Showmax to relaunch with Peacock app and new services - gadget.co.za

Forget load shedding ruining your binge-watching – Showmax just pulled a full befok and is about to become something completely different, and it all hinges on an American peacock. Seriously. The streaming service as we know it is getting a major overhaul, merging with NBCUniversal’s Peacock. This isn’t just a tweak, bru. It's a full rebuild. We’re breaking down what this means for your monthly subscription, the content you’ll actually get, and whether it’s worth sticking around when Netflix, Disney+, and even a sneaky Takealot streaming bundle are already fighting for your attention (and your bandwidth). ## So, What Exactly *Is* Peacock, And Why Should You Care? Okay, so Peacock. It’s NBCUniversal’s streaming service, launched in the US. Think of it as the home of everything NBC – *The Office*, *Parks and Recreation*, that kind of vibe. But it’s not *just* old sitcoms. They’ve got live sports, specifically the Premier League, WWE, and a whole bunch of other American TV shows and movies. This isn't some small-time operation either; they're backed by a major player. Peacock offers a few different tiers in the US, but the key thing to understand is that it’s designed to be a broad-appeal service. It’s trying to be everything to everyone, much like MultiChoice tries to do with DStv, but in a streaming format. Whether that works in South Africa is another story – we'll get to that. ## Showmax 2.0: What's Changing (And What's Staying The Same)? Right, the big question. What’s happening to *our* Showmax? Well, the current platform is getting scrapped. Gone. Replaced with Peacock. MultiChoice is essentially handing over the keys. The plan is to rebrand Showmax as Peacock in early 2024. What does this mean for you? Your existing subscription will likely change. MultiChoice hasn’t given us all the details yet, but they’ve said your current subscription will be “upgraded” to Peacock. Whether that's a lekker upgrade or a befok downgrade remains to be seen. SuperSport is a big sticking point. Currently, Showmax Pro includes SuperSport content. It’s unclear if that will continue under the new Peacock setup. They’ve been vague, which is never a good sign. And what about the local content? The *Trackers*, the *Blood & Water* – will that still be a priority, or will we be drowning in American reality TV? ## The Price is Right…Or Is It? Let's talk moola. This is where things get tricky. MultiChoice hasn’t announced the pricing for the new Showmax/Peacock combo yet. However, we can look at what Peacock charges in the US for a rough idea. Currently, Peacock Premium costs US$5.99 per month, and Peacock Premium Plus costs US$11.99 per month. Of course, those prices are in US dollars, and we’re in South Africa. Considering the exchange rate and the general cost of living here, expect those prices to be…adjusted. The big question is: will it be competitive? Netflix’s basic plan starts at R149 per month, Disney+ is around R199. If Peacock tries to charge R300+ per month, they’re going to have a hard time convincing people to switch, especially when you can just grab a Nando’s and chill. ## Premier League on Showmax? This Could Be a Game Changer Okay, this is the one thing that could actually make this whole thing worthwhile. Peacock has the rights to the Premier League in the US. And those rights are coming to South Africa. For the soccer boets, this is HUGE. No more battling with DStv’s complicated packages and expensive subscriptions. Imagine watching the Manchester derby in HD, without the risk of load shedding cutting out at the crucial moment. If Peacock can deliver on this promise, it could be a serious game changer. It could even tempt some people away from DStv, which is a pretty big deal. ## But What About Local Content? Will We Still Get Our 'Trackers' Fix? This is the worry, isn’t it? Showmax built a reputation for investing in South African stories – *Trackers*, *Blood & Water*, *The Wife*. These shows were actually good, and they resonated with local audiences. Will Peacock care about that? Will they continue to fund local productions, or will they just fill the platform with American content? MultiChoice has said they’ll continue to invest in local content, but we’ve heard those promises before. We need to see it to believe it. If Peacock loses its South African flavour, it’ll be a massive loss for the local TV industry. ## Is This a Smart Move, Or Is Showmax Just Befok? Honestly? It’s a gamble. A big one. MultiChoice is betting that Peacock’s content library and Premier League rights will be enough to attract and retain subscribers. They’re also hoping that the Peacock brand will resonate with South African audiences. But there are risks. The price needs to be right. The local content needs to be protected. And Peacock needs to deliver a smooth, reliable streaming experience – something Showmax has struggled with in the past. This merger feels like a last-ditch effort to stay afloat in a crowded market. Netflix and Disney+ are established players. And then you’ve got the free-to-air options and the ever-present threat of piracy. Can Showmax/Peacock compete? It’s going to be a tough fight. **Verdict:** This is a high-stakes move. The promise of the Premier League is enticing, but the success of this relaunch hinges on pricing, local content, and a reliable streaming experience. Right now, it’s too early to say whether this is a smart move or a complete befok. We'll be watching closely. But here's a question for you: with all these streaming services vying for your attention, are you willing to add *another* subscription to your monthly bill, or are you sticking with what you know? Click here to find out which streaming service offers the best value for *your* money.