Comcast Is Launching a Netflix Rival

By April 13, 2017
Comcast Launching Online Video Service
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* Comcast launching online video platform
* Will offer shows from NBCUniversal networks
* Set to launch in the next 12 to 18 months

Comcast is making a play for the streaming market with plans to introduce an online video service offering hit shows from NBCUniversal television networks. The as-yet-unnamed platform, set to launch in the next 12 to 18 months, will be a direct competitor to Netflix and rival NBC platforms like CBS All Access.

For the new streaming service, Comcast will feature shows from the NBC broadcast network, like This is Us and The Voice. Programming will also come from NBCUniversal-owned stations, like Bravo, SyFy and USA Network (home to shows like the Real Housewives franchise, Face Off and Suits. Comcast is still working out the other particulars of the service, including whether it will have a live feed of the broadcast network and whether it will include sports.

Comcast is looking to take advantage of its majority stake in NBCUniversal — a deal which was finalized in 2011. Since that time, millions of people have turned to online and mobile streaming platforms for entertainment, while traditional television and live TV viewership has shown significant drops.

The news comes just days after Comcast also announced that it was entering the mobile arena, with a new wireless service called Xfinity Mobile.