Peacock Lets You Stream the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Free

By Tobey Grumet Segal @tgrumet
Published July 22, 2021, 1:45 p.m. ET
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The Summer Olympics begin in Tokyo this Friday, July 23. These 2020 games, premiering in 2021 due to COVID, have been long awaited and, unfortunately, plagued with all sorts of disappointments—the biggest one being the ban on foreign spectators. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, dear sports fans, and the brightest one is how simple it will be to watch the games at home on NBC’s streaming service Peacock and Premium Plus, starting July 24.

NBC is the home for all the US coverage of the 2020 Olympics, but cord cutters can rejoice in the network’s streaming access. The Opening Ceremony will only be shown on NBC’s first-ever morning broadcast at 7am on July 23, so if you want to watch it live, you’ll need access to your NBC local network. However, if you aren’t already a Peacock subscriber, now may be the time to sign up to catch the top moments of the Tokyo Olympics.

Yes, Peacock is free. And when you sign up, you’ll gain full access to certain events every morning, like women’s gymnastics and track and field. But for others, you’ll just be able to watch highlights as well as some documentaries. Peacock is also offering the always-on Tokyo NOW Channel, which starts streaming on July 22, and five dedicated Olympic Channels featuring curated historical moments, athlete profiles, highlights and a livestream of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics flame.

peacock channels
Photo: Peacock

However, if you’re interested in a deeper dive, you’ll have to upgrade to Peacock Premium, which starts at $4.99/month. Here you’ll be able to stream the USA men’s basketball team, with superstars Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant representing, and other select replays—including the full Opening Ceremony. You’ll also be able to catch original programming, like Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg, which really needs no explanation.

It’s been a tough year, but the Olympics have a way of bringing the world together. So, why not make sure you have all the tools at your disposal before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics begin?

Stream the Olympics on Peacock