a second chance. Girls5evaThe witty writing, catchy songs, and nostalgia-filled charm make it one of Peacock's best original series. Although it never won any awards, it received 35 different nominations from everything from the Emmys and Gold Derby awards to the Black Reel Awards for Television. Girls5eva it eventually moved to Netflix for its final season.

2

We Are Female Parts (2021-)

Expertly explores the inherent tension of being an outsider

The British comedy series, We are feminine piecesshines with its unique premise and stellar original soundtrack. Anjana Vasan gives a standout performance as Amina, a bookish Muslim woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets the members of the all-female, Muslim punk band Lady Parts. The series brings the band to the UK and takes advantage of London's diverse culture to offer a look at friendship and success in the face of hardship.

Original songs co-written by creator Nida Manzoor infuse the show with unparalleled energycomplementing the witty and engaging stories. We are feminine pieces'The refreshing take on identity, friendship and pursuing one's passions, along with its exceptional cast and infectious music, make it a phenomenal series. With two seasons and 12 episodes, We are feminine pieces won three BAFTA Awards and a Peabody for Entertainment.

1

Poker Face (2023-)

Immense talent exists in front of and behind the camera

Created by Knives out'is Rian Johnson and starring the incomparable Natasha Lyonne, poker face is a captivating mystery anthology series that pays homage to the classic Columbus format. The show's unique approach to storytelling, revealing the details of the murder upfront and focusing on Charlie's unconventional problem-solving skills, keeps viewers engaged and guessing.

Lyonne's authentic, down-to-earth performance perfectly complements the series' style and humorreminiscent of Johnson's distinctive cinema. The series has an impressive roster of guest stars and expertly crafted episodes. With a recent score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, a Primetime Emmy Award, and an AFI and WGA win, poker face solidifies its position as the crown jewel of Peacock original programming, establishing a new standard for content on the platform.